waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about a future hope, but also about the quality of that hope: it’s called "blessed" precisely because its object isn't just an event, but the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. The phrase "appearing of the glory" emphasizes that Christ's return will be a magnificent unveiling of divine splendor, making this hope far more than just wishful thinking; it's an assured anticipation of God's full revelation.
waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is instructing Titus on how to lead the church on Crete, emphasizing sound doctrine that leads to godly living across all social classes, from slaves to elders. He contrasts this with the empty talk of false teachers, urging Titus to correct them and promote teaching that aligns with the grace of God, which leads to a life of self-control, righteousness, and godliness. This call to a holy life is grounded in the future hope of Christ's return.
The word 'looking for' here isn't passive waiting; it's an active, joyful expectation. What does it mean to actively 'look for' Christ's return?
The Greek word Paul uses, 'prosdexomenoi,' carries a sense of welcoming and anticipating with joy. It's not a bored or anxious wait, but a vibrant expectation rooted in faith. This active hope shapes how we live daily, reminding us that our current circumstances are temporary and a glorious future is assured.
An Active Anticipation
This isn't just wishing for something to happen; it's engaging with the reality of that future event. It means living in light of Christ's return, letting that hope influence our decisions, our attitudes, and our priorities.
Who is the 'great God and Savior Jesus Christ' we are waiting for? This verse makes a powerful statement about Jesus' identity.
This verse is a profound declaration of Jesus Christ's divinity. Paul equates Jesus Christ with 'the great God and our Savior.' The grammatical structure, with a single article preceding both titles, strongly suggests they refer to the same person: Jesus Christ Himself is our great God and Savior.
A Foundation for Faith
This understanding isn't just a theological debate; it's the bedrock of our hope. If Jesus is not truly God, then our hope for salvation and eternal life is built on a faulty foundation. The consistent teaching throughout Scripture affirms Jesus' divine nature, and this verse is a key affirmation within Paul's letters.
Ask a follow-up
What exactly are we waiting for? It's described as a 'blessed hope' and the 'glorious appearing.' What does this 'glory' entail?
The 'blessed hope' is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, culminating in the 'glorious appearing' of Christ. This isn't just about seeing Jesus again; it's about seeing Him in His unveiled glory. It signifies the full revelation of God's power, majesty, and saving grace.
Hope That Transforms
This future glory is the object of our present hope. It's what we look forward to, and it has the power to transform our present lives. Knowing that we will one day share in Christ's glory motivates us to live lives worthy of that calling, purifying ourselves as He is pure.
Understand the original words
elpis · Greek Noun
The confident, expectant anticipation of a future promise from God, grounded in the reliability of His character and word.
doxa · Greek Noun
The manifestation of the divine presence, majesty, and radiant holiness of God, which will be fully revealed at the return of Christ.
This passage also calls believers to 'prepare their minds for action' and live with hope, directly paralleling Titus 2:13's emphasis on 'waiting for our blessed hope.'
Romans 8:18-25This section describes the groaning of creation as it awaits its redemption and the revelation of the sons of God, echoing the 'blessed hope' and 'appearing' mentioned in Titus 2:13.
1 John 3:2-3This passage directly links our current identity as children of God with the future hope of seeing Jesus and being made like Him, reflecting the glorious appearing described in Titus 2:13.
Colossians 1:5It speaks of the 'hope laid up for you in heaven,' which directly correlates with the 'blessed hope' believers are waiting for in Titus 2:13.
Philippians 3:20-21This passage highlights the believer's citizenship in heaven and the expectation of Christ transforming our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body, underscoring the 'glorious appearing' and its transformative power.
cambridgeTitus 2:13: "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;"
13 . looking for that blessed hope ] The blessed hope , cf. Romans 8:24 , where it is both the hope and the object of the hope; Colossians 1:5 , ‘ “for the hope,” i.e. looking to the hope which is stored up ; the sense of “hope,” as of the corresponding words in any language, oscillates between the subjective feeling and the objective realisation.’ Bp Lightfoot. Cf. 1 Timothy 1…
vincentTitus 2:13: "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;"
Looking for (προσδεχόμενοι)In Pastorals only here. Comp. Mark 15:43; Luke 2:25; Luke 12:36. In this sense not in Paul. Primarily, to receive to one's self, admit, accept. So Luke 15:2; Romans 16:2; Philippians 2:29. That which is accepted in faith, is awaited expectantly.That blessed hope (τὴν μακαρίαν ἐλπίδα)The phrase N.T.o. Μακάριος blessed, very often in the Gospels.…
This verse isn't just about a future hope, but also about the quality of that hope: it’s called "blessed" precisely because its object isn't just an event, but the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. The phrase "appearing of the glory" emphasizes that Christ's return will be a magnificent unveiling of divine splendor, making this hope far more than just wishful thinking; it's an assured anticipation of God's full revelation.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to lead the church on Crete, emphasizing sound doctrine that leads to godly living across all social classes, from slaves to elders. He contrasts this with the empty talk of false teachers, urging Titus to correct them and promote teaching that aligns with the grace of God, which leads to a life of self-control, righteousness, and godliness. This call to a holy life is grounded in the future hope of Christ's return.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to lead the church on Crete, emphasizing sound doctrine that leads to godly living across all social classes, from slaves to elders. He contrasts this with the empty talk of false teachers, urging Titus to correct them and promote teaching that aligns with the grace of God, which leads to a life of self-control, righteousness, and godliness. This call to a holy life is grounded in the future hope of Christ's return.
"waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ," — This verse isn't just about a future hope, but also about the quality of that hope: it’s called "blessed" precisely because its object isn't just an event, but the glorious appearing of our great G…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026