Titus 2 6

Titus 2:6 kjv

Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

Titus 2:6 nkjv

Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded,

Titus 2:6 niv

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.

Titus 2:6 esv

Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.

Titus 2:6 nlt

In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely.

Titus 2 verses

Titus 2 6 Meaning

The verse commands Titus to actively encourage young men in the Christian community to develop and maintain a lifestyle characterized by self-control, sound judgment, and prudence. This spiritual maturity is to permeate their thoughts, desires, and actions, ensuring their conduct aligns with the transformative power of the gospel and serves as a positive testimony.

Titus 2 6 Context

Titus 2:6 is situated within Paul's practical instructions to Titus regarding the establishment of order and godly conduct in the churches of Crete. Having addressed issues like sound doctrine and the character of elders in chapter 1, Paul now transitions in chapter 2 to teaching "sound doctrine" by emphasizing its practical outworking in the lives of various groups within the congregation. This specific verse forms part of a series of exhortations (verses 2-10) aimed at demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel through holy living. Paul previously instructed Titus on how to teach older men (v. 2), older women (vv. 3-4), and younger women (vv. 4-5) to live in a manner consistent with their faith. Verse 6 directly continues this pattern, extending the exhortation to "young men," ensuring a holistic and intergenerational display of Christian virtue. The historical context in Crete, with its reputation for being unruly and deceitful (Titus 1:12), makes these calls for disciplined, sober-minded living particularly significant, as such conduct would stand in stark contrast to prevailing cultural norms and refute the slander against believers.

Titus 2 6 Word analysis

• Likewise (ὡσαύτως - hōsautōs): This adverb signifies "in the same manner" or "similarly." Its placement here connects the instruction for young men directly with the preceding admonitions given to older men, older women, and younger women (Titus 2:2-5). It establishes that the core principles of sound doctrine and godly living apply universally across all age and gender groups within the church, demonstrating consistency in Paul's ethical teachings.
• exhort (παρακάλει - parakalei): This verb is an imperative, meaning "urge," "encourage," "admonish," or "appeal to." It is stronger than merely advising or suggesting; it implies a pastor's earnest and persuasive plea. It conveys the idea of standing alongside someone to provide strong encouragement or comfort. The active role of Titus in shaping the character of young men is thus highlighted.
• the young men (τοὺς νεωτέρους - tous neōterous): The definite article "the" singles out this specific group within the church. "Neōterous" refers to young adult males, generally distinct from the "older men" (presbytēs) mentioned in verse 2, and encompassing those whose passions and impulsiveness might need particular guidance. They are typically men in the prime of their physical and mental strength, who often face unique temptations related to ambition, independence, sensuality, or recklessness.
• to be sober-minded (σωφρονεῖν - sōphronein): This infinitive defines the specific virtue Titus is to exhort them towards. Derived from sōphrōn (sound-minded), this crucial term means to exercise self-control, discretion, prudence, temperance, and sound judgment. It implies having a mind that is clear, disciplined, and rational, not easily swayed by emotion, passion, or external pressures. This virtue is holistic, affecting thought processes, moral decisions, and outward conduct. It combats impulsivity, recklessness, and indulgence, directing youthful energy and capabilities toward constructive, godly ends. It's not merely abstaining from excess, but cultivating a thoughtful, well-ordered inner life.

• Words-group Analysis: "exhort the young men to be sober-minded": This concise instruction is a targeted pastoral mandate. It acknowledges that while young men possess strength, vigor, and potential, they are also prone to certain challenges—impulsivity, immaturity, sensuality, pride, or susceptibility to false teaching—which require specific and firm pastoral intervention. The command to "exhort" underlines the pastor's active responsibility to lead and guide, while "to be sober-minded" prescribes the central antidote to these youthful tendencies. This virtue provides a foundation for spiritual maturity, allowing their abundant energy and talents to be directed by divine wisdom and purpose rather than fleeting desires or societal pressures, thereby enabling them to live lives that genuinely honor God and edify the community.

Titus 2 6 Bonus section

The virtue of sōphrosýnē (sobriety, self-control, sound-mindedness), and its cognates, appears repeatedly throughout Paul's Pastoral Epistles (e.g., 1 Tim 2:9, 15; 3:2; Titus 1:8; 2:2, 4, 5, 12), underscoring its foundational importance for all believers, and especially for leaders. It reflects an internal discipline that controls passions and urges, allowing reason and spiritual discernment to guide actions. For young men in particular, this virtue addresses specific temptations they face related to their stage of life. Furthermore, this specific instruction contributes to the overarching purpose of Titus 2: that believers, through their sound living and distinct moral conduct, "may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in everything" (Titus 2:10). The call to "sober-mindedness" for young men thus contributed to the holistic spiritual health and evangelistic credibility of the Cretan churches, ensuring their lives authentically expressed the faith they professed.

Titus 2 6 Commentary

Titus 2:6 serves as a vital call to order for a demographic crucial to the vitality and witness of the early church. Paul’s instruction to "exhort the young men to be sober-minded" extends the comprehensive pattern of discipleship, asserting that the transforming power of the gospel is meant to permeate every stage and status of life. "Sober-mindedness" for young men is not a call to timidity or apathy, but rather to a robust and intentional self-control that directs their abundant energy, passion, and ambition towards godly pursuits. In a society where young men were often associated with revelry, impulsive behavior, and sometimes rebellion against authority, this command presented a counter-cultural ethos. It ensured that Christian young men would cultivate wisdom over folly, discipline over dissipation, and discernment over impulsivity. By embodying this virtue, they would stand as clear examples of lives disciplined by faith, demonstrating the attractive and moral power of genuine Christianity to both believers and unbelievers alike. This also protected them from being swayed by empty philosophies or youthful lusts that would hinder their spiritual growth and public testimony.