The supreme test of all Christian teaching and Christian work depends on whether they produce healthy characters, which are not contaminated by the noisome and germ-laden atmosphere around. Our teaching must be healthy and also health-creating. There must be plenty of ozone in it.
The Apostle's strophes are few but fine. In the briefest sentences he seizes the salient features of Christian character. The aged man-strong, calm, patient, full of faith and love. The aged woman-holy, reverent, beloved, honored, and obeyed by the younger women of the same household or church. So also with the young men and women. What a life is sketched here against which the tongue of slander is dumb!
But, after all, these results cannot be realized apart from the personal holiness of their minister and leader. He must furnish a pattern of good works. His attitude to things which are questionable and doubtful must be decided not by his own predilections or fancies, but by the consideration of the effect which his action is likely to have on the keen eyes that are carefully watching him. [source]
Chapter Summary: Titus 2
1Directions given unto Titus both for his doctrine and life 10Of the duty of servants, and in general of all Christians
Greek Commentary for Titus 2:4
That they may train [ινα σωπρονιζωσιν] Purpose clause, ινα hina and present active subjunctive of σωπρονιζω sōphronizō old verb (from σωπρων sōphrōn sound in mind, σαοσ πρην saosπιλανδρους ειναι phrēn as in this verse), to make sane, to restore to one‘s senses, to discipline, only here in N.T. [source]
To love their husbands [ειναι] Predicate accusative with πιλανδρος einai of old adjective πιλοσ ανηρ philandros To love their children (philoteknous). Another old compound, here only in N.T. This exhortation is still needed where some married women prefer poodle-dogs to children. [source]
To love their children [philoteknous)] Another old compound, here only in N.T. This exhortation is still needed where some married women prefer poodle-dogs to children. [source]
They may teach [σωφρονίζωσι] Better, school or train. N.T.oolxx. The verb means to make sane or sober -minded; to recall a person to his senses; hence, to moderate, chasten, discipline. [source]
To love their husbands, to love their children [φιλάνδρους εἶναι, φιλοτέκνους] Lit. to be husband -lovers, children -lovers. Both adjectives N.T.oolxx. Φίλανδρος in Class. not in this sense, but loving men or masculine habits; lewd. In the better sense often in epitaphs. An inscription at Pergamum has the following: Ἱούλιος Βάσσος Ὁτακιλίᾳ Πώλλῃ τῇ γλυκυτάτῃ γυναικί, φιλάνδρῳ καὶ φιλοτέκνῳ συμβιωσάσῃ ἀμέμπτως ἔτη λ , Julius Bassus to Otacilia Polla my sweetest wife, who loved her husband and children and lived with me blamelessly for thirty years. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Titus 2:4
1 Timothy 2:9With shamefacedness and sobriety [μετὰ αἰδοῦς καὶ σωφροσύνης] Ἁιδώς N.T. ( αἰδοῦς in Hebrews 12:28is an incorrect reading). In earlier Greek, as in Homer, it sometimes blends with the sense of αἰσχύνη shamethough used also of the feeling of respectful timidity in the presence of superiors, or of penitent respect toward one who has been wronged (see Homer, Il. i. 23). Hence it is connected in Homer with military discipline (Il. v. 531). It is the feeling of a suppliant or an unfortunate in the presence of those from whom he seeks aid; of a younger man toward an older and wiser one. It is a feeling based upon the sense of deficiency, inferiority, or unworthiness. On the other hand, it is the feeling of a superior in position or fortune which goes out to an unfortunate. See Homer, Il. xxiv. 208; Od. xiv. 388; Soph. Oed. Col. 247. In the Attic period, a distinction was recognised between αἰσχύνη and αἰδώς : αἰδώς representing a respectful and reverent attitude toward another, while αἰσχύνη was the sense of shame on account of wrong doing. Thus, “one αἰδεῖται isrespectful to his father, but αἰσχύνεται isashamed because he has been drunk.” Trench (N.T. Synon. § xix.) remarks that “ αἰδώς is the nobler word and implies the nobler motive. In it is involved an innate moral repugnance to the doing of the dishonorable act, which moral repugnance scarcely or not at all exists in the αἰσχύνη . Let the man who is