Titus 2 4

Titus 2:4 kjv

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

Titus 2:4 nkjv

that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,

Titus 2:4 niv

Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children,

Titus 2:4 esv

and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,

Titus 2:4 nlt

These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children,

Titus 2 verses

Titus 2 4 Meaning

Titus 2:4 instructs older women in the church to train younger women, urging them to cultivate a deep, godly love for their husbands and children. This teaching extends beyond mere instruction to include practical guidance, admonition, and encouragement towards prudent and self-controlled living within their household responsibilities. It is about spiritual mentorship for the purpose of fostering wholesome and God-honoring families, thereby adorning the Gospel.

Titus 2 4 Context

Titus 2:4 falls within Paul's practical instructions for structuring and nurturing the church on the island of Crete. After outlining the qualifications for elders and admonishing them to combat false teachings (Titus 1), Paul shifts in chapter 2 to detailing how various demographic groups within the church (older men, older women, younger men, younger women, bondservants) should live. The goal of these instructions is that their sound doctrine and godly conduct would "adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect" (Titus 2:10) and silence those who oppose the gospel (Titus 2:5, 8). For women, their behavior and internal disposition—especially within the sphere of their homes—had a direct impact on the credibility of the Christian message to a society known for its ethical failings (Titus 1:12). The verse emphasizes practical discipleship where mature believers model and impart essential life skills and virtues to the younger generation, countering prevailing ungodliness with biblical godliness.

Titus 2 4 Word analysis

• that they may teach (ἵνα σωφρονίζωσιν - hina sōphronizōsin): This phrase translates a pivotal Greek verb. Sophronizō implies much more than simply imparting information. It means "to admonish, to exhort to soberness/soundness of mind, to train, to bring to one's senses, to encourage discretion or self-control." It's an active, ongoing process of discipling and mentorship, guiding younger women into practical wisdom and appropriate conduct, especially self-mastery and prudence. It involves correcting, educating, and guiding toward a mindset of soundness. The hina (that) indicates purpose, showing this teaching is the very aim of the older women's virtuous living described in verse 3.
• the young women (τὰς νέας - tas neas): Refers to younger adult women, particularly those who are or will be married and have children. It distinguishes them from the presbytidas (older women) of verse 3, implying a demographic difference often corresponding to life stages. The instruction targets those developing their roles in marriage and motherhood.
• to love their husbands (φιλάνδρους εἶναι - philandrous einai): Philandrous (adjective derived from philos "love" and aner "man/husband") means "husband-loving" or "fond of their husbands." This is the first of two specific virtues. In a culture where marriages might be arranged, economically driven, or strained by moral laxity, cultivating genuine, affectionate love and commitment for one's husband was paramount for a Christian woman. It implies faithfulness, honor, and delight in the marital relationship.
• to love their children (φιλοτέκνους εἶναι - philoteknous einai): Philoteknous (adjective from philos "love" and teknon "child") means "child-loving" or "fond of their children." This highlights the importance of tender affection, devoted care, and diligent nurture of children. This was particularly significant in cultures where child neglect or exposure was not uncommon, stressing the unique, God-given maternal bond and responsibility for the well-being and spiritual formation of their offspring.

Words-group analysis

• that they may teach the young women: This group of words emphasizes the essential function of intergenerational discipleship within the church. It is not just casual advice but an intentional, purposeful training process. The older women's lives are meant to serve as both example and classroom, demonstrating how sound doctrine transforms daily life, especially within the household. This practical pedagogy contrasts with the abstract or erroneous teachings of the false teachers prevalent in Crete.
• to love their husbands, to love their children: These two phrases underscore the primary relational spheres and duties for many younger women in that context, establishing the home as a vital place for Christian witness. The emphasis on "love" (a cultivated, active affection) points to a deep, character-driven commitment, rather than mere obligation. These virtues are fundamental to the stability of the family unit, which, in turn, reflects positively on the church and the gospel message itself, providing a powerful counter-cultural testimony to pagan society where family values might be eroding.

Titus 2 4 Bonus section

The concept of "soundness" or "self-control" (sōphrosyne in Greek, related to sōphronizō) pervades Titus chapter 2, appearing in nearly every instruction to each demographic group (Titus 2:2, 5, 6, 12). For the older women to "train" (sōphronizō) the younger women means they are to cultivate this very quality in them, essentially bringing them to a state of sound mind and discretion in all their conduct, especially concerning their intimate familial relationships. This is critical because sound judgment and emotional control enable genuine love and dedicated service in the home. This domestic harmony, springing from Christ-like love and self-control, becomes a tangible manifestation of God's regenerating grace, actively "adorning" the Gospel and giving no cause for the Word of God to be maligned (Titus 2:5). The influence of Christian women, properly instructed and living godly lives within their homes, directly validates the truth and power of the Christian message to those outside the faith.

Titus 2 4 Commentary

Titus 2:4 serves as a critical blueprint for female mentorship within the church. Older women, by their lives and specific instruction, are called to model and cultivate vital virtues in younger women. This training is not merely academic; it's about forming character and mindset (sōphronizō) that enables younger women to fulfill their God-given roles with grace and wisdom. The primary focus begins in the home: fostering genuine, affectionate love for their husbands and devoted care for their children. These seemingly private domestic virtues are presented as foundational for Christian living, profoundly impacting the testimony of the church to the world. A home characterized by love and order, stewarded by women committed to their families, glorifies God and provides a compelling witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. It ensures that sound doctrine is not just believed, but lived out consistently, especially in the sphere of life closest to oneself and most visible to immediate society. This divine economy recognizes the immense influence of women in shaping future generations and upholding the integrity of the Christian community.