Titus 2:5

[To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

To be discreet {G4998}, chaste {G53}, keepers at home {G3626}, good {G18}, obedient {G5293} to their own {G2398} husbands {G435}, that {G3363} the word {G3056} of God {G2316} be {G987} not {G3363} blasphemed {G987}.

to be self-controlled and pure, to take good care of their homes and submit to their husbands. In this way, God’s message will not be brought into disgrace.

to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.

to be sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed:

Titus 2:5 is part of the Apostle Paul's instructions to Titus, his protégé on the island of Crete, regarding the organization and conduct within the early Christian church. Specifically, this verse outlines the virtues that younger women are to be taught by older, godly women, as described in Titus 2:3-4. These instructions are not merely societal norms but are deeply rooted in the desire for the Christian community to reflect God's character and for the Gospel message to be honored.

Key Virtues and Their Significance

The verse lists several crucial qualities for younger women, each contributing to a life that adorns the Gospel:

  • Discreet (Greek: sophronas): This term signifies being sound-minded, self-controlled, sensible, and prudent. It speaks to a wise and thoughtful approach to life, avoiding rash decisions or impulsive behavior. A discreet person exercises good judgment and moderation in all things.
  • Chaste (Greek: hagnas): Meaning pure, morally clean, and holy. This purity extends beyond sexual conduct to encompass thoughts, intentions, and overall lifestyle. It emphasizes a devotion to God that results in integrity and blamelessness.
  • Keepers at Home (Greek: oikourous): This phrase literally means 'caretakers of the house' or 'managers of the home.' It highlights the significant role of managing the household, creating a nurturing environment, and stewarding family resources. This does not imply confinement but emphasizes prioritizing the well-being and order of the home as a vital foundation for family and society.
  • Good (Greek: agathas): Signifying morally excellent, virtuous, and benevolent. This quality denotes an active goodness that seeks to do what is right and beneficial, demonstrating kindness and integrity in all interactions.
  • Obedient to Their Own Husbands (Greek: hypotassomenas): The term hypotassomenas implies a willing submission or arrangement under. In the biblical context of marriage, this is not about inferiority but about recognizing and respecting the husband's headship within the household, often seen as a reflection of Christ's headship over the Church. This principle of respectful order is also seen in other Pauline epistles, such as Ephesians 5:22-24 and Colossians 3:18.

The Ultimate Purpose: Protecting the Word of God

The culminating reason for these virtues is given: "that the word of God be not blasphemed." The conduct of believers, particularly in their daily lives and within their families, serves as a powerful testimony to the truth and transforming power of the Gospel. If Christians live lives contrary to the teachings they profess, it can bring disrepute and scorn upon the Word of God itself. Conversely, lives that exemplify these virtues honor God and make the Gospel attractive to those outside the faith. This concern for the reputation of God's Word is a recurring theme in Paul's writings, as seen in Romans 2:24 and 1 Timothy 6:1.

Practical Application for Today

While written in a specific cultural context, the principles in Titus 2:5 remain timeless for Christian women. They speak to the importance of character, the sanctity of the home, and the profound impact personal conduct has on the witness of the Church. These virtues encourage a life of integrity, self-control, and purposeful engagement in one's sphere of influence, ultimately aiming to glorify God and commend the truth of His Word to a watching world.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 31:10

    ¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies.

  • Proverbs 31:31

    Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

  • Colossians 3:18

    ¶ Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

  • 1 Timothy 5:10

    Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

  • 1 Peter 3:1

    ¶ Likewise, ye wives, [be] in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

  • 1 Peter 3:5

    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 5:13

    And withal they learn [to be] idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back