The Meaning of Titus 1:7 Explained

Titus 1:7

KJV: For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

YLT: for it behoveth the overseer to be blameless, as God's steward, not self-pleased, nor irascible, not given to wine, not a striker, not given to filthy lucre;

Darby: For the overseer must be free from all charge against him as God's steward; not headstrong, not passionate, not disorderly through wine, not a striker, not seeking gain by base means;

ASV: For the bishop must be blameless, as God's steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

For  a bishop  must  be  blameless,  as  the steward  of God;  not  selfwilled,  not  soon angry,  not  given to wine,  no  striker,  not  given to filthy lucre; 

What does Titus 1:7 Mean?

Context Summary

Titus 1:1-9 - Appoint Fit Men Over The Churches
God's elect are known by their faith, and wherever they hear the voice of truth, which makes for godliness, they recognize and acknowledge it. They are also inspired by a great hope, and that hope cannot be disappointed, because it is founded on the promise and oath of the God who cannot lie, Hebrews 6:19. God's promise for us has been in His heart from all eternity, but it was hidden until the gospel was proclaimed in the power of the Holy Spirit. The germ-thought of eternity has been realized in Jesus and is unfolded in the gospel. Note the frequent recurrence in this Epistle of the phrase, God our Savior.
The ordering of these early churches was very important. The presiding officers must be godly and consistent men, and able to commend the gospel by their lives. These natural traits of a holy man should be pondered and appropriated by us all; and we must all hold fast to the Word of God, which has been found trustworthy by countless myriads. Many are the seducing voices in the present day that counsel slackening faith and relaxing grasp.
"If all the wiles that men devise beset our faith with treacherous art,
We'll call them vanity and lies, and bind the gospel to our heart." [source]

Chapter Summary: Titus 1

1  Paul greets Titus, who was left to finish the work in Crete
6  How those chosen as ministers ought to be qualified
11  The mouths of evil teachers to be stopped;
12  and what manner of men they be

Greek Commentary for Titus 1:7

The bishop [τον επισκοπον]
Same office as “elder” in Titus 1:5. “Elder is the title, oversight is the function” (B. Weiss). [source]
As God‘s steward [ως τεου οικονομον]
See note on 1 Corinthians 4:1. for Paul‘s idea of the bishop (elder) as God‘s steward (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:17; Colossians 1:25; Ephesians 3:2; 1 Timothy 1:4). Not self-willed (μη αυταδη — mē authadē). Old word (from αυτοσ ηδομαι — autosοργιλον — hēdomai), self-pleasing, arrogant. In N.T. only here and 2 Peter 2:10. Not soon angry Old adjective from αισχροκερδη — orgē (anger). Here only in N.T. Vulgate, iracundum. For “brawler” and “striker” see note on 1 Timothy 3:2. Not greedy of filthy lucre (απιλαργυρον — aischrokerdē). “Not greedy of shameful gain.” Used of deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8, aphilarguron used of elders in 1 Timothy 3:3. [source]
Not self-willed [μη αυταδη]
Old word (from αυτοσ ηδομαι — autosοργιλον — hēdomai), self-pleasing, arrogant. In N.T. only here and 2 Peter 2:10. [source]
Not soon angry [οργη]
Old adjective from αισχροκερδη — orgē (anger). Here only in N.T. Vulgate, iracundum. For “brawler” and “striker” see note on 1 Timothy 3:2. Not greedy of filthy lucre (απιλαργυρον — aischrokerdē). “Not greedy of shameful gain.” Used of deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8, aphilarguron used of elders in 1 Timothy 3:3. [source]
Not greedy of filthy lucre [απιλαργυρον]
“Not greedy of shameful gain.” Used of deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8, aphilarguron used of elders in 1 Timothy 3:3. [source]
A bishop [τὸν ἐπίσκοπον]
See on 1 Timothy 3:1; see on 1 Timothy 5:1. Rend. the bishop. It will be observed that the qualifications of the elders are fixed by those of the bishop. Appoint elders who shall be unaccused, etc. for the bishop must be unaccused, etc. The overseers must have the qualifications of approved presbyters. [source]
Comp. 1 Corinthians 4:1 , 1 Corinthians 4:2 ; 1 Peter 4:10 ; and see on Romans 16:23 ; see on Luke 16:1 . The phrase N.T.o Self-willed [αὐθάδη]
Only here and 2 Peter 2:10(note). [source]
Steward of God [θεοῦ οἰκονόμον]
Comp. 1 Corinthians 4:1, 1 Corinthians 4:2; 1 Peter 4:10; and see on Romans 16:23; see on Luke 16:1. The phrase N.T.oSelf-willed ( αὐθάδη )Only here and 2 Peter 2:10(note). [source]
Soon angry [ὀργίλον]
N.T.oRarely in lxx and Class. Irascible. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Titus 1:7

