Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. New Living Translation Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. English Standard Version But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Berean Standard Bible But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. Berean Literal Bible But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and contentions and quarrels about the law; for they are unprofitable and futile. King James Bible But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. New King James Version But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. New American Standard Bible But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are useless and worthless. NASB 1995 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. NASB 1977 But shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless. Legacy Standard Bible But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and conflicts about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Amplified Bible But avoid foolish and ill-informed and stupid controversies and genealogies and dissensions and quarrels about the Law, for they are unprofitable and useless. Berean Annotated Bible But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. Christian Standard Bible But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless. Holman Christian Standard Bible But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. American Standard Version but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Contemporary English Version But don't have anything to do with stupid arguments about ancestors. And stay away from disagreements and quarrels about the Law of Moses. Such arguments are useless and senseless. English Revised Version but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. GOD'S WORD® Translation Avoid foolish controversies, arguments about genealogies, quarrels, and fights about Moses' Teachings. This is useless and worthless. Good News Translation But avoid stupid arguments, long lists of ancestors, quarrels, and fights about the Law. They are useless and worthless. International Standard Version But avoid foolish controversies, arguments about genealogies, quarrels, and fights about the Law. These things are useless and worthless. NET Bible But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, quarrels, and fights about the law, because they are useless and empty. New Heart English Bible but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Webster's Bible Translation But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Weymouth New Testament But hold yourself aloof from foolish controversies and pedigrees and discussions and wrangling about the Law, for they are useless and vain. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. World English Bible but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbut stand away from foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about law—for they are unprofitable and vain. Berean Literal Bible But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and contentions and quarrels about the law; for they are unprofitable and futile. Young's Literal Translation and foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about law, stand away from -- for they are unprofitable and vain. Smith's Literal Translation And foolish questions, and genealogies, and strifes, and conflicts pertaining to the law, avoid; for they are unprofitable and vain. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law. For they are unprofitable and vain. Catholic Public Domain Version But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, as well as arguments against the law. For these are useless and empty. New American Bible Avoid foolish arguments, genealogies, rivalries, and quarrels about the law, for they are useless and futile. New Revised Standard Version But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and the theological arguments of the scribes, for they are unprofitable and vain. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But abstain from foolish debates, from tales of genealogies, from contentions and from the contests of The Scribes, for there is no profit in them and such things are worthless. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut foolish questions and genealogies and strifes and contentions about the law, avoid; for they are unprofitable and vain. Godbey New Testament but reject foolish questions, and genealogies, and strife, and controversies about law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Haweis New Testament But foolish disquisitions, and genealogies, and disputes, and contentions about the law avoid; for they are unprofitable and vain. Mace New Testament but avoid frivolous enquiries about genealogies, and vexatious disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Weymouth New Testament But hold yourself aloof from foolish controversies and pedigrees and discussions and wrangling about the Law, for they are useless and vain. Worrell New Testament But shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strife, and contentions about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Worsley New Testament But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and strifes and contentions about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Avoiding Divisions8This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people. 9But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. 10Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,… Cross References But avoid foolish controversies, 2 Timothy 2:23 But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. 1 Timothy 6:4 he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, James 4:1 What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? genealogies, 1 Timothy 1:4 or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith. Matthew 1:1 This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: Luke 3:23 Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. He was regarded as the son of Joseph, the son of Heli, arguments, Proverbs 17:14 To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out. Proverbs 20:3 It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel. 1 Timothy 1:6 Some have strayed from these ways and turned aside to empty talk. and quarrels about the law, Acts 15:1-2 Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” / And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. 