Titus 3:14
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
American King James Version (AKJV)
And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
American Standard Version (ASV)
And let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
And let our people go on with good works for necessary purposes, so that they may not be without fruit.
Webster's Revision
And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.
World English Bible
Let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.
English Revised Version (ERV)
And let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
Definitions for Titus 3:14
Clarke's Titus 3:14 Bible Commentary
And let others also learn to maintain good works - There is something very remarkable in this expression. The words καλων εργων προΐστασθαι, which we translate to maintain good works, occur also in Titus 3:8; and some think they mean, to provide for our own, and the necessities of others, by working at some honest occupation; and that this was necessary to be taught to the Cretans, let Ours also learn, etc., who were naturally and practically idle gluttons. Kypke observed that the words mean,
1. To be employed in good works.
2. To defend good works, and to recommend the performance of them.
3. To promote and forward good works; to be always first in them.
For necessary uses - That they may be able at all times to help the Church of God, and those that are in want.
That they be not unfruitful - As they must be if they indulge themselves in their idle, slothful disposition.
Barnes's Titus 3:14 Bible Commentary
And let ours - Our friends; that is, those who were Christians Paul had just directed Titus to aid Zenas and Apollos himself, and he here adds that he wished that others who were Christians would be char acterized by good works of all kinds.
To maintain good works - Margin, profess honest trades. The Greek will admit of the interpretation in the margin, or will include that, but there is no reason why the direction should be supposed to have any special reference to an honest mode of livelihood, or why it should be confined to that. It rather means, that they should be distinguished for good works, including benevolent deeds, acts of charity, honest toil, and whatever would enter into the conception of an upright life; see the notes at Titus 3:8.
For necessary uses - Such as are required by their duty to their families, and by the demands of charity; see Titus 3:8.
That they be not unfruitful - - That it may be seen that their religion is not barren and worthless, but that it produces a happy effect on themselves and on society; compare the John 15:16 note; Ephesians 4:28 note.
Wesley's Titus 3:14 Bible Commentary
3:14 And let ours - All our brethren at Crete. Learn - Both by thy admonition and example. Perhaps they had not before assisted Zenas and Apollos as they ought to have done.