Acts 11:30 To the elders [προς τους πρεσβυτερους]
The first use of that term for the Christian preachers. In Acts 20:17, Acts 20:28 “elders” and “bishops” are used interchangeably as in Titus 1:5, Titus 1:7. The term probably arose gradually and holds a position in the church similar to the same term in the synagogue. The apostles were apparently absent from Jerusalem at this time and they were no longer concerned with serving tables. In Acts 21:18 Paul presented the later collection also to the elders. Since Peter and James (till his death) were in Jerusalem during the persecution in chapter Acts 12:1 it is probable that the visit of Barnabas and Saul to Jerusalem came really after that persecution for Peter left Jerusalem (Acts 12:17). The elders here mentioned may include the preachers in Judea also outside of Jerusalem (Acts 26:20). [source]
2 Corinthians 11:20 Smite you on the face []
The climax of insult. Compare Matthew 5:39; Luke 22:64; Acts 23:2. Also the injunction to a bishop not to be a striker, 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7. Stanley notes the decree of the Council of Braga, a.d. 675, that no bishop, at his will and pleasure, shall strike his clergy. [source]
Galatians 4:2 Governors [οἰκονόμους]
Better stewards. Lat. dispensatores. More special than guardians, signifying those who had charge of the heir's property. See on Luke href="/desk/?q=lu+16:1&sr=1">Luke 16:1. In later Greek it was used in two special senses: 1. The slave whose duty it was to distribute the rations to the other slaves: so Luke 12:42. 2. The land-steward: so Luke 16:1. Comp. Romans 16:23, ὁ οἰκονόμος τῆς πόλεως , commonly rendered city-treasurer: A.V. chamberlain. In Lucian, Alex. 39, the Roman procurators, or fiscal administrators, are called Καίσαρος οἰκονόμοι ; comp. 1Esdr. 4:49; Esther 8:9. The dispensator in the Roman household had charge of the accounts and made the payments (see Cicero, ad Att. xi. 1; Juv. Sat i. 91). He was commonly a slave. Christian teachers are called “stewards of the mysteries of God” and “of the grace of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1; 1 Peter 4:10), as those who have received the counsels of God and impart them to men. A bishop or overseer is also called “a steward of God” (Titus 1:7). [source]
Colossians 1:25 The dispensation [οἰκονομίαν]
From οἶκος houseand νέμω todispense or manage. Hence οἰκονόμος ahouse-steward. Here the meaning is stewardship - the office of a steward or administrator in God's house. See on 1 Corinthians 9:17, and compare Luke 16:2-4; 1 Corinthians 4:1; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 4:10. In Ephesians 3:2, the word is used of the divine arrangement or economy committed to Paul. In Ephesians 1:10of the divine government or regulation of the world. [source]
1 Timothy 3:3 Given to wine [πάροινον]
Only here and Titus 1:7. The verb παροινεῖν tobehave ill at wine, to treat with drunken violence, is found in Xenophon, Aeschines, Aristophanes, and Aristotle. Once in lxx, Isaiah 41:12. Rev. renders brawler, which is not definite enough. Better, quarrelsome over wine. See Aristoph. Acharn. 981: παροίνιος ἀνὴρ ἔφυ which Frere renders “behaved in such a beastly way.” Cicero, ad Att. x. 10, uses παροινικῶς =insolently. [source]
1 Timothy 3:3 Striker [πλήκτην]
Only here and Titus 1:7. Some soften down the meaning into a pugnacious or combative person. In any case, it is a peculiar state of things which calls out such admonitions to Bishops. [source]
1 Timothy 3:15 House of God [οἴκῳ θεοῦ]
An O.T. phrase, used of the temple. More frequently, house of the Lord ( κυρίου ); see 1 Kings 3:1; 1 Kings 6:1; 1 Chronicles 22:2, 1 Chronicles 22:11; 1 Chronicles 29:2, etc. Applied to the church only here. Paul has οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως Hebrews householders of the faith (Galatians 6:10), and οἰκεῖοι τοῦ θεοῦ householdersof God (Ephesians 2:19), signifying members of the church. Christians are called ναὸς θεοῦ sanctuaryof God (1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 6:16); and the apostles are οἰκονόμοι householdstewards (1 Corinthians 4:1). So of a Bishop (Titus 1:7). See also Hebrews 3:6. [source]
1 Timothy 3:10 Being blameless [ἀνέγκλητοι ὄντες]
Rather, unaccused: if no charge be preferred against them. In Paul, 1 Corinthians 1:8; Colossians 1:22. Comp. Titus 1:6, Titus 1:7. It is a judicial term. The participle ὄντες signifies provided they are. [source]
