Redeeming for Himself a People: A Greek Look at Titus 2:14

Titus 2:14

ὃς ἔδωκεν ἑαυτὸν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν, ἵνα λυτρώσηται ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης ἀνομίας καὶ καθαρίσῃ ἑαυτῷ λαὸν περιούσιον, ζηλωτὴν καλῶν ἔργων.

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all lawlessness and cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.

Voluntary Sacrifice and Purpose Clauses

Redemption from Lawlessness

ἵνα λυτρώσηται ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης ἀνομίας – “so that he might redeem us from all lawlessness.” The conjunction ἵνα introduces a purpose clause with the aorist middle subjunctive λυτρώσηται from λυτρόομαι, meaning “to redeem, to ransom.” It is used in both Classical and biblical Greek for delivering someone at a cost. ἀνομία (“lawlessness”) denotes rebellion against divine law. The preposition ἀπὸ shows separation—he redeems us away from lawlessness.

Cleansing and Possession

καὶ καθαρίσῃ ἑαυτῷ λαὸν περιούσιον – “and cleanse for himself a people for his own possession.” The verb καθαρίσῃ (aorist active subjunctive of καθαρίζω) means “to purify, to cleanse.” ἑαυτῷ is dative of advantage—he purifies them for his own sake. λαὸν περιούσιον echoes Exodus 19:5 (LXX): “a people for special possession.” The adjective περιούσιος is rare and carries covenantal weight—chosen, uniquely belonging.

Zealous Identity

ζηλωτὴν καλῶν ἔργων – “zealous for good works.” ζηλωτής is a strong term for one who is passionate or fervent—used for both positive zeal (as here) and dangerous fanaticism (cf. Acts 21:20). καλῶν ἔργων (“good works”) reflects the recurring pastoral emphasis on ethical fruit. The phrase defines the goal of redemption: a people not just set apart, but actively virtuous.

Summary Table

Closing Insight

The Greek of Titus 2:14 is loaded with redemptive theology. With tight purpose clauses and covenantal vocabulary, Paul presents a Messiah who gave himself to form a holy people—freed from sin, purified, and passionate for goodness. The grammar traces the gospel from cross to community.