Titus 2:1

¶ But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

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

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

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

But speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine:

Commentary

Titus 2:1 serves as a direct instruction from the Apostle Paul to his protégé Titus, who was overseeing the churches on the island of Crete. Following a description of the disruptive and corrupting influence of false teachers in the previous chapter, this verse pivots to emphasize the positive duty of teaching the truth.

Context

Chapter 1 of Titus details the qualifications for elders and sharply critiques the behavior and teaching of false teachers who were causing problems among the believers in Crete (Titus 1:10-16). Against this backdrop of error and unwholesome teaching, Titus 2:1 begins with "But," signaling a contrast. Titus is to speak and teach something fundamentally different – not empty talk or deceit, but "the things which become sound doctrine." His teaching must be the antidote to the spiritual sickness being spread by others.

Key Themes

  • The Mandate to Teach: Paul directly commands Titus ("speak thou"), highlighting the essential role of teaching in pastoral leadership.
  • The Nature of Sound Doctrine: The core concept is "sound doctrine." The Greek word translated "sound" is hygiainō, related to our word "hygiene." It means healthy, wholesome, and vital. Sound doctrine is teaching that is spiritually healthy, life-giving, and promotes spiritual well-being, in stark contrast to the corrupting influence of false teaching.
  • Doctrine's Practical Outworking: The phrase "the things which become" indicates that the teaching must be appropriate and fitting for sound doctrine. This implies that true doctrine is not merely theoretical but has practical implications for how believers should live. The teaching should lead to a life that is consistent with the truth of the gospel.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sound doctrine" (Greek: hygiainousē didaskalia) is significant. As mentioned, hygiainō means 'to be in good health.' When applied to doctrine (didaskalia - teaching), it means teaching that is healthy, robust, and promotes spiritual vitality. It contrasts sharply with the "unhealthy" or "sickly" doctrines (often translated as "fables" or "commandments of men") mentioned elsewhere by Paul (e.g., 1 Timothy 1:10).

Reflection

Titus 2:1 reminds us that Christian teaching must be rooted in truth and promote spiritual health. For church leaders, it is a call to faithfully proclaim the Word of God, ensuring their message is sound and life-giving. For all believers, it underscores the importance of discerning teaching and seeking instruction that aligns with the truth of the Bible and leads to a life that "becomes" or is fitting for those who follow Christ.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 1:13 (12 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • Titus 2:14 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    [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 (4 votes)

    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;