• Titus 2:14
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 14 ὃς who ἔδωκεν gave ἑαυτὸν himself ὑπὲρ over ἡμῶν us ἵνα in order that λυτρώσηται he might loose by ransom ἡμᾶς us ἀπὸ from πάσης all ἀνομίας lawlessness καὶ and καθαρίσῃ he might cleanse ἑαυτῷ to himself λαὸν people περιούσιον, being overly much, ζηλωτὴν zealous καλῶν of fine ἔργων. works.

  • Titus 2:14
    The Emphasized Bible

    • 14 Who gave himself up in our behalf, That he might redeem us from all manner of lawlessness And purify for himself a people as his own treasure—Zealous of noble works.

  • Titus Study Notes—Chapter 2
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 2:14

      to set us free: Lit., “to ransom us; to redeem us.” The Greek verb was used of freeing a slave or a prisoner of war by paying a ransom. The same verb is used at 1Pe 1:18, 19, where Christians are said to be “set free [or “ransomed; redeemed,” ftn.]” by means of Christ’s “precious blood.”​—See also study note on Mt 20:28.

      every sort of lawlessness: The Bible says that all “sin is lawlessness.” (1Jo 3:4) However, lawlessness can include not just sinful actions but contemptuous disregard for God’s laws. (See study note on Mt 24:12.) Of course, Paul knew that imperfect Christians were not entirely free from sin. (Ro 7:19-23) But their way of life changed; they no longer ignored God’s righteous standards. Thanks to Jesus’ priestly services, they now had Jehovah’s laws “in their hearts, and in their minds.” (Heb 10:14-16; Ro 7:25; 8:2, 4; Tit 2:12) Thus, they were “set . . . free from every sort of lawlessness.”

      a people who are his own special possession: Christ’s followers have been cleansed and “set free” by means of the “precious blood” of his ransom sacrifice. (1Pe 1:18, 19; Heb 9:14) So they can rightly be called “his own special possession.” According to one lexicon, the Greek word Paul uses for “his own special possession” can include the idea of being a “costly possession and a distinctive treasure.” This wording echoes what Jehovah told the ancient nation of Israel: “You will certainly become my special property [or, “my treasured possession”] out of all peoples.” (Ex 19:5; see also De 7:6; 14:2.) Since Pentecost 33 C.E., Jehovah has had a new “nation” on earth, “the Israel of God,” “a people for special possession.” (1Pe 2:9, 10; Ga 6:16 and study note) Therefore, spirit-anointed Christians can be called a “special possession” both of Jehovah God and of Jesus Christ. However, the term “people” used here is not limited to anointed Christians. It includes Jesus’ “other sheep,” who zealously support them. (Joh 10:16) Jehovah God and Jesus Christ deeply treasure them all.​—Compare Ps 149:4; Hag 2:7.

      zealous for fine works: Paul explains that Christians would be “zealous,” or eager, enthusiastic, to do what is right and proper in God’s eyes. Such “fine works” include doing good deeds for others, displaying the fruitage of God’s spirit and, above all, preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom.​—Mt 24:14; Ga 5:22, 23; Tit 2:1-14; Jas 1:27; 1Pe 2:12.