Titus 2:2

KJV

That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

KJV (with Strong's)

That the aged men {G4246} be {G1511} sober {G3524}, grave {G4586}, temperate {G4998}, sound {G5198} in faith {G4102}, in charity {G26}, in patience {G5281}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Tell the older men to be serious, sensible, self-controlled and sound in their trust, love and perseverance.

Berean Standard Bible

Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance.

American Standard Version

that aged men be temperate, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Titus 2:2 provides a concise yet profound blueprint for the character and conduct expected of older men within the Christian community. As part of Paul's instructions to Titus on establishing godly order and sound doctrine in the Cretan churches, this verse underscores the necessity for spiritual maturity, self-control, and steadfastness in faith, love, and endurance, setting a vital example for all generations and bolstering the church's witness in a challenging cultural milieu.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Titus 2:2 is an integral part of Paul's comprehensive instructions to Titus, his apostolic delegate on the island of Crete, concerning the proper conduct and teaching within the nascent Christian communities. Following an emphasis on sound doctrine in [Titus 2:1](/titus/2-1 "Titus 2:1 - Sound Doctrine"), Paul systematically addresses various demographic groups within the church, beginning with older men in this verse. This structured approach, which continues with older women ([Titus 2:3-5](/titus/2-3-5 "Titus 2:3-5 - Instructions for Older Women")), younger women ([Titus 2:4-5](/titus/2-4-5 "Titus 2:4-5 - Instructions for Younger Women")), younger men ([Titus 2:6-8](/titus/2-6-8 "Titus 2:6-8 - Instructions for Younger Men")), and bondservants ([Titus 2:9-10](/titus/2-9-10 "Titus 2:9-10 - Instructions for Bondservants")), highlights Paul's concern for holistic spiritual health and practical godliness that flows from correct belief. The virtues prescribed for older men serve as a foundational standard, as their example would significantly influence the younger generations and the overall integrity of the church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The island of Crete, where Titus was ministering, was notorious for its moral laxity and cultural challenges. Paul himself quotes a Cretan prophet in [Titus 1:12](/titus/1-12 "Titus 1:12 - Cretans are Liars") who described Cretans as "always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." This reputation underscores the urgent need for strong, exemplary Christian leadership and character within the churches to counteract the prevailing pagan influences and false teachings that threatened to infiltrate the community. The early church was a counter-cultural movement, and the conduct of its members, especially its elders, was crucial for its credibility and evangelistic impact. In a society where age often conferred respect, the godly character of older men would provide a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel and serve as a bulwark against the ungodliness rampant in Cretan society.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Epistle to Titus. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **sound doctrine** (ὑγιαίνουσα διδασκαλία), introduced in [Titus 1:9](/titus/1-9 "Titus 1:9 - Holding Firm to Sound Doctrine") and reiterated in [Titus 2:1](/titus/2-1 "Titus 2:1 - Sound Doctrine"). The virtues listed for older men are not merely ethical guidelines but are presented as the practical outworking of a robust and healthy faith. Secondly, the passage emphasizes **godly living** as a necessary complement to sound teaching, demonstrating that true faith produces tangible transformation in character. This is particularly vital in a context where false teachers were promoting empty rhetoric and ungodly lifestyles. Thirdly, the verse highlights **intergenerational discipleship** and the importance of older believers modeling maturity for younger ones, a theme explicitly developed in the subsequent verses of [Titus 2](/titus/2 "Titus 2 - Sound Doctrine and Godly Living"). Finally, the passage underscores the theme of **the church's witness** to the outside world, as the exemplary conduct of believers, especially its leaders, would either commend or discredit the Gospel message.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **aged men (Greek, _presbýtēs'_):** This term refers specifically to an "old man" or an "elderly person." In the context of the early church, it denoted not just chronological age but often implied a position of respect, experience, and spiritual maturity, though not necessarily an ordained office in every instance. The instruction is directed towards those who, by virtue of their years, were expected to embody wisdom and stability.
* **temperate (Greek, _sṓphrōn'_):** Derived from roots meaning "safe" or "sound" and "mind," this word signifies being "sound in mind" or "self-controlled." It implies discretion, prudence, and a balanced judgment, particularly in matters of opinion or passion. It's a comprehensive term for mental and moral sobriety, indicating a well-ordered inner life that results in sensible and restrained behavior.
* **sound (Greek, _hygiaínō'_):** This verb literally means "to have sound health" or "to be well in body," from which we derive the English word "hygiene." Figuratively, as used here, it means "to be uncorrupt" or "true in doctrine." When applied to faith, charity, and patience, it conveys the idea that these virtues should be robust, healthy, vigorous, and free from any spiritual illness or corruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That the aged men be sober,"**: This opening phrase sets the tone, calling older men to a state of clear-headedness and vigilance. "Sober" (nēpháleos) implies not only abstinence from intoxicating drink but, more broadly, a circumspect and watchful disposition in all areas of life, free from mental cloudiness or spiritual stupor. It speaks to a serious and thoughtful approach to living, reflecting spiritual alertness.
* **"grave, temperate,"**: These two qualities expand on the theme of inner composure and outward dignity. "Grave" (semnós) means venerable, honorable, or worthy of respect, suggesting a dignified demeanor that commands esteem. "Temperate" (sṓphrōn) emphasizes self-control, discretion, and sound judgment in thought and action, indicating a balanced and sensible mind free from impulsive or excessive behavior. Together, they describe a character marked by dignity and self-mastery.
* **"sound in faith, in charity, in patience."**: This final tripartite clause shifts focus to the spiritual health of the older men, specifying the areas in which their "soundness" (hygiaínō) must be evident. Their "faith" (pístis) must be robust and uncorrupted, referring to both their personal trust in God and their adherence to Christian doctrine. Their "charity" (agápē), or unconditional, self-sacrificial love, must be healthy and active, demonstrating genuine affection for God and others. Finally, their "patience" (hypomonḗ), or cheerful endurance, must be strong and unwavering, enabling them to persevere through trials and difficulties with steadfastness and hope. These three virtues represent the core of a thriving spiritual life.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Enumeration** in Titus 2:2, presenting a concise list of six distinct virtues expected of older men. This cataloging serves to clearly define the desired character traits, making the instruction direct and memorable. The structure also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, first listing qualities related to general character and self-control ("sober, grave, temperate"), and then moving to the foundational spiritual virtues ("sound in faith, in charity, in patience"). This progression highlights that outward conduct flows from inward spiritual health. The overall tone is **Didactic** and **Exhortative**, as Paul is instructing Titus to teach these principles, underscoring the importance of these virtues for the integrity and witness of the church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The virtues outlined in Titus 2:2 are not merely a list of admirable human qualities but are deeply rooted in biblical theology, reflecting the character of God and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in believers. The call for older men to be "sound in faith, in charity, in patience" underscores the New Testament emphasis on spiritual maturity as a holistic development of character, not just intellectual assent to doctrine. These qualities are essential for effective spiritual leadership and for providing a credible witness to the Gospel. They demonstrate that true Christian living is marked by both internal soundness and external integrity, reflecting God's own attributes of steadfastness, love, and faithfulness. The expectation for older men to embody these virtues highlights their crucial role as pillars of wisdom and examples of perseverance for the entire community, ensuring the transmission of sound doctrine and godly living to successive generations.

