Titus 2:9

9 bondmen to be subject to their own masters, to make themselves acceptable in everything; not gainsaying;

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 in all things affording thyself as a pattern of good works; in teaching uncorruptedness, gravity,

8 a sound word, not to be condemned; that he who is opposed may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say about us:

9 bondmen to be subject to their own masters, to make themselves acceptable in everything; not gainsaying;

10 not robbing [their masters], but shewing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the teaching which [is] of our Saviour God in all things.

11 For the grace of God which carries with it salvation for all men has appeared,

Footnotes

• [a]. Despotes, as 2Tim. 2.21.
• [b]. The literal translation is 'to be,' yet I judge I have given the true sense. It is elsewhere used of the Christian towards God or Christ; but to be acceptable is a fact. I cannot exhort a person to be it; to make himself so I can; and that is the sense here.
• [c]. Or 'contradictory;' that is, opposing their masters when they speak to them.