Titus 2:9

9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them,

Titus 2:9 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
English Standard Version (ESV)
9 Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,
New Living Translation (NLT)
9 Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back
The Message Bible (MSG)
9 Guide slaves into being loyal workers, a bonus to their masters - no back talk,
American Standard Version (ASV)
9 [Exhort] servants to be in subjection to their own masters, [and] to be well-pleasing [to them] in all things; not gainsaying;
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
9 Tell slaves who are believers to place themselves under their masters' authority in everything they do. Tell them to please their masters, not to argue with them
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
9 Slaves are to be submissive to their masters in everything, and to be well-pleasing, not talking back
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
9 Teach slaves to obey their masters in everything they do. Tell them to try to please their masters. They must not talk back to them.

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 everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness
8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them,
10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Ephesians 6:5
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.