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;

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} a bishop {G1985} must {G1163} be {G1511} blameless {G410}, as {G5613} the steward {G3623} of God {G2316}; not {G3361} selfwilled {G829}, not {G3361} soon angry {G3711}, not {G3361} given to wine {G3943}, no {G3361} striker {G4131}, not {G3361} given to filthy lucre {G146};

Complete Jewish Bible

For an overseer, as someone entrusted with God’s affairs, must be blameless — he must not be self-willed or quick-tempered, he must not drink excessively, get into fights or be greedy for dishonest gain.

Berean Standard Bible

As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Titus 1:7 outlines essential character qualifications for Christian leaders, specifically "bishops" or "overseers," emphasizing their role as faithful stewards of God's household. The verse mandates blamelessness and then lists five negative traits that must be absent: self-will, quick temper, intemperance with wine, a tendency towards violence, and greed for dishonest gain. These requirements underscore that effective spiritual leadership is rooted not in worldly power or personal ambition, but in Christ-like character, integrity, and a selfless commitment to managing God's people and resources responsibly.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Titus 1:7 is situated within Paul's instructions to Titus regarding the establishment of sound leadership and church order on the island of Crete. Following the general command to "set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city" in [Titus 1:5](/titus/1-5 "Titus 1:5 - Appointing Elders"), Paul immediately provides a detailed list of qualifications for these elders, who are also referred to as "bishops" or "overseers" in this passage. Verses 6-9 present a comprehensive catalogue of both positive attributes (like being blameless, husband of one wife, having faithful children) and negative traits to be avoided, with verse 7 focusing exclusively on the latter. This immediate follow-up to the call for ordination highlights the paramount importance of character in spiritual leadership, directly linking a leader's personal integrity to their ability to faithfully manage God’s church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Crete, at the time of Paul's ministry, had a notorious reputation for moral laxity and deceit, as even one of their own prophets, Epimenides, noted in [Titus 1:12](/titus/1-12 "Titus 1:12 - Cretans are always liars"). The early Christian communities on the island were nascent and vulnerable to false teaching and corrupting influences. Paul's letter to Titus, therefore, serves as a crucial guide for establishing robust, godly leadership that could withstand these pressures and provide a stable foundation for the church. The emphasis on blamelessness and the rejection of vices like self-will, anger, drunkenness, violence, and greed directly addresses the prevalent cultural issues and the potential for leaders to succumb to such temptations, thereby discrediting the gospel and harming the fledgling churches.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes within the book of Titus and the wider Pastoral Epistles. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Church Order and Leadership Qualifications**, asserting that the character of leaders is foundational to the health and integrity of the church. The concept of **Stewardship** is central, portraying leaders not as owners but as managers of God's resources and people, accountable to Him. This ties into the broader theme of **Sound Doctrine and Godly Living**, as leaders are expected to embody the truth they proclaim, serving as examples to the flock. The negative qualifications in [Titus 1:7](/titus/1-7 "Titus 1:7 - Qualifications for an Overseer") also implicitly highlight the theme of **Combating False Teaching and Immorality**, as leaders free from these vices are better equipped to confront those who would exploit or mislead the church, as Paul warns against in [Titus 1:10-11](/titus/1-10-11 "Titus 1:10-11 - Rebuking False Teachers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bishop (Greek, _epískopos'_):** From *epi* (over) and *skopos* (a watcher), meaning "overseer" or "superintendent." This term denotes a spiritual leader in charge of a church, responsible for its oversight and care. In the New Testament, it is often used interchangeably with "elder" (πρεσβύτερος, *presbyteros*), indicating the same office of spiritual leadership, as seen when Paul calls the elders of Ephesus and refers to them as overseers in [Acts 20:17](/acts/20-17 "Acts 20:17 - Paul calls for the elders") and [Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - Paul's charge to the Ephesian elders").
* **Steward (Greek, _oikonómos'_):** From *oikos* (house) and *nomos* (law/management), literally "house-distributor" or "house-manager." This term signifies an employee in charge of managing another's property or affairs. In a spiritual context, it highlights that the church leader is not the owner of the church but a faithful manager of God's "household" (the church), emphasizing responsibility and accountability to God.
* **Blameless (Greek, _anénklētos'_):** From *a* (as a negative particle) and a derivative of *enkaleō* (to call to account, accuse), meaning "unaccused" or "irreproachable." This does not imply sinless perfection but rather a life free from legitimate accusation or scandal, especially concerning moral and ethical conduct. It means having a reputation that cannot be justly challenged or held against them, essential for maintaining credibility in leadership.
* **Selfwilled (Greek, _authádēs'_):** From *autos* (self) and the base of *hēdonē* (pleasure), meaning "self-pleasing" or "arrogant." This describes someone who is stubbornly insistent on their own way, unwilling to listen to others, or submit to authority. It denotes an arrogant, headstrong disposition that is antithetical to the humility required for servant leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God;":** This foundational clause establishes the core requirement for an overseer. The word "must" (Greek, *deî*) indicates divine necessity and obligation. An overseer (*epískopos*) must embody blamelessness (*anénklētos*), meaning their character and conduct should be beyond legitimate reproach. This is crucial because their role is not one of personal dominion but of managing God's affairs and people, acting as a "steward" (*oikonómos*) of God. This metaphor emphasizes accountability to God for the spiritual well-being and resources of His church.
* **"not selfwilled, not soon angry, ":** This begins a series of negative prohibitions, highlighting character traits that disqualify a leader. "Not selfwilled" (*authádēs*) condemns arrogance, stubbornness, and a refusal to yield to others or God's will. A leader must be humble and open to counsel. "Not soon angry" (*orgílos*) warns against an irascible temperament, quick outbursts of wrath, or a contentious spirit. Leaders must exhibit self-control and patience, reflecting God's own character.
* **"not given to wine, no striker, ":** These prohibitions address issues of self-control and interpersonal conduct. "Not given to wine" (*pároinos*) refers to someone who habitually indulges in excessive drinking, which impairs judgment, leads to inappropriate behavior, and discredits leadership. It speaks to sobriety and temperance. "No striker" (*plḗktēs*) literally means "not a smiter" or "not pugnacious." This forbids physical violence but also extends to verbal abuse, contentiousness, or a quarrelsome disposition. Leaders must promote peace and unity, not strife.
* **"not given to filthy lucre;":** The final prohibition addresses financial integrity and motivation. "Not given to filthy lucre" (*aischrokerdḗs*) condemns greed for dishonest or shameful gain. This means a leader's motivation for service must be pure, not driven by material wealth, exploitation, or covetousness. Their financial dealings must be above reproach, ensuring that they serve God's people out of genuine care rather than personal enrichment.

#### Literary Devices
Titus 1:7 primarily employs a **Catalogue** or **List** of negative qualifications, which is a common feature in the Pastoral Epistles for outlining leadership requirements. This list functions as a clear and concise set of prohibitions, making the expected character traits unmistakable. The verse also utilizes **Antithesis** by implicitly contrasting the required blamelessness and stewardship with the specific vices that must be avoided. The phrase "as the steward of God" serves as a powerful **Metaphor**, defining the nature of the bishop's role not as one of personal authority but as a manager accountable to a higher owner, God. This metaphor underscores the immense responsibility and the need for integrity in handling divine trusts. The repeated use of "not" (Greek, *mḗ*) creates a strong rhetorical emphasis on what a leader *must not* be, reinforcing the gravity of these disqualifying traits.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Titus 1:7 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian leadership, rooting it firmly in character rather than charisma or worldly power. The concept of the "steward of God" elevates the role beyond mere administration to a sacred trust, where leaders are accountable to God for the care of His church. This verse underscores the theological truth that those who lead God's people must reflect God's own character – blameless, self-controlled, patient, and selfless. It highlights that the integrity of the gospel message is intrinsically linked to the integrity of its messengers. A leader's personal life and motivations are not incidental but are foundational to their spiritual authority and effectiveness, serving as a living testimony to the transforming power of the gospel. The negative traits listed are not arbitrary but represent common human failings that, if present in leadership, would inevitably corrupt the church's mission and witness.

* [1 Timothy 3:2-7](/1_timothy/3-2-7 "1 Timothy 3:2-7 - Qualifications for Overseers")
* [1 Peter 5:2-3](/1_peter/5-2-3 "1 Peter 5:2-3 - Shepherding the Flock of God")
* [Luke 12:42-48](/luke/12-42-48 "Luke 12:42-48 - The Faithful and Wise Manager")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While specifically addressing qualifications for church leaders, the principles embedded in Titus 1:7 hold profound implications for every believer. The call to be "blameless" and to live "as the steward of God" challenges all Christians to consider how they manage the gifts, resources, and relationships God has entrusted to them. We are all stewards of God's grace, called to live lives that honor Him and do not bring reproach upon His name. The negative traits listed—self-will, quick anger, intemperance, contentiousness, and greed—are temptations that all individuals face. This verse serves as a powerful reminder for personal self-examination, urging us to cultivate humility, self-control, patience, peacefulness, and integrity in all areas of life, especially concerning our motivations and finances. It encourages us to pursue a character that reflects Christ, recognizing that our lives are a testimony to the world. For those in leadership, it is a sober reminder of the high standard to which they are called and the serious implications of failing to meet it. For congregants, it provides a biblical framework for understanding and supporting godly leadership, and for discerning when leaders may be falling short of God's standard.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to be "selfwilled," insisting on my own way rather than submitting to God's will or the counsel of others?**
* **How does my management of time, money, and talents reflect my understanding of myself as a "steward of God"?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate greater self-control over my emotions, particularly anger, and my appetites, such as for food or drink?**
* **Am I motivated by "filthy lucre" in any aspect of my life, or am I genuinely seeking to serve God and others without covetousness?**
* **How can I, as a believer, support and pray for my church leaders to embody the blameless character described in this verse?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between a "bishop" and an "elder" in the New Testament?**

