Titus 2:9

9 1Slaves[a] are to be submissive to their own masters 2in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,

Titus 2:9 Meaning and Commentary

Titus 2:9

[Exhort] servants to be obedient to their own masters
And not others, whether they be believers, or unbelievers, gentle or froward, all their lawful commands ought to be obeyed; (See Gill on Ephesians 6:5) and to please [them] well in all things; not only to obey and serve them, and do what they order, but to seek and endeavour to do it in such a way as may be grateful, acceptable, and well pleasing to them, whereby an interest in their affection, esteem, and commendation, may be gained: and this should be done always, and in all things, that are not contrary to a good conscience and to the Christian religion, and to the laws of God and nature. Or "that they may be well pleased in all things"; that is, be satisfied and contented with such things as they have, and in their state and condition as servants, and cheerfully abide in the calling wherein they are called:

not answering again;
replying to their masters' orders, or complaints, either in a pert, or saucy, or grumbling manner; an evil very incident to servants, and which greatly provokes.

Titus 2:9 In-Context

7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,
8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
9 Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,
10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,

Cross References 2

  • 1. See 1 Peter 2:18
  • 2. [Colossians 3:22]

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or servants; Greek bondservants
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.