Titus 2 7

Titus 2:7 kjv

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

Titus 2:7 nkjv

in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,

Titus 2:7 niv

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness

Titus 2:7 esv

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,

Titus 2:7 nlt

And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.

Titus 2 verses

Titus 2 7 Meaning

Titus 2:7 instructs Titus, and by extension all Christian leaders and mature believers, to consistently live a life that serves as a visible example of noble actions and sound character. It emphasizes that not only his conduct, but also his teaching, must embody sincerity, dignity, and purity, demonstrating freedom from corruption in both message and method. The verse calls for a life that visibly validates the truths being taught, silencing potential critics and honoring the Gospel.

Titus 2 7 Context

Titus 2:7 is part of Paul's instruction to Titus regarding the conduct expected of various groups within the Cretan churches (Titus 2:1-10). Having addressed older men and women, and younger women, Paul now turns to young men (Titus 2:6), immediately segueing into a direct command to Titus himself. This verse acts as a bridge: Titus's own life and teaching are to be the prime example for the young men he instructs, and indeed for all. The broader context of the letter highlights the moral challenges within Cretan society, notorious for falsehood and loose living (Titus 1:12-13). Paul underscores the urgent need for sound doctrine to be accompanied by godly conduct, especially among church leaders like Titus, so that the transforming power of the Gospel is visibly demonstrated, and critics are silenced (Titus 2:8, 2:10). The call for integrity and reverence in teaching combats the deceptive practices of false teachers (Titus 1:10-16).

Titus 2 7 Word analysis

• In all things (ἐν πᾶσιν - en pasin): Signifies comprehensiveness and totality. Titus's exemplary conduct is not to be confined to specific areas or public displays, but to be consistent and universal in every aspect of his life, private and public. This highlights holistic devotion.
• showing yourself (σεαυτὸν παρεχόμενος - seauton parechomenos): The present participle implies continuous action – constantly presenting, exhibiting, or holding oneself forth. It denotes an active, deliberate demonstration, not passive observation. It's a conscious effort to manifest Christ-like behavior.
• to be a pattern (τύπον - typon): The Greek word typos refers to a model, an example, a mold, or an imprint. It's what something else is to conform to. Titus is to be the blueprint or the standard from which others learn and replicate. It's not just a good person; it's someone others can actually copy. This is crucial for leadership.
• of good works (καλῶν ἔργων - kalōn ergōn): Kalos describes something inherently beautiful, excellent, noble, honorable, and morally good, not merely useful or beneficial (agathos). These are actions that are attractive and praiseworthy, reflecting the beauty of Christ. The emphasis is on quality and moral excellence.
• in doctrine (ἐν τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ - en tē didaskalia): Refers to the act of teaching, instruction, or the body of truth taught. This phrase shifts the focus from general conduct to the specific realm of teaching. It stresses that how Titus teaches and the quality of what he teaches are just as vital as his personal actions.
• integrity (ἀφθορίαν - aphthorian): This noun (related to aphthoros – uncorrupted) means incorruptibility, purity, sincerity, genuineness, and freedom from decay or error. In the context of doctrine, it signifies a teaching that is sound, unadulterated, uncorrupted by error, and consistently true to the Gospel. It can also imply moral incorruptibility in the teacher. Some ancient manuscripts have aphtharsian here, which means "incorruption" or "immortality," largely overlapping in meaning of purity/lack of decay in this context. The core idea is freedom from anything that would diminish or corrupt.
• reverence (σεμνότητα - semnotēta): Denotes gravity, dignity, seriousness, solemnity, and respectability. It describes an earnest, dignified bearing that inspires respect, contrasting with lightness, frivolity, or irreverence. It applies to both the manner of teaching and the teacher's demeanor. It communicates that the subject matter is weighty and deserves solemn attention.
• incorruptibility (ἀφθαρσίαν - aphtharsian): This word, meaning imperishableness or incorruption, is present in some manuscripts here, but not all. If present, it further reinforces the idea of aphthoria (integrity), stressing absolute freedom from corruption, especially in the quality and preservation of the truth being taught. It suggests enduring purity. (The variant reading with aphtharsia often leads translators to combine it with aphthoria into one concept or omit one if deemed redundant with the other.) Its essence is non-decay and eternal truth.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works": This is a sweeping command for holistic integrity. It means that Titus's entire life – every word, deed, decision, and reaction – must serve as a living blueprint for noble Christian living. His conduct must align perfectly with the Gospel he proclaims. This ensures that his words carry weight, being affirmed by his deeds. It guards against hypocrisy and strengthens his credibility among believers and unbelievers.
• "in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility": This specifically addresses the quality and manner of Titus's teaching. His instruction must be pure, free from error or personal agendas (integrity). It must be delivered with a serious and dignified bearing appropriate to the weighty truths of God's Word (reverence). The doctrine itself, and the way it is handled, must be unadulterated and impervious to corrupting influences (incorruptibility, if that reading is included), ensuring its lasting truth and transformative power. These qualities distinguish sound biblical teaching from superficial or self-serving rhetoric.

Titus 2 7 Bonus section

The interplay and textual variants between aphthoria (integrity/purity) and aphtharsia (incorruptibility/imperishableness) are significant. While some ancient manuscripts might have only one or the other, or aphtharsia following aphthoria, the consistent core meaning is freedom from moral or doctrinal decay/corruption. This strong emphasis on "incorruptibility" is a polemic against the background of Cretan society, which was often characterized by deceit and corruption. False teachers, as described in Titus 1:10-16, are directly contrasted by this standard of incorruptibility in doctrine and life. The instruction to Titus highlights that Christian leadership must demonstrate the complete opposite of the world's values, specifically those that afflicted Cretan society, thereby proving the transformative power and truthfulness of the Gospel.

Titus 2 7 Commentary

Titus 2:7 provides a profound directive for Christian leadership: effectiveness hinges not just on what is spoken, but pre-eminently on how one lives and teaches. It delineates two essential facets for Titus's ministry: first, an unwavering personal example ("a pattern of good works") that encompasses all areas of life, reflecting the inherent beauty and nobility of Christian conduct. This blameless, exemplary lifestyle validates his message and creates fertile ground for it to take root. Second, his teaching must exhibit specific characteristics ("integrity, reverence, incorruptibility"). "Integrity" implies a teaching pure and free from any self-serving motive or dilution of truth. "Reverence" speaks to the dignified and serious manner with which the sacred truths of God are handled, reflecting their solemn importance. The concept of "incorruptibility," whether implying absolute purity of content or an imperishable quality of the truth itself, reinforces the idea that the doctrine is to be transmitted without blemish or decay. Ultimately, this verse underscores that genuine spiritual authority is earned through consistent, godly character lived out, especially by those entrusted with teaching, thereby silencing opposition and adorning the Gospel of God.