9But foolish questionings and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the Law avoid — for they are unprofitable and worthless. [3:10] A factious man, after one and a second admonition, reject, [3:11] knowing that such a one has been twisted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
TIT 3:9-11
Avoid Divisions
In the world it was spoken into
In the first-century Greco-Roman world, philosophical and religious debates were common, often leading to factionalism and social disruption. Jewish communities, particularly those influenced by Pharisaic traditions, were known for their meticulous attention to genealogies and legal interpretations, which could become contentious. The term (foolish) here critiques debates that lack practical wisdom and lead to division rather than edification. The mention of (matters of the Law) points to disputes over Jewish legal traditions, which were a source of tension in early Christian communities. The label (factious person) identifies someone who actively creates divisions, a serious offense in a culture that valued communal harmony. The verb (has been perverted) suggests a moral corruption that goes beyond mere disagreement, indicating a deliberate turning away from truth. The instruction to reject such a person after repeated warnings reflects the seriousness of maintaining unity and avoiding disruptive influences.
›See the receipts
How other translations render this
TIT 3:9
- KJV
- But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
- BSB
- But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.
- Koinōnos
- But foolish questionings and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the Law avoid — for they are unprofitable and worthless.
TIT 3:10
- KJV
- A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
- BSB
- Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,
- Koinōnos
- A factious man, after one and a second admonition, reject,
TIT 3:11
- KJV
- Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
- BSB
- knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.
- Koinōnos
- knowing that such a one has been twisted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
TIT 3:9
- Foolish:The word translated 'foolish' here implies a lack of understanding or intelligence, often leading to senseless or absurd behavior, rather than just a simple mistake.
- about [the] Law:The phrase 'about the Law' refers to discussions or disputes concerning the Mosaic Law, often in a technical or legalistic manner, as engaged in by scribes or legal experts.
TIT 3:10
- A factious:The term translated 'A factious' describes someone who creates divisions or chooses a particular party or doctrine, often leading to schism within a community.
TIT 3:11
- has been corrupt:The word translated 'has been corrupt' suggests someone who is twisted, perverted, or turned away from what is right, indicating a deep moral distortion.