1 Timothy 3:2 The bishop [τον επισκοπον]
The overseer. Old word, in lxx, and inscriptions and papyri. Deissmann (Bible Studies, pp. 230f.) has shown it is applied to communal officials in Rhodes. See note on Acts 20:28 for its use for the elders (presbyters) in Acts 20:17. So also in Titus 1:5, Titus 1:7. See note on Philemon 1:1. The word does not in the N.T. have the monarchical sense found in Ignatius of a bishop over elders. [source]
1 Timothy 3:8 Not given to much wine [τον νουν]
“Not holding the mind That attitude leads to over-indulgence. Not greedy of filthy lucre (αισχρος — mē aischrokerdeis). Old word from κερδος — aischros (Ephesians 5:12) and kerdos (Philemon 1:21). “Making small gains in mean ways” (Parry). Not genuine in 1 Timothy 3:3. In N.T. only here and Titus 1:7 (of bishops). [source]
1 Timothy 3:8 Grave [σεμνους]
See note on Philemon 4:8. Repeated in 1 Timothy 3:11; Titus 2:2. Not double-tongued (μη διλογους — mē dilogous). Rare word (δισ λεγω — disδιλογεω — legō) saying same thing twice. Xenophon has διλογια — dilogeō and διγλωσσος — dilogia In Pollux, but lxx has μη οινωι πολλωι προσεχοντας — diglōssos (double-tongued, Latin bilinguis). Only here in N.T. One placed between two persons and saying one thing to one, another to the other. Like Bunyan‘s Parson “Mark. Two-Tongues.” Not given to much wine “Not holding the mind That attitude leads to over-indulgence. Not greedy of filthy lucre (αισχρος — mē aischrokerdeis). Old word from κερδος — aischros (Ephesians 5:12) and kerdos (Philemon 1:21). “Making small gains in mean ways” (Parry). Not genuine in 1 Timothy 3:3. In N.T. only here and Titus 1:7 (of bishops). [source]
1 Timothy 3:8 Not greedy of filthy lucre [αισχρος]
Old word from κερδος — aischros (Ephesians 5:12) and kerdos (Philemon 1:21). “Making small gains in mean ways” (Parry). Not genuine in 1 Timothy 3:3. In N.T. only here and Titus 1:7 (of bishops). [source]
Titus 1:11 Overthrow [ανατρεπουσιν]
Old and common verb, to turn up, to overturn. In N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 2:18. In papyri to upset a family by perversion of one member. Things which they ought not (α μη δει — ha mē dei). Note subjective negative μη — mē with indefinite relative and indicative mode. For filthy lucre‘s sake The Cretans are given a bad reputation for itinerating prophets for profit by Polybius, Livy, Plutarch. Paul‘s warnings in 1 Timothy 3:3, 1 Timothy 3:8; 1 Timothy 6:5 reveal it as “a besetting temptation of the professional teacher” (Parry). See Titus 1:7 above. Disgraceful gain, made in shameful ways. [source]
Titus 1:11 For filthy lucre‘s sake [αισχρου κερδους χαριν]
The Cretans are given a bad reputation for itinerating prophets for profit by Polybius, Livy, Plutarch. Paul‘s warnings in 1 Timothy 3:3, 1 Timothy 3:8; 1 Timothy 6:5 reveal it as “a besetting temptation of the professional teacher” (Parry). See Titus 1:7 above. Disgraceful gain, made in shameful ways. [source]
1 Peter 4:10 Ministering [διακονουντες]
Present active participle plural of διακονεω — diakoneō common verb (Matthew 20:28), though εκαστος — hekastos (each) is singular.As good stewards (ως καλοι οικονομοι — hōs kaloi oikonomoi). For “steward” (οικονομος — oikonomos house-manager) see Luke 16:1; 1 Corinthians 4:1 (used by Paul of himself) and of any bishop (Titus 1:7), but here of any Christian. See καλος — kalos used with διακονος — diakonos in 1 Timothy 4:6.Of the manifold grace of God For ποικιλος — poikilos (many-colored) see note on 1 Peter 1:6 and note on James 1:2. [source]
1 Peter 4:10 As good stewards [ως καλοι οικονομοι]
For “steward” (οικονομος — oikonomos house-manager) see Luke 16:1; 1 Corinthians 4:1 (used by Paul of himself) and of any bishop (Titus 1:7), but here of any Christian. See καλος — kalos used with διακονος — diakonos in 1 Timothy 4:6. [source]
1 Peter 5:2 Not by constraint [μη αναγκαστως]
Negative μη — mē because of the imperative. Old adverb from verbal adjective αναγκαστος — anagkastos here alone in N.T.But willingly (αλλα εκουσιως — alla hekousiōs). By contrast. Old adverb, in N.T. only here and Hebrews 10:26.Nor yet for filthy lucre A compound adverb not found elsewhere, but the old adjective αισχροκερδης — aischrokerdēs is in 1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:7. See also Titus 1:11 “for the sake of filthy lucre” Clearly the elders received stipends, else there could be no such temptation.But of a ready mind (αλλα προτυμως — alla prothumōs). Old adverb from προτυμος — prothumos (Matthew 26:41), here only in N.T. [source]
