Titus 1:7 kjv

For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

Titus 1:7 nkjv

For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,

Titus 1:7 niv

Since an overseer manages God's household, he must be blameless?not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.

Titus 1:7 esv

For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,

Titus 1:7 nlt

A church leader is a manager of God's household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.

Titus 1 verses

Titus 1 7 Meaning

Titus 1:7 defines the essential character of an overseer within the church. It asserts that because an overseer serves as a manager and caretaker on God's behalf, they must exhibit blameless conduct. This core requirement is immediately followed by a list of disqualifying traits, emphasizing that a spiritual leader must not be arrogant, quick-tempered, prone to drunkenness, violent, or motivated by dishonest financial gain. These characteristics undermine their ability to faithfully represent God and shepherd His flock.

Titus 1 7 Context

Titus 1:7 is part of Paul's instructions to Titus regarding the establishment and organization of churches on the island of Crete. Paul left Titus there (Titus 1:5) specifically to "put what remained in order, and appoint elders in every town." This verse directly addresses the character requirements for these appointed elders, also called overseers. The chapter's immediate context outlines these essential qualifications (Titus 1:6-9), contrasting them sharply with the nature of the false teachers and the general reputation of Cretans (Titus 1:10-16) who often promoted disorder and deceptive gain. Historically, the early church needed stable, moral leadership to maintain doctrinal purity and live counter-culturally in environments where pagan practices and philosophical errors were prevalent. The qualities listed, particularly the negative ones, often highlight areas where pagan leaders or even corrupt individuals within the broader society of the time failed, showing a clear distinction for Christian leadership.

Titus 1 7 Word analysis

• For an overseer (episkopos, Greek): This term literally means "one who watches over" or "supervisor." In the New Testament, it refers to the spiritual leaders, elders, or pastors of local churches, responsible for the spiritual care, protection, and governance of the flock. It signifies a position of authority and immense responsibility.
• as God's steward (oikonomos Theou, Greek): An "oikonomos" was a household manager or administrator, entrusted with the master's affairs, resources, and often personnel. By calling the overseer "God's steward," Paul emphasizes that their authority is derived from God, and they are accountable to Him for how they manage His household (the church). This implies faithfully caring for spiritual treasures, doctrinal truth, and the people of God, not as their own, but as God's entrusted property.
• must be blameless (anepilemptos, Greek): This refers to a character that cannot be justly accused or criticized, implying an irreproachable reputation and conduct that leaves no legitimate ground for finding fault. It does not mean perfection, but rather a consistent moral integrity that reflects God's righteousness, essential for anyone representing Him to the world.
• he must not be (mē de einai, Greek): This is a strong, definitive prohibition, signaling non-negotiable disqualifiers.
• arrogant (authadēs, Greek): Meaning "self-willed" or "self-pleasing," stubborn, overbearing, and disdainful of others. It speaks of a proud individual who considers only their own will and opinions, lacking humility and willingness to listen or submit, contrasting sharply with the servant leadership exemplified by Christ.
• or quick-tempered (orgilos, Greek): Refers to someone prone to anger, irritable, easily provoked, and having outbursts. Such an individual lacks the self-control necessary to patiently shepherd God's flock or resolve conflicts biblically.
• or a drunkard (paroinos, Greek): This word literally means "one who lingers beside wine." It denotes not just one who occasionally drinks, but someone addicted to alcohol or prone to the behaviors associated with excessive drinking, which historically included rowdiness, loss of control, and even violence. Such conduct undermines the sobriety and self-control required of a spiritual leader.
• or violent (plēktēs, Greek): Translates to "a striker," "brawler," or "contentious person." This disqualifies anyone prone to physical aggression or verbal abuse and quarreling. It underscores that an overseer must govern through gentle instruction and persuasion, not intimidation or force.
• or greedy for gain (aischrokerdēs, Greek): This term means "fond of base gain" or "greedy for dishonest profit." It signifies a person whose motives for service are tainted by avarice or a desire for ill-gotten wealth. Leaders must be motivated by selfless service and the welfare of the church, not by material accumulation or corrupt practices.

Words-group analysis:

• "an overseer, as God's steward, must be blameless": This phrase establishes the foundational principle for church leadership. The role ("overseer") carries the weight of representing God ("God's steward"), necessitating a moral standing ("blameless") that upholds divine standards and inspires trust within the community.
• "he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain": This cluster of negative traits defines what an overseer cannot be. They collectively describe a lack of self-control, a propensity towards self-serving behaviors, and characteristics that are destructive to unity and the spiritual health of the church. These traits would actively compromise an overseer's ability to steward God's house effectively and respectfully. They show a character driven by worldly impulses rather than the Holy Spirit.

Titus 1 7 Bonus section

• The negative qualifications listed in Titus 1:7 (arrogant, quick-tempered, drunkard, violent, greedy for gain) often represent the antithesis of the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control). A lack of these Spirit-produced virtues often manifests in the very vices Paul condemns for leaders.
• The focus on internal character rather than external skills or gifts is a consistent theme in Paul's leadership instructions. While gifts are valuable, a deficient character can severely compromise any spiritual gift, making the leader a potential danger to the flock rather than a shepherd.
• The warning against being "greedy for gain" (aischrokerdēs) was particularly pertinent in Greco-Roman society where public office often presented opportunities for self-enrichment and bribery. Paul's instruction explicitly contrasts such worldly motivations with the selfless and holy stewardship required of Christian leaders.
• These negative traits, when found in an overseer, are not only a personal failing but can also lead to widespread theological error and division within the church, as such character often precedes corrupt teaching or the abuse of power.

Titus 1 7 Commentary

Titus 1:7 encapsulates a profound truth about spiritual leadership: it is primarily a stewardship from God, demanding a character that mirrors divine attributes. The call to be "blameless" is not for moral perfection but for an unimpeachable testimony, vital for establishing credibility both within and outside the church. The subsequent list of disqualifying traits reveals behaviors that directly undermine this blamelessness. "Arrogant" (self-willed) highlights pride and obstinacy; "quick-tempered" points to a lack of self-control over emotions; "a drunkard" addresses intemperance and lack of sobriety; "violent" (brawler) indicates aggressive or quarrelsome behavior; and "greedy for gain" exposes a heart motivated by avarice rather than selfless service. These aren't merely minor flaws but fundamental character defects that unfit a person to lead God's people, as they lead to disunity, ungodly influence, and betrayal of sacred trust. Such a leader, instead of building up, would bring discredit to Christ's name and cause division. The negative list defines qualities that betray a spirit contrary to Christ, reinforcing that true spiritual leadership flows from a transformed heart dedicated to serving God and His church honorably.