Titus 2:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus gave Himself to buy us back and make us truly His own.
The Context of Titus 2:14
This verse describes the Saviour Paul named in the verse before, Jesus Christ (verse 13). It draws on the language of the slave market and the temple at once: a price paid to set captives free, and a people set apart as holy.
What Does Titus 2:14 Mean?
Paul says Jesus 'gave himself,' the costliest gift there is, and He gave it 'for us.' The purpose is spelled out in two movements. First, to redeem us from all iniquity, to pay the price that buys a captive out of bondage and leaves nothing owing. Second, to purify a people for His own possession, cleansing them so they belong wholly to Him. The old word 'peculiar' here does not mean odd; it means treasured, a people God claims as His personal treasure.
So the cross is rescue from something and rescue into Someone at once. Jesus buys us back in order to keep us, and the people He purifies become 'zealous of good works,' eager to live the love they have received. For anyone who has felt unwanted or unclean, this verse says Christ gave Himself to make them His treasured own.
Titus 2:14 in the Original Language
periousios (περιούσιος), 'peculiar' -- treasured, belonging specially to God as His own possession.
How to Apply Titus 2:14 Today
This verse lets us see how completely we are wanted: Jesus gave Himself to redeem us and to keep us as His treasure. We are forgiven, and more than that, claimed, purified, and drawn into a life that gladly does good. We can rest in belonging to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Titus 2:14
What does Titus 2:14 mean?
Jesus gave Himself to buy us back and make us truly His own.
What is the context of Titus 2:14?
This verse describes the Saviour Paul named in the verse before, Jesus Christ (verse 13). It draws on the language of the slave market and the temple at once: a price paid to set captives free, and a people set apart as holy.
How can I apply Titus 2:14 today?
This verse lets us see how completely we are wanted: Jesus gave Himself to redeem us and to keep us as His treasure. We are forgiven, and more than that, claimed, purified, and drawn into a life that gladly does good. We can rest in belonging to Him.