* [Proverbs 16:31](/proverbs/16-31 "Proverbs 16:31 - Gray Hair a Crown of Glory")
* [1 Timothy 3:2](/1_timothy/3-2 "1 Timothy 3:2 - Qualifications for Overseers")
* [2 Peter 1:5-7](/2_peter/1-5-7 "2 Peter 1:5-7 - Adding to Your Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Titus 2:2 offers a profound challenge and a guiding light for all believers, not just "aged men." While specifically addressed to older men, the virtues of sobriety, gravity, temperance, and soundness in faith, charity, and patience are aspirational for every Christian seeking to live a life pleasing to God and effective for His kingdom. This verse calls us to a lifelong pursuit of character development, recognizing that spiritual maturity is a continuous process of growth in grace and knowledge. It encourages us to cultivate self-control in an age of excess, to maintain dignity and integrity in a world that often lacks it, and to remain steadfast in our core Christian commitments—faith in Christ, love for God and neighbor, and patient endurance through life's trials. Embracing these virtues allows us to become living epistles, reflecting Christ's character and providing a compelling witness to the transformative power of the Gospel in our homes, churches, and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to cultivate greater "sobriety" or clear-headedness?**
* **How can you demonstrate "gravity" or a dignified, respectable demeanor in your daily interactions?**
* **Where might you need to exercise more "temperance" or self-control, particularly in your thoughts, words, or actions?**
* **How can you actively ensure your "faith," "charity" (love), and "patience" remain "sound" and healthy, rather than becoming weak or corrupted?**
* **What specific steps can you take this week to intentionally grow in one of the virtues mentioned in Titus 2:2?**

### FAQ
**Are these virtues only for older men, or do they apply to all believers?**

Answer: While Titus 2:2 specifically addresses "aged men," the virtues listed—sobriety, gravity, temperance, and soundness in faith, charity, and patience—are foundational qualities that the New Testament encourages for all believers, regardless of age or gender. Paul's subsequent instructions in [Titus 2:3-5](/titus/2-3-5 "Titus 2:3-5 - Instructions for Older Women") for older women and [Titus 2:6-8](/titus/2-6-8 "Titus 2:6-8 - Instructions for Younger Men") for younger men and women echo similar themes of self-control, godliness, and sound character. The specific emphasis on older men highlights their unique role as examples and mentors within the community, but the principles themselves are universally applicable for Christian maturity and witness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Titus 2:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person of Jesus Christ, who perfectly displayed every virtue listed. He was supremely "sober" and "temperate," always clear-headed and self-controlled, even in the face of immense pressure and temptation, as seen in His steadfastness in [Gethsemane](/matthew/26-36-46 "Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus in Gethsemane"). His life was marked by unparalleled "gravity" and dignity, commanding respect even from His adversaries, as He spoke with authority and grace ([John 7:46](/john/7-46 "John 7:46 - No one ever spoke like this man!")). More profoundly, Jesus is the very definition of "sound in faith," for He is the object and author of our faith, perfectly trusting the Father in all things ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). He is the epitome of "charity" (agápē), demonstrating unconditional, self-sacrificial love by laying down His life for His sheep ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). And His "patience" was boundless, enduring the cross for the joy set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")), and patiently bearing with His disciples' weaknesses. Believers are called to be conformed to the image of Christ ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")), and the virtues in Titus 2:2 are precisely the fruit that the Holy Spirit cultivates in us as we walk in Him ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, living out these qualities is not merely moralistic striving but a participation in the very character of our Lord, empowered by His grace.

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

Galatians 5:23

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

1 Peter 4:7

¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

1 Timothy 3:11

Even so [must their] wives [be] grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

1 Peter 5:8

¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

1 Timothy 3:2

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

Titus 1:13

This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

Proverbs 16:31

¶ The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness.