Titus 2
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
But speak thou the things - This is a conclusion drawn from the preceding chapter: the Judaizing teachers not only taught a false doctrine, but they led an unholy life; Titus was to act directly opposite; he must teach a sacred doctrine, and the things which become it; he must proclaim the truth, and illustrate that truth. The people must not only be well instructed, but they must be holy in their lives. Principle and practice must go hand in hand.
Open source ↗DIRECTIONS TO TITUS: HOW TO EXHORT VARIOUS CLASSES OF BELIEVERS: THE GRACE OF GOD IN CHRIST OUR GRAND INCENTIVE TO LIVE GODLY. (Tit 2:1-15) But . . . thou--in contrast to the reprobate seducers stigmatized in Tit 1:11, Tit 1:15-16. "He deals more in exhortations, because those intent on useless questions needed chiefly to be recalled to the study of a holy, moral life; for nothing so effectually allays men's wandering curiosity, as the being brought to recognize those duties in which they ought to exercise themselves" [CALVIN]. speak--without restraint: contrast Tit 1:11, "mouths . . . stopped." doctrine--"instruction" or "teaching."
Open source ↗But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine. Concerning sound doctrine, and the form of it; see Gill on Ti2 1:13. The things which become it are a good life and conversation, the various duties incumbent on professors of religion, according to their different station, age, and sex, which are observed in some following verses; these become the Gospel of Christ, and are ornamental to the doctrine of God our Saviour; and these are to be spoken of by the ministers of Christ, in their proper places, and at proper times; who ought not to be dumb, and keep silence at any time, but especially when there are many unruly and vain talkers: sound doctrine ought to be spoken out openly and publicly, fully and faithfully, with great plainness and evidence, that it may be understood and known by all; and with much certainty, without hesitation, as being, without controversy, undoubted truth; and with all boldness, not fearing men, or seeking to please them; and it should be constantly and continually spoken, in season, and out of season; and care should be taken that it be spoken consistently, and in an uniform manner, that there be no clashing and contradiction; and the duties of religion, which become sound doctrine, should be set in their true light, and proper place, as fruits of the grace of God, and to glorify him; these should be spoken out plainly, frequently insisted upon, and warmly and zealously urged, as being decent things, for the honour of God, the recommending of religion, the good of mankind, and the service of one another: as particularly, . The things which become it are a good life and conversation, the various duties incumbent on professors of religion, according to their different station, age, and sex, which are observed in some following verses; these…
Open source ↗Here is the third thing in the matter of the epistle. In the chapter foregoing, the apostle had directed Titus about matters of government, and to set in order the things that were wanting in the churches. Now here he exhorts him, I. Generally, to a faithful discharge of his own office. His ordaining others to preach would not excuse himself from preaching, nor might he take care of ministers and elders only, but he must instruct private Christians also in their duty. The adversative particle (but) here points back to the corrupt teachers, who vented fables, things vain and unprofitable: in opposition to them, says he, "But speak thou the things that become sound doctrine, what is agreeable to the word, which is pure and uncorrupt, healthful and nourishing to eternal life." Observe, (1.) The true doctrines of the gospel are sound doctrines, formally and effectively; they are in themselves good and holy, and make the believers so; they make them fit for, and vigorous in, the service of God. (2.) Ministers must be careful to teach only such truths. If the common talk of Christians must be uncorrupt, to the use of edifying, such as may minister grace to the hearers (Eph 4:29), much more must ministers' preaching be such. Thus the apostle exhorts Titus generally: and then, II. Specially and particularly, he instructs him to apply this sound doctrine to several sorts of persons, from Tit 2:2-10. Ministers must not stay in generals, but must divide to every one his portion, what belongs to his age, or place, or condition of life; they must be particular as well as practical in their preaching; they must teach men their duty, and must teach all and each his duty. Here is an excellent Christian directory, accommodated to the old and to the young; to men and women; to the preach…
Open source ↗2:1-15 Wholesome teaching was especially urgent on account of the false teachers, who had wreaked havoc on “whole families” (1:11). In 2:1-10, Paul addresses different groups within the household of faith, showing his concern for the public testimony of the church (2:5, 8, 10; see also 1 Tim 5:1–6:2). Paul then elaborates on the coming of Christ (Titus 2:11-14) before giving a direct charge to Titus (2:15).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. λαλέω (laléō, G2980) — to talk, i.e. utter words σύ (sý, G4771) — thou ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that πρέπω (prépō, G4241) — to tower up (be conspicuous), i.e. (by implication) to be suitable or proper (third… ὑγιαίνω (hygiaínō, G5198) — to have sound health, i.e. be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in… διδασκαλία (didaskalía, G1319) — instruction (the function or the information)
Open source ↗πρεσβύτης (presbýtēs, G4246) — an old man εἶναι (eînai, G1511) — to exist νηφάλεος (nēpháleos, G3524) — sober, i.e. (figuratively) circumspect σεμνός (semnós, G4586) — venerable, i.e. honorable σώφρων (sṓphrōn, G4998) — safe (sound) in mind, i.e. self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion) ὑγιαίνω (hygiaínō, G5198) — to have sound health, i.e. be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in… πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… ἀγάπη (agápē, G26) — love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast ὑπομονή (hypomonḗ, G5281) — cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy
Open source ↗πρεσβῦτις (presbŷtis, G4247) — an old woman ὡσαύτως (hōsaútōs, G5615) — as thus, i.e. in the same way ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. κατάστημα (katástēma, G2688) — properly, a position or condition, i.e. (subjectively) demeanor ἱεροπρεπής (hieroprepḗs, G2412) — reverent μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… διάβολος (diábolos, G1228) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854) δουλόω (doulóō, G1402) — to enslave (literally or figuratively) πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… οἶνος (oînos, G3631) — "wine" (literally or figuratively) καλοδιδάσκαλος (kalodidáskalos, G2567) — a teacher of the right
Open source ↗ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) σωφρονίζω (sōphronízō, G4994) — to make of sound mind, i.e. (figuratively) to discipline or correct νέος (néos, G3501) — "new", i.e. (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate εἶναι (eînai, G1511) — to exist φίλανδρος (phílandros, G5362) — fond of man, i.e. affectionate as a wife φιλότεκνος (philóteknos, G5388) — fond of one's children, i.e. maternal
Open source ↗σώφρων (sṓphrōn, G4998) — safe (sound) in mind, i.e. self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion) ἁγνός (hagnós, G53) — properly, clean, i.e. (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect οἰκουρός (oikourós, G3626) — be "ware"); a stayer at home, i.e. domestically inclined (a "good housekeeper") ἀγαθός (agathós, G18) — "good" (in any sense, often as noun) ὑποτάσσω (hypotássō, G5293) — to subordinate; reflexively, to obey ἴδιος (ídios, G2398) — pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) ἵνα μή (hína mḗ, G3363) — in order (or so) that not λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very βλασφημέω (blasphēméō, G987) — to vilify; specially, to speak impiously
Open source ↗νέος (néos, G3501) — "new", i.e. (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate ὡσαύτως (hōsaútōs, G5615) — as thus, i.e. in the same way παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) σωφρονέω (sōphronéō, G4993) — to be of sound mind, i.e. sane, (figuratively) moderate
Open source ↗περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole παρέχω (paréchō, G3930) — to hold near, i.e. present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion σεαυτοῦ (seautoû, G4572) — of (with, to) thyself τύπος (týpos, G5179) — a die (as struck), i.e. (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e. a… καλός (kalós, G2570) ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. διδασκαλία (didaskalía, G1319) — instruction (the function or the information) ἀδιαφθορία (adiaphthoría, G90) — incorruptibleness, i.e. (figuratively) purity (of doctrine) σεμνότης (semnótēs, G4587) — venerableness, i.e. probity ἀφθαρσία (aphtharsía, G861) — incorruptibility; genitive, unending existence; (figuratively) genuineness
Open source ↗ὑγιής (hygiḗs, G5199) — healthy, i.e. well (in body); figuratively, true (in doctrine) λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… ἀκατάγνωστος (akatágnōstos, G176) — unblamable ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ἐναντίος (enantíos, G1727) — opposite; figuratively, antagonistic ἐντρέπω (entrépō, G1788) — to invert, i.e. (figuratively and reflexively) in a good sense, to respect; or in a bad… ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… μηδείς (mēdeís, G3367) — not even one (man, woman, thing) φαῦλος (phaûlos, G5337) — "foul" or "flawy", i.e. (figuratively) wicked λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you
Open source ↗δοῦλος (doûlos, G1401) — a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a… ὑποτάσσω (hypotássō, G5293) — to subordinate; reflexively, to obey ἴδιος (ídios, G2398) — pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate δεσπότης (despótēs, G1203) — an absolute ruler ("despot") εἶναι (eînai, G1511) — to exist εὐάρεστος (euárestos, G2101) — fully agreeable ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ἀντιλέγω (antilégō, G483) — to dispute, refuse
Open source ↗μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… νοσφίζομαι (nosphízomai, G3557) — to sequestrate for oneself, i.e. embezzle ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἐνδείκνυμι (endeíknymi, G1731) — to indicate (by word or act) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἀγαθός (agathós, G18) — "good" (in any sense, often as noun) πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) κοσμέω (kosméō, G2885) — to put in proper order, i.e. decorate (literally or figuratively); specially, to snuff (a… διδασκαλία (didaskalía, G1319) — instruction (the function or the information) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us σωτήρ (sōtḗr, G4990) — a deliverer, i.e. God or Christ ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… χάρις (cháris, G5485) — graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very σωτήριον (sōtḗrion, G4992) — defender or (by implication) defence ἐπιφαίνω (epiphaínō, G2014) — to shine upon, i.e. become (literally) visible or (figuratively) known πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being
Open source ↗παιδεύω (paideúō, G3811) — to train up a child, i.e. educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment) ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ἀρνέομαι (arnéomai, G720) — to contradict, i.e. disavow, reject, abnegate ἀσέβεια (asébeia, G763) — impiety, i.e. (by implication) wickedness καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κοσμικός (kosmikós, G2886) — terrene ("cosmic"), literally (mundane) or figuratively (corrupt) ἐπιθυμία (epithymía, G1939) — a longing (especially for what is forbidden) ζάω (záō, G2198) — to live (literally or figuratively) σωφρόνως (sōphrónōs, G4996) — with sound mind, i.e. moderately δικαίως (dikaíōs, G1346) — equitably εὐσεβῶς (eusebōs, G2153) — piously ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. νῦν (nŷn, G3568) — "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or…
Open source ↗προσδέχομαι (prosdéchomai, G4327) — to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by… μακάριος (makários, G3107) — supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off ἐλπίς (elpís, G1680) — expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or… ἐπιφάνεια (epipháneia, G2015) — a manifestation, i.e. (specially) the advent of Christ (past or future) μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us σωτήρ (sōtḗr, G4990) — a deliverer, i.e. God or Christ Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Open source ↗ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… ὑπέρ (hypér, G5228) — "over", i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) λυτρόω (lytróō, G3084) — to ransom (literally or figuratively) ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἀνομία (anomía, G458) — illegality, i.e. violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… καθαρίζω (katharízō, G2511) — to cleanse (literally or figuratively) περιούσιος (perioúsios, G4041) — being beyond usual, i.e. special (one's own)
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching,
He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.
for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching
This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people.