OET interlinear TIT 2:12

2:12a

It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions: The subject of this clause (It) is “the grace of God” from 2:11. Paul talks about God’s grace as if it were a person who teaches us. This is called “personification.” When people realize that God has shown great kindness and favor to them, they will behave in a new way as a result. Knowing God’s grace motivates them to reject evil ways (2:12a) and to behave in righteous ways (2:12b). So the grace of God acts as a teacher to these people.

It instructs us: In some languages it is possible to translate this literally: “God’s grace instructs us.” But in some languages it is impossible to use this sort of personification. If this is a problem in your language, you could translate like this:

By showing us grace/kindness, God teaches us…

Because God has shown us this kindness/favor, we are learning…

us: Here this pronoun is inclusive and refers to Paul, Titus, and all believers.

to renounce: The Greek verb that the BSB translates as renounce means “deny, reject.” God’s grace teaches his people to reject all evil. It teaches them to stop behaving in ways that do not please God and to refuse to do the things that unbelievers do.

ungodliness: This word refers to doing or saying things that show no reverence or respect for God. Here are other ways to translate this word:

having/showing disrespect for what is holy

doing or saying things that dishonor/disrespect God

worldly passions: The phrase worldly passions refers to strong desires to have or do something related to this world. This could include desires for money, power, and improper sexual relationships. This is in contrast to the Holy Spirit and God’s desires for his people. Following these desires results in a person behaving in the way unbelievers behave. The thing the person wants is not always evil, but because the person wants it so much, it causes him to behave in a sinful way and controls the way he behaves.

passions: The Greek word that the BSB translates as passions refers to strong desires of any kind. But in this context, it implies bad desires.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

sinful/evil desires

their inmost cravings

lusts

2:12b

and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age: In 2:12a, Paul mentioned two ways in which believers were not to behave, because of God’s grace. Now he gives three positive ways they are to behave instead.

sensible: The Greek word that the BSB translates as sensible means “being sensible and moderate in one’s behavior.”Louw and Nida (88.94). It describes a person who thinks and acts wisely and appropriately in various situations. This word is used in 1:8c to describe an overseer. It is also used in 2:2a, 2:5a, and 2:6. God’s grace causes the people of God to show restraint in their behavior and to think and act sensibly.

upright: The Greek word that the BSB translates as upright is often translated as “righteous” in the sense of “living the way we ought to live.”

Here are other ways to translate this word:

to do what is right (T4T)

live righteously

live morally

godly: The Greek word that the BSB translates as godly means “in a devout and pious way.” Someone who lives a godly life is someone who submits himself to God and acts in ways that please God. See how you translated this word in 2 Timothy 3:12a 2TI3.12a.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

in a way that pleases God

whatever pleases/honors God

in the present age: The Greek phrase that the BSB translates as in the present age means “during this present time,” or “during these days” or “while we are living in this world.”

Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

in this world (GNT)

in this evil world

while we live in this world (EASY)