Answer: In the New Testament, particularly in the Pastoral Epistles, the terms "bishop" (Greek, *epískopos*, meaning "overseer") and "elder" (Greek, *presbýteros*, meaning "older one") are often used interchangeably to refer to the same office of spiritual leadership. For example, in [Acts 20:17](/acts/20-17 "Acts 20:17 - Paul calls for the elders"), Paul calls for the "elders" of the church in Ephesus, and then in [Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - Paul's charge to the Ephesian elders"), he exhorts them to "take heed... to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers." Similarly, in [Titus 1:5](/titus/1-5 "Titus 1:5 - Appointing Elders"), Paul instructs Titus to "ordain elders in every city," and then immediately proceeds to list the qualifications for these same individuals, referring to them as "bishops" in [Titus 1:7](/titus/1-7 "Titus 1:7 - Qualifications for an Overseer"). This indicates that in the early church, these terms described different facets of the same leadership role: "elder" emphasizing maturity and wisdom, and "bishop/overseer" emphasizing the function of supervision and care.

**What does it mean to be "blameless" as a leader? Does it imply sinless perfection?**

Answer: To be "blameless" (Greek, *anénklētos*) does not mean to be sinlessly perfect, as all humans are fallen and prone to sin ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All have sinned")). Rather, it signifies a life that is beyond legitimate accusation or reproach. It means that there is nothing in a leader's character or conduct that can be justly held against them to discredit their ministry or the gospel. This includes a consistent pattern of integrity, moral purity, and ethical behavior, both publicly and privately. While a leader may make mistakes, "blamelessness" implies that they are not characterized by habitual sin, scandal, or a reputation for ungodliness. It speaks to their overall testimony and the absence of any valid grounds for accusation that would undermine their spiritual authority or the church's witness.

**Are the qualifications in Titus 1:7 only for pastors or church leaders, or do they apply to all Christians?**

Answer: While the qualifications in [Titus 1:7](/titus/1-7 "Titus 1:7 - Qualifications for an Overseer") are specifically listed for those in the office of "bishop" or "overseer," the underlying principles of character and conduct are applicable to all believers. As Christians, we are all called to live lives that honor God and reflect His character ([Ephesians 5:1-2](/ephesians/5-1-2 "Ephesians 5:1-2 - Imitate God")). We are all "stewards of God" in various capacities, entrusted with gifts, resources, and opportunities to serve Him ([1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Good Stewards of God's Grace")). Therefore, while the *office* of bishop requires a demonstrated fulfillment of these traits, the *pursuit* of blamelessness, self-control, humility, and integrity should be the aim of every disciple of Christ. These virtues contribute to a healthy Christian life and a strong witness in the world, regardless of one's formal leadership role.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Titus 1:7, with its stringent qualifications for blameless and selfless leadership, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "steward of God," faithfully managing the Father's household and perfectly executing His will, even to the point of death on the cross ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). Jesus was supremely "blameless," living a life utterly without sin or legitimate accusation, as attested by Pilate's declaration, "I find no fault in him" ([John 19:4](/john/19-4 "John 19:4 - Pilate finds no fault")). Far from being "selfwilled," Christ perfectly submitted to the Father's will, praying in Gethsemane, "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). He was never "soon angry" in a sinful way, but demonstrated perfect patience and righteous indignation when necessary, always motivated by love and truth ([Mark 3:5](/mark/3-5 "Mark 3:5 - Jesus' Anger and Grief")). Jesus was entirely free from any indulgence or vice, and certainly "no striker," instead offering His cheek to those who struck Him ([Matthew 26:67-68](/matthew/26-67-68 "Matthew 26:67-68 - Jesus is mocked")). Most profoundly, He was never "given to filthy lucre," but emptied Himself, becoming poor so that through His poverty we might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). Thus, the character demanded of overseers in Titus 1:7 is a reflection of the perfect character of Christ, who is the Chief Shepherd ([1 Peter 5:4](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd")) and the ultimate standard for all who would lead or follow in His name. Believers are called to be conformed to His image ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")), embodying these virtues by the power of His Spirit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Peter 2:10

¶ But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

Ephesians 5:18

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

1 Peter 5:2

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

James 1:19

¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

James 1:20

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

1 Peter 4:10

As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Luke 12:42

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom [his] lord shall make ruler over his household, to give [them their] portion of meat in due season?