1 Timothy 1:7-8 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert. / Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately. Galatians 5:1-4 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. / Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. / Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. … because these things are pointless and worthless. 2 Timothy 2:14 Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin. Hebrews 7:18-19 So the former commandment is set aside because it was weak and useless / (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. Galatians 4:9 But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,” Treasury of Scripture But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. avoid. Titus 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. 1 Timothy 1:3-7 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, … 1 Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. unprofitable. Job 15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good? 1 Corinthians 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 1 Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. Jump to Previous Aloof Arguments Avoid Contentions Controversies Discussions Disputes Dissensions Fights Foolish Futile Genealogies Generations Hold Law Pedigrees Quarrels Questionings Questions Shun Stand Strife Strifes Strivings Stupid Unprofitable Useless Vain Worthless WranglingJump to Next Aloof Arguments Avoid Contentions Controversies Discussions Disputes Dissensions Fights Foolish Futile Genealogies Generations Hold Law Pedigrees Quarrels Questionings Questions Shun Stand Strife Strifes Strivings Stupid Unprofitable Useless Vain Worthless WranglingTitus 3 1. Titus is further directed by Paul concerning the things that he should teach and not teach.10. He is to reject obstinate heretics. 12. Paul appoints him time and place wherein he should come unto him. But avoid foolish controversies In the early church, there were many debates and disputes over interpretations of the law and theological issues. Paul advises Titus to steer clear of these unproductive arguments. This echoes Proverbs 26:4, which warns against engaging with foolishness. The focus should be on edifying discussions that promote unity and growth in faith. genealogies arguments and quarrels about the law because these things are pointless and worthless Persons / Places / Events 1. TitusA trusted companion of the Apostle Paul, Titus was a Gentile convert and a leader in the early Christian church. Paul wrote this letter to him while he was in Crete, providing guidance on church leadership and Christian living. 2. Paul the Apostle The author of the letter to Titus, Paul was a key figure in the spread of Christianity in the first century. He wrote this epistle to instruct Titus on how to lead the church effectively. 3. Crete An island in the Mediterranean Sea where Titus was stationed to organize and strengthen the church. The cultural and religious environment in Crete was challenging, with many false teachings and divisive issues. 4. Genealogies and the Law These refer to Jewish traditions and legalistic interpretations that were causing division within the early church. They were often used to assert superiority or to distract from the core message of the Gospel. 5. Foolish Controversies These are disputes that are not grounded in the essential truths of the Christian faith but rather in speculative or trivial matters that lead to division. Teaching Points Focus on the EssentialsAs Christians, we should prioritize the core truths of the Gospel over minor or speculative issues that lead to division. Avoid Legalism Legalistic arguments and genealogies can distract from the grace and truth of the Gospel. We should be wary of teachings that emphasize human traditions over God's Word. Promote Unity Engaging in pointless disputes can harm the unity of the church. We should strive to maintain peace and focus on what builds up the body of Christ. Discernment in Discussions Not every argument is worth engaging in. We need wisdom to discern which discussions are fruitful and which are futile. Guard Against Distractions In our personal and communal faith journeys, we must guard against distractions that pull us away from the mission of spreading the Gospel and living out our faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Titus 3:9?2. How can we avoid "foolish controversies" in our daily Christian walk? 3. Why does Titus 3:9 warn against "genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the Law"? 4. How does Titus 3:9 connect with Jesus' teachings on unity and peace? 5. What practical steps can we take to focus on "profitable" discussions? 6. How can we discern when a debate becomes "unprofitable and worthless"? 7. Why does Titus 3:9 warn against foolish controversies and genealogies? 8. How do disputes over the law distract from faith according to Titus 3:9? 9. What historical context influenced the message of Titus 3:9? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Titus 3? 11. What are endless genealogies? 12. What are endless genealogies? 13. What does the Bible say about Christians arguing? 