translation_id: net-engnet

book_id: TIT

label: NET translator note

text: Grk “Paul.” The word “from” is not in the Greek text, but has been supplied to indicate the sender of the letter.


text: Traditionally, “servant” or “bondservant.” Though δοῦλος ( doulos ) is normally translated “servant,” the word does not bear the connotation of a free individual serving another. BDAG notes that “‘servant’ for ‘slave’ is largely confined to Biblical transl. and early American times…in normal usage at the present time the two words are carefully distinguished” (BDAG 260 s.v.). The most accurate translation is “bondservant” (sometimes found in the ASV for δοῦλος ), in that it often indicates one who sells himself into slavery to another. But as this is archaic, few today understand its force. sn Undoubtedly the background for the concept of being the Lord’s slave or servant is to be found in the Old Testament scriptures. For a Jew this concept did not connote drudgery, but honor and privilege. It was used of national Israel at times ( Isa 43:10 ), but was especially associated with famous OT personalities, including such great men as Moses ( Josh 14:7 ), David ( Ps 89:3 ; cf. 2 Sam 7:5, 8 ) and Elijah ( 2 Kgs 10:10 ); all these men were “servants (or slaves) of the Lord.”


text: Grk “for the faith,” possibly, “in accordance with the faith.”


text: Grk “before eternal ages.”


text: The Greek text emphasizes the contrast between vv. 2 b and 3a: God promised this long ago but now has revealed it in his own time.


text: Grk “if anyone is blameless…” as a continuation of v. 5 b, beginning to describe the elder’s character.


text: Or “married only once,” “devoted solely to his wife.” See the note on “wife” in 1 Tim 3:2 ; also 1 Tim 3:12; 5:9 .


text: Or “believing children.” The phrase could be translated “believing children,” but the parallel with 1 Tim 3:4 (“keeping his children in control”) argues for the sense given in the translation.


text: Grk “as God’s steward.”


text: Grk “the faithful message in accordance with the teaching” (referring to apostolic teaching).


text: Grk “the healthy teaching” (referring to what was just mentioned).


text: puts the conjunction in brackets, indicating some doubts as to its authenticity.


text: Grk “those of the circumcision.” Some translations take this to refer to Jewish converts to Christianity (cf. NAB “Jewish Christians”; TEV “converts from Judaism”; CEV “Jewish followers”) while others are less clear (cf. NLT “those who insist on circumcision for salvation”).