Titus 2:3

The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

The aged women {G4247} likewise {G5615}, that they be in {G1722} behaviour {G2688} as becometh holiness {G2412}, not {G3361} false accusers {G1228}, not {G3361} given {G1402} to much {G4183} wine {G3631}, teachers of good things {G2567};

Likewise, tell the older women to behave the way people leading a holy life should. They shouldn’t be slanderers or slaves to excessive drinking. They should teach what is good,

Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good.

that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;

Commentary

Commentary on Titus 2:3 (KJV)

Titus 2:3 is part of the Apostle Paul's detailed instructions to Titus, his apostolic delegate on the island of Crete. In this chapter, Paul outlines the practical outworking of "sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1) within various groups of the church. After addressing older men in Titus 2:2, Paul turns his attention to the specific conduct and role of older women, highlighting their crucial influence within the Christian community.

Key Themes

  • Holiness in Conduct: The phrase "in behaviour as becometh holiness" emphasizes that the outward deportment and lifestyle of older women should reflect their inner devotion and reverence for God. Their actions, speech, and overall demeanor are to be consistent with a life consecrated to Christ.
  • Integrity of Speech: "Not false accusers" directly addresses the destructive sin of slander and gossip. In ancient societies, as today, verbal attacks could ruin reputations. Paul's directive warns against using the tongue to spread falsehoods or divisive speech, promoting instead truthful and edifying communication.
  • Self-Control and Temperance: "Not given to much wine" calls for sobriety and moderation. This isn't just about avoiding drunkenness, but about not being enslaved or controlled by any substance or habit. It speaks to a disciplined and temperate lifestyle, essential for spiritual maturity.
  • Mentorship and Discipleship: The culminating instruction, "teachers of good things," is perhaps the most significant. It positions older women as vital mentors within the church. They are to instruct, model, and guide younger women (as elaborated in Titus 2:4-5) in practical godliness, family management, and Christian virtues. This role is not necessarily formal teaching from a pulpit, but rather a profound influence through example and personal instruction.

Linguistic Insights

  • "behaviour as becometh holiness": The Greek phrase is katastema hieroprepeis (καταστήματι ἱεροπρεπεῖς). Katastema refers to outward demeanor, deportment, or bearing, while hieroprepeis means "reverent," "fitting for sacred persons," or "becoming to a holy place." It conveys a dignified, sacred composure.
  • "false accusers": The Greek word used here is diabolos (διάβολος), which is the same word used for Satan, the "slanderer" or "accuser." This highlights the serious and destructive nature of slander, linking it to the very character of the adversary.
  • "given to much wine": The Greek implies being "enslaved" or "addicted" to much wine (douloō oinō pollō). It's not just about occasional consumption but about a habitual excess that demonstrates a lack of self-control.
  • "teachers of good things": The Greek is kalodidaskalous (καλοδιδασκάλους), literally "teachers of what is good" or "teachers of beautiful/noble things." This emphasizes the moral and virtuous nature of the instruction they are to impart.

Practical Application

Titus 2:3 offers timeless principles for Christian women, particularly those with more life experience. It underscores the importance of a consistent Christian witness in all aspects of life – speech, habits, and conduct. Older women are called to be beacons of spiritual maturity, demonstrating holiness not just in private devotion but in their public interactions. Their role as "teachers of good things" is vital for the health and continuity of the church, as they pass on wisdom, virtue, and practical godliness to the next generation of women. This principle of intergenerational mentorship is crucial for building a strong, vibrant Christian community and reflects the broader call to holiness found throughout Scripture, such as in 1 Peter 1:15-16.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Titus 2:4 (23 votes)

    That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

  • 1 Timothy 3:11 (23 votes)

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

  • 1 Peter 3:3 (12 votes)

    Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

  • 1 Peter 3:5 (12 votes)

    For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

  • 1 Timothy 2:9 (10 votes)

    ¶ In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

  • 1 Timothy 2:10 (10 votes)

    But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

  • Titus 1:7 (6 votes)

    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;