restrained by αἰσχύνη alone be insured against the outward disgrace which he fears his act will entail, and he will refrain from it no longer.” The A.V. shamefacedness is a corruption of the old English shamefastness. So Chaucer:“Schamefast chastite.”Knight's T. 2057.Shakespeare:“'Tis a blushing shamefast spirit that mutinies in a man's bosom.”Richard III. i. 4.It is one of a large class of words, as steadfast, soothfast, rootfast, masterfast, handfast, bedfast, etc. Shamefaced changes and destroys the original force of the word, which was bound or made fast by an honorable shame. Σωφροσύνη sobrietysoP. Once in Acts, Acts 26:25. The kindred verb σωφρονεῖν tobe of sound mind, Romans 12:3-5; 2 Corinthians 5:13; Titus 2:6. Several representatives of this family of words appear in the Pastorals, and with the exception of σωφροσύνη and σωφρονεῖν , nowhere else in N.T. Such are σωφρονίζειν tobe soberminded (Titus 2:4); σωφρονισμός discipline(2 Timothy 1:7); σωφρόνως soberly(Titus 2:12); σώφρων soberminded(1 Timothy 3:2). The word is compounded of σάος or σῶς safesound, and φρήν mindIt signifies entire command of the passions and desires; a self-control which holds the rein over these. So Aristotle (Rhet. i. 9): The virtue by which we hold ourselves toward the pleasures of the body as. the law enjoins.” Comp. 4Macc. 1:31. Euripides calls it “the fairest gift of the gods” (Med. 632). That it appears so rarely in N.T. is, as Trench remarks, “not because more value was attached to it in heathen ethics than in Christian morality, but because it is taken up and transformed into a condition yet higher still, in which a man does not command himself, which is well, but, which is better still, is commanded by God.” The words with shamefastness and sobriety may either be taken directly with adorn themselves, or better perhaps, as indicating moral qualities accompanying ( μετὰ with) the modest apparel. Let them adorn themselves in modest apparel, having along with this shamefastness and sobermindedness. [source]
2 Timothy 1:7Of a sound mind [σωφρονισμοῦ] N.T.oolxx, oClass. Not self-control, but the faculty of generating it in others or in one's self, making them σώφρονες ofsound mind. Comp. Titus 2:4. Rend. discipline. See on σωφροσύνη 1 Timothy 2:9. [source]
Hebrews 9:12Having obtained eternal redemption [αἰωνίαν λύτρωσιν εὑράμενος] Having found and won by his act of entrance into the heavenly sanctuary. This is better than to explain “entered the sanctuary after having obtained redemption by his life, death, and resurrection”; for the work of redemption is crowned and completed by Christ's ascension to glory and his ministry in heaven (see Hebrews href="/desk/?q=heb+6:2&sr=1">Hebrews 6:2. Not mere duration is contemplated, but quality; a redemption answering in its quality to that age when all the conditions of time shall be no more: a redemption not ritual, but profoundly ethical and spiritual. Λύτρωσιν redemptiononly here, Luke 1:68; Luke 2:38. See on might redeem, Titus 2:4. [source]
1 Peter 3:1Ye wives [γυναικες] Without article. About wives see note on Colossians 3:18; and note on Ephesians 5:22; and note on Titus 2:4.To your own husbands (τοις ιδιοις ανδρασιν tois idiois andrasin). Ιδιοις Idiois occurs also in Ephesians and Titus, but not in Colossians. It strengthens the idea of possession in the article τοις tois Wives are not enjoined to be in subjection to the husbands of other women, as some think it fine to be (affinities!)Even if any obey not the word Condition of first class and dative case of λογος logos (1 Peter 1:23,1 Peter 1:25; 1 Peter 2:8), that is, remain heathen.That they be gained (ινα κερδητησονται hina kerdēthēsontai). Purpose clause with ινα hina and first future passive indicative of κερδαινω kerdainō old verb, to gain (from κερδος kerdos gain, interest) as in Matthew 18:15. See the future with ινα hina also in Luke 20:10; Revelation 3:9.Without the word Probably here “word from their wives” (Hart), the other sense of λογος logos (talk, not technical “word of God”).By the behaviour of their wives (δια της των γυναικων αναστροπης dia tēs tōn gunaikōn anastrophēs). Won by pious living, not by nagging. Many a wife has had this blessed victory of grace. [source]
What do the individual words in Titus 2:4 mean?