1 Peter 5:2 Nor yet for filthy lucre [μηδε αισχροκερδως]
A compound adverb not found elsewhere, but the old adjective αισχροκερδης — aischrokerdēs is in 1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:7. See also Titus 1:11 “for the sake of filthy lucre” Clearly the elders received stipends, else there could be no such temptation.But of a ready mind (αλλα προτυμως — alla prothumōs). Old adverb from προτυμος — prothumos (Matthew 26:41), here only in N.T. [source]
1 Peter 5:2 Flock [ποιμνιον]
Old word, likewise from ποιμην — poimēn contraction of ποιμενιον — poimenion (Luke 12:32).Exercising the oversight (επισκοπουντες — episkopountes). Present active participle of επισκοπεω — episkopeō old word (in Hebrews 12:15 alone in N.T.), omitted here by Aleph B.Not by constraint Negative μη — mē because of the imperative. Old adverb from verbal adjective αναγκαστος — anagkastos here alone in N.T.But willingly (αλλα εκουσιως — alla hekousiōs). By contrast. Old adverb, in N.T. only here and Hebrews 10:26.Nor yet for filthy lucre A compound adverb not found elsewhere, but the old adjective αισχροκερδης — aischrokerdēs is in 1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:7. See also Titus 1:11 “for the sake of filthy lucre” Clearly the elders received stipends, else there could be no such temptation.But of a ready mind (αλλα προτυμως — alla prothumōs). Old adverb from προτυμος — prothumos (Matthew 26:41), here only in N.T. [source]
2 Peter 2:10 After the flesh [οπισω σαρκος]
Hebraistic use of οπισω — opisō as with αμαρτιων — hamartiōn (sins) in Isaiah 65:2. Cf. Matthew 4:19; 1 Timothy 5:15.Of defilement (μιασμου — miasmou). Old word (from μιαινω — miainō Titus 1:15), here only in N.T.Despise dominion Κυριοτης — Kuriotēs is late word for lordship (perhaps God or Christ) (from Κυριος — Kurios), in Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 1:21; Judges 1:8. Genitive case after καταπρουντας — kataphrountas (thinking down on, Matthew 6:24).Daring (τολμηται — tolmētai). Old substantive (from τολμαω — tolmaō to dare), daring men, here only in N.T.Self-willed Old adjective (from αυτος — autos and ηδομαι — hēdomai), self-pleasing, arrogant, in N.T. only here and Titus 1:7.They tremble not to rail at dignities (δοχας ου τρεμουσιν βλασπημουντες — doxas ou tremousin blasphēmountes). “They tremble not blaspheming dignities.” Τρεμω — Tremō is old verb (Mark 5:33), used only in present as here and imperfect. Here with the complementary participle βλασπημουντες — blasphēmountes rather than the infinitive βλασπημειν — blasphēmein See Judges 1:8. Perhaps these dignities (δοχας — doxas) are angels (εςιλ — evil). [source]
2 Peter 2:10 Despise dominion [κυριοτητος καταπρονουντας]
Κυριοτης — Kuriotēs is late word for lordship (perhaps God or Christ) (from Κυριος — Kurios), in Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 1:21; Judges 1:8. Genitive case after καταπρουντας — kataphrountas (thinking down on, Matthew 6:24).Daring (τολμηται — tolmētai). Old substantive (from τολμαω — tolmaō to dare), daring men, here only in N.T.Self-willed Old adjective (from αυτος — autos and ηδομαι — hēdomai), self-pleasing, arrogant, in N.T. only here and Titus 1:7.They tremble not to rail at dignities (δοχας ου τρεμουσιν βλασπημουντες — doxas ou tremousin blasphēmountes). “They tremble not blaspheming dignities.” Τρεμω — Tremō is old verb (Mark 5:33), used only in present as here and imperfect. Here with the complementary participle βλασπημουντες — blasphēmountes rather than the infinitive βλασπημειν — blasphēmein See Judges 1:8. Perhaps these dignities (δοχας — doxas) are angels (εςιλ — evil). [source]
2 Peter 2:10 Self-willed [αυταδεις]
Old adjective (from αυτος — autos and ηδομαι — hēdomai), self-pleasing, arrogant, in N.T. only here and Titus 1:7.They tremble not to rail at dignities (δοχας ου τρεμουσιν βλασπημουντες — doxas ou tremousin blasphēmountes). “They tremble not blaspheming dignities.” Τρεμω — Tremō is old verb (Mark 5:33), used only in present as here and imperfect. Here with the complementary participle βλασπημουντες — blasphēmountes rather than the infinitive βλασπημειν — blasphēmein See Judges 1:8. Perhaps these dignities (δοχας — doxas) are angels (εςιλ — evil). [source]