14. What does "guff" mean? What Does Titus 3:9 Mean But avoid foolish controversiesTitus 3:9 begins with a clear directive: “But avoid foolish controversies.” Paul contrasts fruitful, edifying conversation with pointless debate. • Controversies become “foolish” when they center on speculation rather than the gospel (1 Timothy 1:3–4). • Distraction is the danger; Paul has just exhorted believers to “be ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1). Fruitful service withers when believers get sidetracked. • Cross references remind us to keep the main thing the main thing: 2 Timothy 2:23—“But reject foolish and ignorant speculations, for you know that they breed quarreling.” Genealogies “Genealogies” points to endless tracing of family lines as a badge of spiritual status. • In Paul’s day, some Jewish teachers magnified their lineage to claim superiority (Matthew 3:9). • Such preoccupation shifts attention from Christ, in whom “there is neither Jew nor Greek” (Galatians 3:28). • The gospel unites, while genealogy-based pride divides (Ephesians 2:14-16). Arguments Arguments—prolonged disputes—sap energy that should fuel love and good deeds. • Proverbs 20:3: “It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool can quarrel.” • Paul’s charge to Timothy mirrors this: “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome” (2 Timothy 2:24). • Healthy discussion seeks truth; argumentative spirits seek victory. The former builds up, the latter tears down (Romans 14:19). Quarrels about the law Quarrels over the Mosaic law—dietary rules, festival observance, ritual purity—risk replacing grace with legalism. • Acts 15:1-11 shows the early church resisting those who insisted, “Unless you are circumcised… you cannot be saved.” • Galatians 2:16 affirms salvation by faith, not law-keeping. • When believers fight over secondary regulations, they obscure the finished work of Christ (Colossians 2:16-17). Because these things are pointless and worthless Paul supplies the reason: such disputes are “pointless and worthless.” • “Pointless” (vain) means devoid of spiritual profit (Ecclesiastes 1:14). • “Worthless” underscores that they produce nothing of eternal value (1 Corinthians 3:12–15). • Instead, believers are urged to “devote themselves to good works” (Titus 3:8), which have lasting worth (Matthew 5:16). summary Titus 3:9 calls Christians to steer clear of speculations that distract from gospel living. Debating pedigrees, nit-picking rules, or seeking to win verbal skirmishes wastes time and saps unity. Our mandate is clear: cling to sound doctrine, focus on Christ, and channel energy into good works that display His grace. (9) But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies.--The "questions" and "genealogies" have been discussed above (1Timothy 1:4). The Apostle characterises them as "foolish," because they were of an utterly unpractical nature, and consumed time and powers which were needed for other and better things. The "contentions" were disputes and wranglings which arose out of arguments advanced by different teachers upon the "questions" and "genealogies." The "strivings about the law" were, most probably, arguments suggested by disputed and intricate points connected with the law of Moses. In the Talmud we possess unnumbered instances of all these strange and curious inquiries about which men then gravely disputed and wrangled, but none of which could in any way teach men how to make life more beautiful and loving, more like that fair pattern which St. Paul's Master loved. St. Paul, well versed--thanks to his early and elaborate training--in all this useless, curious lore, once and for all would expel from orthodox Christian teaching everything which seemed to bear upon this favourite Jewish theology--so called. It had, cancer-like, eaten the life out of Judaism; it should not, if he could prevent it, poison in like manner the young life of Christianity.Verse 9. - Shun for avoid, A.V.; questionings for questions, A.V.; strifes for contentions, A.V.; fightings for strivings, A.V. Shun (περάτασο); see 2 Timothy 2:16. Foolish questionings; as 2 Timothy 2:23. Genealogies; as 1 Timothy 1:4. Strifes (ἔρεις); as 1 Timothy 6:4. Fightings about the Law (μάχας νομικάς); such as St. Paul alludes to in 1 Timothy 1, and are probably included in the λογομαχίαιof 1 Timothy 6:4. Unprofitable (ἀνωφελεῖς); only here and Hebrews 7:18; but it is found in the LXX. and other Greek Versions, and in classical Greek (compare, for the sense, 2 Timothy 2:14). Vain (μάταιοι); compare the use of ματαιολόγοι, "vain talkers" (Titus 1:10), and ματαιολογία "vain talking" (1 Timothy 1:6). The whole picture is unmistakably one of the perverse Jewish mind.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Butδὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. avoid περιΐστασο (periistaso) Verb - Present Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 4026: From peri and histemi; to stand all around, i.e. to be a bystander, or to keep away from. foolish Μωρὰς (Mōras) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural Strong's 3474: Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd. controversies, ζητήσεις (zētēseis) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural Strong's 2214: A question, debate, controversy; a seeking, search. From zeteo; a searching, i.e. A dispute or its theme. genealogies, γενεαλογίας (genealogias) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural Strong's 1076: Genealogy. From the same as genealogeo; tracing by generations, i.e. 'genealogy'. arguments, ἔρεις (ereis) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural Strong's 2054: Contention, strife, wrangling. Of uncertain affinity; a quarrel, i.e. wrangling. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. quarrels μάχας (machas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural Strong's 3163: From machomai; a battle, i.e. controversy. about [the] Law, νομικὰς (nomikas) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural Strong's 3544: From nomos; according to law, i.e. Legal; as noun, an expert in the law. because γὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. [these things] are εἰσὶν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. pointless ἀνωφελεῖς (anōpheleis) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural Strong's 512: Useless, unprofitable. Useless or inutility. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. worthless. μάταιοι (mataioi) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural Strong's 3152: Vain, unreal, ineffectual, unproductive; practically: godless. From the base of maten; empty, i.e. profitless, or, an idol. Links Titus 3:9 NIVTitus 3:9 NLT Titus 3:9 ESV Titus 3:9 NASB Titus 3:9 KJV Titus 3:9 BibleApps.com Titus 3:9 Biblia Paralela Titus 3:9 Chinese Bible Titus 3:9 French Bible Titus 3:9 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Titus 3:9 But shun foolish questionings genealogies strife (Ti. Tt.) |
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