so thatthey may traintheyoung [women]lovers of [their] husbandsto beloving [their] children
Greek Commentary for Titus 2:4
Purpose clause, ινα hina and present active subjunctive of σωπρονιζω sōphronizō old verb (from σωπρων sōphrōn sound in mind, σαοσ πρην saosπιλανδρους ειναι phrēn as in this verse), to make sane, to restore to one‘s senses, to discipline, only here in N.T. [source]
Predicate accusative with πιλανδρος einai of old adjective πιλοσ ανηρ philandros To love their children (philoteknous). Another old compound, here only in N.T. This exhortation is still needed where some married women prefer poodle-dogs to children. [source]
Another old compound, here only in N.T. This exhortation is still needed where some married women prefer poodle-dogs to children. [source]
Better, school or train. N.T.oolxx. The verb means to make sane or sober -minded; to recall a person to his senses; hence, to moderate, chasten, discipline. [source]
Lit. to be husband -lovers, children -lovers. Both adjectives N.T.oolxx. Φίλανδρος in Class. not in this sense, but loving men or masculine habits; lewd. In the better sense often in epitaphs. An inscription at Pergamum has the following: Ἱούλιος Βάσσος Ὁτακιλίᾳ Πώλλῃ τῇ γλυκυτάτῃ γυναικί, φιλάνδρῳ καὶ φιλοτέκνῳ συμβιωσάσῃ ἀμέμπτως ἔτη λ , Julius Bassus to Otacilia Polla my sweetest wife, who loved her husband and children and lived with me blamelessly for thirty years. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Titus 2:4
Ἁιδώς N.T. ( αἰδοῦς in Hebrews 12:28is an incorrect reading). In earlier Greek, as in Homer, it sometimes blends with the sense of αἰσχύνη shamethough used also of the feeling of respectful timidity in the presence of superiors, or of penitent respect toward one who has been wronged (see Homer, Il. i. 23). Hence it is connected in Homer with military discipline (Il. v. 531). It is the feeling of a suppliant or an unfortunate in the presence of those from whom he seeks aid; of a younger man toward an older and wiser one. It is a feeling based upon the sense of deficiency, inferiority, or unworthiness. On the other hand, it is the feeling of a superior in position or fortune which goes out to an unfortunate. See Homer, Il. xxiv. 208; Od. xiv. 388; Soph. Oed. Col. 247. In the Attic period, a distinction was recognised between αἰσχύνη and αἰδώς : αἰδώς representing a respectful and reverent attitude toward another, while αἰσχύνη was the sense of shame on account of wrong doing. Thus, “one αἰδεῖται isrespectful to his father, but αἰσχύνεται isashamed because he has been drunk.” Trench (N.T. Synon. § xix.) remarks that “ αἰδώς is the nobler word and implies the nobler motive. In it is involved an innate moral repugnance to the doing of the dishonorable act, which moral repugnance scarcely or not at all exists in the αἰσχύνη . Let the man who is restrained by αἰσχύνη alone be insured against the outward disgrace which he fears his act will entail, and he will refrain from it no longer.” The A.V. shamefacedness is a corruption of the old English shamefastness. So Chaucer:“Schamefast chastite.”Knight's T. 2057.Shakespeare:“'Tis a blushing shamefast spirit that mutinies in a man's bosom.”Richard III. i. 4.It is one of a large class of words, as steadfast, soothfast, rootfast, masterfast, handfast, bedfast, etc. Shamefaced changes and destroys the original force of the word, which was bound or made fast by an honorable shame. Σωφροσύνη sobrietysoP. Once in Acts, Acts 26:25. The kindred verb σωφρονεῖν tobe of sound mind, Romans 12:3-5; 2 Corinthians 5:13; Titus 2:6. Several representatives of this family of words appear in the Pastorals, and with the exception of σωφροσύνη and σωφρονεῖν , nowhere else in N.T. Such are σωφρονίζειν tobe soberminded (Titus 2:4); σωφρονισμός discipline(2 Timothy 1:7); σωφρόνως soberly(Titus 2:12); σώφρων soberminded(1 Timothy 3:2). The word is compounded of σάος or σῶς safesound, and φρήν mindIt signifies entire command of the passions and desires; a self-control which holds the rein over these. So Aristotle (Rhet. i. 9): The virtue by which we hold ourselves toward the pleasures of the body as. the law enjoins.” Comp. 4Macc. 1:31. Euripides calls it “the fairest gift of the gods” (Med. 632). That it appears so rarely in N.T. is, as Trench remarks, “not because more value was attached to it in heathen ethics than in Christian morality, but because it is taken up and transformed into a condition yet higher still, in which a man does not command himself, which is well, but, which is better still, is commanded by God.” The words with shamefastness and sobriety may either be taken directly with adorn themselves, or better perhaps, as indicating moral qualities accompanying ( μετὰ with) the modest apparel. Let them adorn themselves in modest apparel, having along with this shamefastness and sobermindedness. [source]