What do the individual words in Titus 1:7 mean?

It behooves for the overseer blameless to be as God’s steward not self-willed quick-tempered given to wine a striker greedy of base gain
Δεῖ γὰρ τὸν ἐπίσκοπον ἀνέγκλητον εἶναι ὡς Θεοῦ οἰκονόμον μὴ αὐθάδη ὀργίλον πάροινον πλήκτην αἰσχροκερδῆ

Δεῖ  It  behooves 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: δεῖ  
Sense: it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves, is right and proper.
ἐπίσκοπον  overseer 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἐπίσκοπος  
Sense: an overseer.
ἀνέγκλητον  blameless 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀνέγκλητος  
Sense: that cannot be called into to account, unreproveable, unaccused, blameless.
εἶναι  to  be 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
Θεοῦ  God’s 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
οἰκονόμον  steward 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: οἰκονόμος  
Sense: the manager of household or of household affairs.
αὐθάδη  self-willed 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: αὐθάδης  
Sense: self-pleasing, self-willed, arrogant.
ὀργίλον  quick-tempered 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ὀργίλος  
Sense: prone to anger, irascible.
πάροινον  given  to  wine 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: πάροινος  
Sense: given to wine, drunken.
πλήκτην  a  striker 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: πλήκτης  
Sense: bruiser, ready for a blow.
αἰσχροκερδῆ  greedy  of  base  gain 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: αἰσχροκερδής  
Sense: eager for base gain, greedy for money.