Titus 2 3

Titus 2:3 kjv

The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

Titus 2:3 nkjv

the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things?

Titus 2:3 niv

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.

Titus 2:3 esv

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,

Titus 2:3 nlt

Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good.

Titus 2 verses

Titus 2 3 Meaning

Titus 2:3 instructs older Christian women on how they ought to live and behave within the church and community. It mandates a life characterized by reverent conduct, purity of speech, self-control, and active engagement in teaching good principles. Their demeanor should reflect the sanctity of their faith, setting an example for others, especially younger women.

Titus 2 3 Context

Titus chapter 2 outlines Paul's instructions to Titus concerning the behavior and responsibilities of various groups within the Cretan churches: older men (v. 2), older women (v. 3), younger women (v. 4-5), younger men (v. 6-8), and slaves (v. 9-10). The overarching theme of chapter 2 is "sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1), which must be consistently manifested in the practical conduct of believers, making the gospel attractive and unassailable (Titus 2:10). Titus 2:3 specifically addresses older women, recognizing their significant influence and role within the community. The historical context in Crete was challenging, with prevalent social issues like slander, self-indulgence, and a general lack of moral restraint among the islanders (Titus 1:12-16). Thus, Paul's specific instructions to older women, known for their maturity and potential for leadership and mentorship, serve as a direct counter-pattern to the prevailing cultural norms and were vital for the establishment of a godly witness in a spiritually corrupt society.

Titus 2 3 Word analysis

• the older women (πρεσβύτιδας - presbytidas): This Greek term specifically refers to aged or elder women. It implies not just chronological age but also spiritual maturity and experience within the faith. They are expected to be examples, much like the older men addressed in the preceding verse. The "likewise" (ὡσαύτως - hosautōs) connects them directly to the standards set for older men, emphasizing consistency in character expectations across the mature believers.

• in reverent behavior (ἐν καταστήματι ἱεροπρεπεῖς - en katastēmati hieroprepeis):

  • in behavior (ἐν καταστήματι - en katastēmati): This phrase describes their overall "demeanor," "deportment," or "conduct." It denotes a settled, stable, and composed outward manner.
  • reverent (ἱεροπρεπεῖς - hieroprepeis): This is a powerful and unique compound word meaning "holy-fitting," "becoming to sacred things/persons," or "appropriate for priests." It suggests behavior suitable for those consecrated to God. It goes beyond mere moral goodness, implying a conduct that reflects the sanctity and seriousness of their faith, one that is becoming of a person associated with sacred matters.

• not slanderers (μὴ διαβόλους - mē diabolous):

  • not (μὴ - mē): A strong negative command, forbidding the specified action.
  • slanderers (διαβόλους - diabolous): This word is the plural form of diabolos, which is often translated as "devil." It literally means "accuser" or "slanderer." This highlights the destructive and divisive nature of malicious gossip and false accusation. Older women, in positions of influence, could be particularly harmful if they engaged in such speech.

• not given to much wine (μὴ οἴνῳ πολλῷ δεδουλωμένας - mē oinō pollō dedoulōmenas):

  • not given to (μὴ...δεδουλωμένας - mē...dedoulōmenas): This implies "not enslaved to" or "not devoted to" something. The perfect passive participle dedoulōmenas (from douloo, to enslave) suggests a settled condition of being enslaved or habitually indulging.
  • much wine (οἴνῳ πολλῷ - oinō pollō): The emphasis is on excess or addiction to wine, not merely moderate consumption. Drunkenness would bring dishonor to the gospel and render them unfit to serve as mentors.

• teachers of good things (καλοδιδασκάλους - kalodidaskalous): This is a single compound word.

  • teachers (didaskalous): Signifies instructing or training.
  • of good things (kalos): This refers to what is inherently "good," "honorable," "excellent," or "morally beautiful." This summarizes their positive duty—their exemplary conduct and wisdom should culminate in actively imparting sound teaching and virtuous practices. This forms the constructive purpose of their godly living, leading into the detailed instruction in Titus 2:4-5 about teaching younger women.

Titus 2 3 Bonus section

The inclusion of "reverent behavior" (hieroprepeis) as the very first quality is significant. This word, deriving from "sacred" (hieros) and "fitting" (prepō), is a unique term in the New Testament, used only here. It suggests a life lived as a sacred offering, consistent with the reverence due to God, transforming everyday conduct into an act of worship. This profound emphasis underscores that outward behavior for older women is a theological statement, not merely a moral one. Their character validates the soundness of the gospel (Titus 2:1).

Titus 2 3 Commentary

Titus 2:3 provides a profound snapshot of the expected character of older Christian women, linking their inner piety to outward behavior. Paul does not merely list passive virtues but active characteristics essential for their role in the burgeoning Cretan churches. Their "reverent behavior" (hieroprepeis) is the bedrock, signifying a dignified conduct befitting those consecrated to God. This term's unique emphasis suggests a comportment that reflects spiritual reverence, going beyond just social decorum. Following this positive mandate, Paul addresses three key practical pitfalls: malicious slander (diabolous), addiction to much wine (dedoulōmenas oinō pollō), and idleness. These vices were rampant in Cretan society and would undermine any Christian witness.

Critically, the verse concludes by identifying their essential function: "teachers of good things" (kalodidaskalous). This is not limited to formal instruction but encompasses teaching through their very lives. Their reverent demeanor, self-control, and controlled speech are the living curriculum. They are called to actively embody and transmit what is good, honorable, and beautiful, laying the groundwork for the more specific mentorship of younger women in the subsequent verses. This verse emphasizes that spiritual maturity naturally overflows into mentorship and sound example, ensuring the perpetuation of biblical truth through successive generations of women within the church.