Titus 2:1

KJV

¶ But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} speak {G2980} thou {G4771} the things which {G3739} become {G4241} sound {G5198} doctrine {G1319}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But you, explain what kind of behavior goes along with sound teaching.

Berean Standard Bible

But as for you, speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine.

American Standard Version

But speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Titus 2:1 serves as a foundational command from the Apostle Paul to his trusted associate Titus, directing him to actively proclaim and embody teaching that is inherently healthy, wholesome, and fitting for the Christian faith. This verse marks a significant pivot from Paul's preceding critique of false teachers and their corrupting influence, establishing the positive duty of pastoral leadership to uphold and disseminate truth that fosters spiritual vitality and integrity within the church community on Crete.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a crucial shift in Paul's letter to Titus. Chapter 1 concludes with a harsh indictment of false teachers in Crete, describing them as rebellious, empty talkers, and deceivers who subvert entire households for dishonest gain, effectively denying God by their deeds ([Titus 1:10-16](/titus/1-10-16 "Titus 1:10-16 - False Teachers Exposed")). Against this backdrop of spiritual sickness and doctrinal corruption, [Titus 2:1](/titus/2-1 "Titus 2:1 - The Mandate for Sound Doctrine") begins with the adversative conjunction "But," signaling a sharp contrast. Titus is called to counteract this pervasive error by speaking and teaching "the things which become sound doctrine," thereby presenting a clear antidote to the spiritual poison being spread by those who twist the truth. The subsequent verses in [Titus 2](/titus/2 "Titus 2 - Instructions for Various Groups") then elaborate on what this "sound doctrine" looks like in practical terms for various demographic groups within the church, demonstrating its tangible impact on daily life.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Titus was left in Crete, an island known for its challenging cultural environment, often associated with deceit and laziness, as referenced even by a Cretan prophet quoted in [Titus 1:12](/titus/1-12 "Titus 1:12 - Cretans are Liars"). The early Christian communities on Crete were relatively new and vulnerable to internal strife and external pressures, particularly from those promoting Jewish myths and human commands ([Titus 1:14](/titus/1-14 "Titus 1:14 - Do Not Heed Jewish Myths")). Paul's instruction to Titus underscores the urgent need for robust, consistent, and ethically grounded teaching to establish and stabilize these nascent churches. In a society where philosophical schools and religious cults often vied for influence, the concept of "sound doctrine" would have resonated as a call for teaching that was not merely intellectually coherent but also morally upright and life-giving, distinguishing it from the empty rhetoric of the false teachers.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus). Foremost is the **Primacy of Sound Doctrine**, emphasizing that the health and vitality of the church are directly tied to the purity and truthfulness of its teaching. This contrasts sharply with the "sickly" or "unhealthy" doctrines that Paul warns against, such as those leading to godless chatter and endless genealogies ([1 Timothy 1:4](/1_timothy/1-4 "1 Timothy 1:4 - Avoid Myths and Genealogies")). Another key theme is **Pastoral Responsibility**, highlighting the leader's non-negotiable duty to faithfully proclaim and defend the truth. Titus is not merely to manage, but to teach, and his teaching must be appropriate and fitting for the gospel. This leads to the theme of **Doctrine's Practical Outworking**, as "sound doctrine" is not abstract but has tangible implications for Christian living, shaping the character and conduct of believers, as elaborated in the rest of [Titus 2](/titus/2 "Titus 2 - Instructions for Christian Living").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **speak (Greek, _laléō_):** This verb signifies the act of uttering words or talking. In this context, it is a direct command to Titus, emphasizing the active and vocal proclamation of truth. It implies not just personal conviction but public declaration and instruction, a core function of pastoral ministry.
* **become (Greek, _prépō_):** This word means to be suitable, fitting, or proper. It suggests that the content of Titus's teaching must be appropriate and consistent with the very nature of "sound doctrine." It's not just about saying the right words, but about ensuring that the message is congruent with the character and demands of healthy Christian truth, leading to a life that is "comely" or fitting for believers.
* **sound (Greek, _hygiaínō_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be in health," this term is the source of our English word "hygiene." When applied to doctrine, it means teaching that is healthy, wholesome, robust, and promotes spiritual well-being. It stands in stark opposition to teaching that is corrupting, sickly, or spiritually debilitating, highlighting the life-giving nature of true Christian instruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But speak thou":** This phrase initiates a direct, emphatic command to Titus. The "But" (Greek: _dé_) serves as a strong adversative, setting up a contrast with the false teaching and ungodly behavior described in the previous chapter. Titus is personally tasked with the responsibility of verbalizing and disseminating the truth.
* **"the things which become":** This clause emphasizes the qualitative nature of Titus's teaching. It's not just any teaching, but that which is appropriate, fitting, and consistent with the inherent character of true doctrine. This implies that the content and the manner of teaching must both align with the truth.
* **"sound doctrine":** This is the core subject of Titus's proclamation. "Sound" (Greek: _hygiaínō_) implies health, vitality, and wholeness, while "doctrine" (Greek: _didaskalía_) refers to instruction or teaching. Together, they describe teaching that is spiritually healthy, life-giving, and conducive to the spiritual well-being and growth of believers, providing a robust foundation against error.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Contrast** as a primary literary device, immediately signaled by the opening "But." This sharply distinguishes Titus's mandated teaching from the destructive influence of the false teachers detailed in [Titus 1](/titus/1 "Titus 1 - Qualifications for Elders and Rebuke of False Teachers"). The phrase "sound doctrine" itself functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, comparing spiritual teaching to physical health. Just as a body requires healthy food and practices to thrive, so too does the spiritual life require "sound" or healthy doctrine to flourish and resist disease. This metaphor extends throughout the Pastoral Epistles, where Paul frequently uses medical imagery to describe the effects of true versus false teaching. The direct imperative "speak thou" employs **Direct Address** and **Command**, underscoring the authority of Paul's instruction and the urgency of Titus's mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Titus 2:1 underscores the profound theological truth that Christian teaching is not merely intellectual information but a living, dynamic force that shapes character and conduct. It establishes a direct link between the purity of doctrine and the health of the church, asserting that what is believed intrinsically impacts how one lives. Sound doctrine is presented as essential for spiritual vitality, moral integrity, and the church's witness in the world, serving as the antidote to spiritual sickness and moral decay. This verse highlights God's concern for truth and holiness within His people, emphasizing that the gospel is not just a message to be heard but a truth to be embodied.

* [1 Timothy 4:16](/1_timothy/4-16 "1 Timothy 4:16 - Watch Your Doctrine")
* [2 Timothy 4:2-4](/2_timothy/4-2-4 "2 Timothy 4:2-4 - Preach the Word")
* [Romans 6:17-18](/romans/6-17-18 "Romans 6:17-18 - Obedience from the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Titus 2:1 provides a timeless directive for all who are called to teach or lead in the church, and indeed for every believer. It challenges us to consider the quality and impact of the doctrine we embrace and disseminate. Is our teaching truly "sound"—healthy, life-giving, and productive of godliness? This verse calls for a commitment to theological integrity, ensuring that our understanding and communication of God's truth are robust, uncompromised, and directly applicable to living a life that honors Christ. For leaders, it is a solemn charge to guard the deposit of faith, speaking courageously and consistently what aligns with the wholesome truth of the Gospel. For all believers, it encourages discernment, urging us to seek out and cling to teaching that fosters spiritual health and enables us to live in a manner that "becomes" or is fitting for those who bear the name of Christ, reflecting His character and values in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "sound doctrine" challenge my understanding of what Christian teaching should be?**
* **In what ways might my personal beliefs or the teaching I consume be "unhealthy" or inconsistent with biblical truth?**
* **How can I ensure that my life "becomes" or is a fitting reflection of the sound doctrine I claim to believe?**

### FAQ

**What is "sound doctrine" and why is it so important?**

Answer: "Sound doctrine" (Greek: _hygiaínousa didaskalía_) refers to teaching that is healthy, wholesome, and spiritually nourishing. It's crucial because, just as a healthy diet is vital for physical well-being, sound doctrine is essential for spiritual health and growth. It provides the true framework for understanding God, humanity, sin, and salvation, guiding believers into right living and protecting them from spiritual error and moral decay. Paul consistently emphasizes its importance throughout his letters, for example, warning against those who deviate from it in [1 Timothy 1:10](/1_timothy/1-10 "1 Timothy 1:10 - Law for the Lawless").

**How does Titus 2:1 relate to the broader context of the letter to Titus?**

Answer: [Titus 2:1](/titus/2-1 "Titus 2:1 - The Mandate for Sound Doctrine") serves as a pivotal transition. Chapter 1 details the qualifications for elders and sharply critiques the destructive influence of false teachers in Crete ([Titus 1:10-16](/titus/1-10-16 "Titus 1:10-16 - False Teachers Exposed")). Titus 2:1 then introduces the positive counter-measure: Titus's mandate to speak and teach truth that is fundamentally different—healthy and fitting. The rest of [Titus 2](/titus/2 "Titus 2 - Instructions for Christian Living") then unpacks what this sound doctrine looks like in practical terms for various groups within the church, demonstrating that true doctrine always leads to godly living.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Titus 2:1, with its emphasis on "sound doctrine," finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the very **Word made flesh** ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the living truth who perfectly revealed the Father. His teaching was not merely intellectually coherent but profoundly "sound"—it brought healing, liberation, and eternal life, contrasting sharply with the empty traditions of men ([Mark 7:8](/mark/7-8 "Mark 7:8 - Human Traditions")). Christ's life and ministry perfectly "became" the doctrine He proclaimed, demonstrating the seamless unity between truth and righteous living. As believers, we are called to speak and live out the "sound doctrine" that centers on Him—His atoning sacrifice, His resurrection, and His Lordship—which is the power of God for salvation ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). The healthy teaching Paul commands Titus to uphold is ultimately the **Gospel of Jesus Christ**, which transforms lives and produces a people zealous for good works, reflecting the character of their Redeemer ([Titus 2:11-14](/titus/2-11-14 "Titus 2:11-14 - The Grace of God Brings Salvation")).

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 Timothy 1:13

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 6:3

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

Titus 2:11

¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 1:9

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Titus 3:8

[This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

1 Timothy 1:10

For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;