Titus 2:5 kjv
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2:5 nkjv
to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
Titus 2:5 niv
to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
Titus 2:5 esv
to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Titus 2:5 nlt
to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.
Titus 2 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 19:11 | "Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense." | Discretion, patience |
| Prov 31:10 | "An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels." | Virtuous woman, home management |
| Prov 31:27 | "She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." | Homemaking, diligence |
| Eph 5:22 | "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." | Wives' submission |
| Col 3:18 | "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord." | Wives' submission |
| 1 Pet 3:1 | "Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands..." | Wives' submission, witness to husbands |
| 1 Pet 3:2 | "...so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives," | Chastity, purity, winning unbelievers |
| 1 Tim 2:9-10 | "...that women should adorn themselves in respectful apparel, with modesty and self-control... good works" | Modesty, good conduct |
| 1 Tim 5:14 | "So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households..." | Homemaking, family responsibilities |
| Rom 2:24 | "For, as it is written, 'The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.'" | Blasphemy of God's name, public witness |
| 1 Tim 6:1 | "Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled." | Blasphemy of teaching, conduct's impact |
| 2 Cor 6:3 | "We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry," | Avoid discrediting, Christian witness |
| Matt 5:16 | "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." | Good works, glorifying God |
| Phil 2:15 | "...that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world," | Blameless conduct, light to world |
| 1 Thess 4:4 | "...that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor," | Holiness, self-control |
| 1 Cor 6:18-20 | "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body..." | Sexual purity |
| Titus 2:1 | "But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine." | Sound doctrine |
| Titus 2:3 | "Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or enslaved to much wine. They are to teach what is good," | Older women teaching |
| Titus 2:4 | "...and so train the young women to love their husbands and children," | Older women teaching younger women |
| 1 Tim 5:8 | "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." | Household management, provision |
| Jas 1:26-27 | "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." | Purity, good deeds, self-control |
| Rom 12:2 | "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..." | Discretion, mind renewal |
| Eph 4:29 | "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." | Goodness, constructive communication |
| Gal 5:22-23 | "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." | Goodness, self-control |
| Gen 3:16 | "To the woman he said, 'I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.'" | Foundational context for husband-wife roles |
Titus 2 verses
Titus 2 5 Meaning
Titus 2:5 instructs younger women to cultivate specific virtues essential for the flourishing of their household and the integrity of the Christian witness. These virtues include discretion, chastity, competence in managing the home, general goodness, and respectful submission to their husbands. The ultimate aim of such conduct is to safeguard the reputation of the Word of God, preventing it from being discredited or reviled by unbelievers due to the inconsistent behavior of its followers. This highlights that personal conduct has broad implications for God's glory and the advancement of His truth.
Titus 2 5 Context
The Epistle to Titus, written by Paul, addresses the challenges of establishing sound church order and godly living on the island of Crete, a place characterized by moral laxity and false teachings (Titus 1:12-13). Chapter 2 specifically outlines the behavioral expectations for various demographic groups within the church, all under the umbrella of "sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1). Titus 2:3-5 is a cohesive unit, detailing the responsibilities of older women to model and teach younger women. The instruction in verse 5 to younger women is thus not isolated but is a direct outcome of the older women's instruction mentioned in verse 4. Their conduct, as mothers, wives, and household managers, is critical not just for personal sanctity but for the collective witness of the Christian community. In a culture often permissive and scandalous, the virtuous life of Christian women would powerfully contrast with pagan lifestyles, showcasing the transforming power of the gospel.
Titus 2 5 Word analysis
- discreet (σώφρονας - sophronas): Refers to being self-controlled, sensible, temperate, prudent, and having a sound mind. It denotes sobriety in thought and action, an inner balance that leads to wise conduct, distinguishing them from the impulsivity or excess often seen in the surrounding culture. It suggests clear thinking guided by godly principles.
