OET interlinear TIT 3:8

3:8a

This saying is trustworthy: This phrase refers back to what Paul has just written, probably 3:4–7, but possibly 3:1–7. Here are some other ways to translate this:

This is doctrine that you can rely on. (NJB)

saying: The Greek word that the BSB translates as saying is literally “word, message.” It refers to what Paul had just been writing in the previous paragraph. It does not refer to just one word or one statement.

trustworthy: The Greek word that the BSB translates as trustworthy means “reliable,” “sure,” “certain to be true,” “something you can trust.” Paul was telling Titus that he could depend on and trust what he has just told him.

3:8b

And I want you: The phrase that the BSB translates as And I want you is a way of introducing a request or polite command. You can translate it as:

And so I request that

And so you should

And please

to emphasize: The Greek word that the BSB translates as to emphasize means “to insist on” or “to stress.” This verb is in the present tense, which means that Paul wanted Titus to do this frequently or regularly, that is, to keep on emphasizing these matters.

In some languages it may be necessary to indicate to whom Titus was “to emphasize these things.” If this is the case in your language, you could say that Titus was to emphasize these teachings to the believers in Crete, who are mentioned in the following verse part, 3:8c. For example:

I want you to insist on these things to those who have trusted in God

these things: The Greek phrase that the BSB translates as these things refers back to the same teachings as 3:8a, that is, the teachings Paul had just given in 3:4–7. You can also translate this phrase as:

these matters

these teachings

these instructions

3:8c

so that: The Greek word the BSB translates as so that here introduces the purpose or desired result of Paul’s instructions. Paul wanted Titus to emphasize his teachings in order that the believers in Crete would live in a right way.

those who have believed God: The Greek phrase that the BSB translates as who have believed God refers to Christian believers in Crete. They were people who had trusted God to save them through Jesus Christ. If you have supplied an explicit description of them in 3:8b, here you may just refer back to them with a pronoun such as “they/them.”

will take care to devote themselves to good deeds: This long phrase indicates that Paul wanted the believers to think seriously about how to practice good works. He wanted them to consider carefully how they could do good to others and make a strong effort to do so.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

will be careful to use their lives for doing good (NCV)

will be sure to do good deeds (CEV)

may be intent on engaging in good works (NET)

to good deeds: The Greek phrase that the BSB translates as good deeds is literally “good works.” See the comment on this in the note on 2:7a.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

good works (NJB)

good things (GW)

good deeds (GNT)

3:8d

These things are excellent and profitable for the people: The Greek word that the BSB translates as These things refers to the advice and doctrinal truths that Paul had written about in the preceding verses, 3:4–7, or possibly 3:1–7. Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

These things are good and will help everyone. (NCV)

These things are good and beneficial for all people. (NET)

excellent: The Greek word that the BSB translates as excellent means “good.”

profitable: The Greek word that the BSB translates as profitable means “helpful, useful, beneficial.”

for the people: The Greek phrase that the BSB translates as for the people is literally “for men.” This is, however, a use of “men” that refers to people in general.