A phrase peculiar to the Pastorals. Ὑγιαίνειν tobe in good health, Luke 5:31; Luke 7:10; 3 John 1:2. oP. Quite frequent in lxx, and invariably in the literal sense. Often in salutations or dismissals. See 9:19; 2Samuel href="/desk/?q=2sa+14:8&sr=1">2 Samuel 14:8; Exodus 4:18. In the Pastorals, the verb, which occurs eight times, is six times associated with διδασκαλία teachingor λόγοι wordsand twice with ἐν τῇ πίστει or τῇ πίστει inthe faith. The sound teaching (comp. διδαχή teaching 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9) which is thus commended is Paul's, who teaches in Christ's name and by his authority (2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:8). In all the three letters it is called ἀλη.θεια or ἡ ἀλήθεια thetruth, the knowledge ( ἐπίγνωσις ) of which is bound up with salvation. See 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Timothy 2:25; 2 Timothy 3:7; Titus 1:1. As truth it is sound or healthful. It is the object of faith. To be sound in the faith is, practically, to follow ( παρακολουθεῖν ) sound teaching or the truth. The subjective characteristic of Christians is εὐσέβεια or θεοσέβεια godlinessor piety (1 Timothy 2:2, 1 Timothy 2:10; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:7, 1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Timothy 6:6, 1 Timothy 6:11); and the teaching and knowledge of the truth are represented as κατ ' εὐσέβειαν accordingto godliness (1 Timothy 6:3; Titus 1:1). Comp. εὐσεβεῖν toshow piety, 1 Timothy 5:4. εὐσεβῶς ζῇν to live godly, 2 Timothy 3:12; Titus 2:12; and βίον διάγειν ἐν πάσῃ εὐσεβείᾳ tolead a life in all godliness, 1 Timothy 2:2. The contents of this sound teaching which is according to godliness are not theoretical or dogmatic truth, but Christian ethics, with faith and love. See 1 Timothy 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 3:10; Titus 2:2. Ἁλήθεια truthis used of moral things, rather than in the high religious sense of Paul. Comp., for instance, Romans 3:7; Romans 9:1; 1 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 11:10; Galatians 2:5; Ephesians 4:21, Ephesians 4:24; and 2 Timothy 2:25, 2 Timothy 2:26; 2 Timothy 3:7(comp. 2 Timothy 3:1-9); 2 Timothy 4:3, 2 Timothy 4:4; Titus 1:12(comp. Titus 1:11, Titus 1:15); Titus 2:4(comp. Titus 2:1, Titus 2:3); Titus 3:1. Whoever grasps the truth has faith (2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:18; 2 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:3f.). That the ethical character of faith is emphasized, appears from the numerous expressions regarding the false teachers, as 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Timothy 5:8, 1 Timothy 5:12; 1 Timothy 6:10, 1 Timothy 6:21. There is a tendency to objectify faith, regarding it as something believed rather than as the act of believing. See 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Timothy 6:10, 1 Timothy 6:21; Titus 1:4. In comparing the ideal of righteousness (1 Timothy 1:9) with that of Paul, note that it is not denied that Christ is the source of true righteousness; but according to Paul, the man who is not under the law is the man who lives by faith in Christ. Paul emphasizes this. It is faith in Christ which sets one free from the law. Here, the man for whom the law is not made (1 Timothy 1:9) is the man who is ethically conformed to the norm of sound teaching. The two conceptions do not exclude each other: the sound teaching is according to the gospel (1 Timothy 1:11), but the point of emphasis is shifted.| [source]
N.T.oolxx, oClass. Not self-control, but the faculty of generating it in others or in one's self, making them σώφρονες ofsound mind. Comp. Titus 2:4. Rend. discipline. See on σωφροσύνη 1 Timothy 2:9. [source]
Having found and won by his act of entrance into the heavenly sanctuary. This is better than to explain “entered the sanctuary after having obtained redemption by his life, death, and resurrection”; for the work of redemption is crowned and completed by Christ's ascension to glory and his ministry in heaven (see Hebrews href="/desk/?q=heb+6:2&sr=1">Hebrews 6:2. Not mere duration is contemplated, but quality; a redemption answering in its quality to that age when all the conditions of time shall be no more: a redemption not ritual, but profoundly ethical and spiritual. Λύτρωσιν redemptiononly here, Luke 1:68; Luke 2:38. See on might redeem, Titus 2:4. [source]
Without article. About wives see note on Colossians 3:18; and note on Ephesians 5:22; and note on Titus 2:4.To your own husbands (τοις ιδιοις ανδρασιν tois idiois andrasin). Ιδιοις Idiois occurs also in Ephesians and Titus, but not in Colossians. It strengthens the idea of possession in the article τοις tois Wives are not enjoined to be in subjection to the husbands of other women, as some think it fine to be (affinities!)Even if any obey not the word Condition of first class and dative case of λογος logos (1 Peter 1:23, 1 Peter 1:25; 1 Peter 2:8), that is, remain heathen.That they be gained (ινα κερδητησονται hina kerdēthēsontai). Purpose clause with ινα hina and first future passive indicative of κερδαινω kerdainō old verb, to gain (from κερδος kerdos gain, interest) as in Matthew 18:15. See the future with ινα hina also in Luke 20:10; Revelation 3:9.Without the word Probably here “word from their wives” (Hart), the other sense of λογος logos (talk, not technical “word of God”).By the behaviour of their wives (δια της των γυναικων αναστροπης dia tēs tōn gunaikōn anastrophēs). Won by pious living, not by nagging. Many a wife has had this blessed victory of grace. [source]