- chaste (ἁγνάς - hagnas): Implies purity, holiness, and moral blamelessness. While it primarily conveys sexual purity (abstinence from illicit sexual acts and attitudes), it extends to purity of heart, motives, and overall conduct. It is the antithesis of the sexual promiscuity and moral defilement prevalent in Cretan society.
- homemakers (οἰκουρούς - oikourous or οἰκουργούς - oikourgous): Most preferred Greek manuscripts use oikourous, meaning "keepers of the home" or "guardians of the house." The variant oikourgous means "workers at home." Both emphasize the primary sphere of a woman's activity and influence being her home and family. It speaks to a diligent engagement in managing and nurturing the household, whether it be domestic duties, raising children, or creating a nurturing environment, ensuring order, hospitality, and a sense of belonging for those within its sphere. It implies responsible oversight and management rather than exclusive confinement.
- good (ἀγαθάς - agathas): This is a broad term indicating moral excellence, kindness, benevolence, and inherent virtue that is beneficial to others. It signifies being wholesome, upright, and actively contributing to well-being in all aspects of life.
- obedient (ὑποτασσομένας - hypotassomenas): Literally "to place under, subject oneself to." In this context, it refers to a willing and respectful submission to their own husbands. This is not about inferiority but an ordered, respectful relationship within the marital covenant, reflective of Christ and the Church. It promotes peace, order, and mutual respect within the home.
- to their own husbands (τοῖς ἰδίοις ἀνδράσιν - tois idiois andrasin): "Their own" (idiois) stresses a specific, personal relationship. The submission is not universal but is uniquely directed to one's covenant partner within the marriage. It points to a distinct, divinely ordered relational dynamic within the conjugal unit.
- that the word of God may not be blasphemed (ἵνα μὴ ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ βλασφημῆται - hina mē ho logos tou Theou blasphēmētai): This is a critical purpose clause. Blasphemētia (blasphemed/reviled) means to speak evil of, slander, or curse. The motivation for virtuous living is deeply theological and evangelistic: their actions reflect on God's character and the power of His Word. Inconsistent or ungodly behavior by believers can lead outsiders (and even insiders) to scorn or dismiss the divine message, seeing it as ineffectual or hypocritical. Conversely, exemplary living commends the Gospel.
Titus 2 5 Bonus section
The entire framework of Titus 2, including verse 5, functions as a set of "household codes," common in the ancient world (e.g., Eph 5:21-6:9; Col 3:18-4:1; 1 Pet 2:18-3:7). However, unlike secular codes, Christian household codes are saturated with theological motivation and focus on love, service, and Christ's example, promoting radical counter-cultural ethics driven by the Gospel. The call for older women to train younger women (Titus 2:4) implies more than just verbal instruction; it's a mentorship in practical godliness, passing down lived wisdom and skill. This emphasizes the intergenerational transfer of faith and virtue. The severity of the consequence ("that the word of God may not be blasphemed") highlights how foundational sound family life is to the integrity and public reception of the Christian message. This concern is not unique to Titus, appearing elsewhere in Paul's writings (e.g., 1 Tim 6:1; Rom 2:24) and underscoring that our private lives have public, redemptive implications.
Titus 2 5 Commentary
Titus 2:5 provides a vital framework for Christian womanhood, presenting virtues that transcend mere social etiquette, linking personal conduct directly to the honor of God's Word. The specific characteristics—discretion, chastity, diligent homemaking, goodness, and submission to husbands—collectively form a powerful Christian testimony. This passage counters both ancient Cretan immorality and modern relativistic views by grounding behavior in divine command. The command to be "homemakers" underscores the home as a primary sphere of a woman's influence and ministry, vital for raising godly children and creating a haven of spiritual nourishment. The instruction regarding obedience to husbands reflects the biblical order for marriage, not as subjugation, but as a mutual and respectful roles that glorify God. The ultimate motivation for these practices, "that the word of God may not be blasphemed," elevates Christian living beyond individual preference to an act of corporate worship and evangelism. Every action, therefore, carries the potential to either honor or discredit the very message of salvation.