But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about teaching correct theology; it emphasizes teaching what fits or harmonizes with sound doctrine. The point is that true doctrine should naturally lead to a particular kind of life, and Titus's job was to make sure those two things were in sync.
But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul instructs Titus to actively teach the truths of the gospel, contrasting this with the harmful "fables and human commands" of false teachers prevalent on Crete. This charge isn't just about abstract theology; it's about ensuring that the core message of Christ leads to a life that honors God and reflects His truth in everyday living. The verses that follow detail how this "sound doctrine" should shape the behavior of different groups within the church community.
When we hear 'doctrine,' do we think of abstract theological ideas? Paul's instruction here reveals it's much more.
The word for 'sound doctrine' (hygiainousēs didaskalias) literally points to health. It's teaching that promotes spiritual wellness.
Wholesome and Life-Giving
Paul uses this term to contrast with the 'fables' and 'senseless talk' of false teachers. Sound doctrine isn't just correct information; it's teaching that is wholesome, life-giving, and restorative to the soul. It nourishes, heals, and strengthens believers.
The Outcome of Sound Doctrine
This healthy teaching leads to healthy living. It's not an end in itself but the foundation for a life that honors God. The practical instructions that follow in Titus 2 are the natural outflow of this sound doctrine.
Paul doesn't just tell Titus what to teach, but emphasizes the act of teaching itself. What does this tell us about the pastor's role?
The verb 'speak' (laleō) here is a strong imperative. It's not a suggestion but a direct command for Titus to actively and consistently communicate God's truth.
A Ministry of Utterance
Paul contrasts Titus's teaching with the 'vain talk' and 'fables' of false teachers. This highlights that faithful ministry requires a deliberate and bold proclamation of what is true and beneficial, rather than engaging with or ignoring error.
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Continuous and Fitting Instruction
'Speak the things which become sound doctrine' implies not only teaching the core truths but also demonstrating how those truths should shape every aspect of life. It means applying doctrine in a way that is fitting, appropriate, and edifying for the listeners.
Understand the original words
didaskalia · Greek Noun
The body of essential, truthful, and life-giving teachings derived from God's revelation. It refers to the healthy, life-sustaining message of the Gospel that promotes spiritual wholeness and godliness.
This verse isn't just a general call to good preaching; it's a specific instruction to Titus, embedded in a context of combating false teaching and establishing order within the church on the island of Crete.
c. AD 63-67— this verse
Paul writes to Titus
The Apostle Paul writes the letter to Titus, likely from Macedonia or Ephesus, entrusting him with the crucial task of organizing the church in Crete and appointing qualified leaders. This letter serves as a pastoral guide for Titus.
c. AD 62-66
False teachers in Crete
Crete is plagued by divisive, disruptive individuals who promote false teachings and deceptive myths. These teachers often focus on Jewish myths and legalistic rules, undermining genuine faith and godly living.
c. AD 62-66
Titus establishes church order
Titus, as Paul's representative, works to bring order to the scattered congregations in Crete. This includes appointing elders who hold to 'sound doctrine' and can counteract the influence of the false teachers.
c. AD 62-66
Exhortation to godly living
Following instructions on leadership and confronting false teachers, Paul directs Titus to teach various groups within the church—aged men, aged women, young women, young men, and slaves—how to live lives that align with true Christian doctrine.
This passage echoes Titus 2:1 by urging Timothy to 'keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching' and to 'persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers,' highlighting the vital link between sound doctrine and salvation.
2 Timothy 4:2Paul directly commands Timothy to 'preach the word; be ready in season and out of time; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching,' which parallels Titus's charge to 'teach what accords with sound doctrine' by emphasizing the active proclamation of God's truth.
1 Peter 4:11This verse speaks to the purpose of God's gifts, stating that if anyone speaks, 'he should do so as one who speaks oracles of God,' reinforcing the idea that teaching should align with divine truth, much like the 'sound doctrine' Titus is to teach.
Romans 12:6-7The concept of teaching 'what accords with sound doctrine' finds a parallel here, where different gifts are given for different functions within the body of Christ, implying that teaching should be exercised according to the specific, God-given understanding of His truth.
vincentTitus 2:1: "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:"
Speak thou (λάλει)See on Matthew 28:18; see on John 8:26.Become (πρέπει)Originally, to stand out; be conspicuous. Thus Homer, Od. viii. 172: μετὰ δὲ πρέπει ἀγρομένοισιν he is conspicuous among those who are assembled. Eurip. Hel. 215; Ζεὺς πρέπων δἰ αἰθερος Zeus shining clearly through the aether. Hence, to become conspicuously fit; to become; beseem. In N.T. in the impersonal forms πρέπον ἐστὶν it is becoming (Ma…
barnesTitus 2:1: "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:"
But speak thou - In thine own ministry. In the previous chapter he had given him instructions as to the kind of persons who were to be put into the sacred office. Here he gives him special instructions in regard to his own preaching. "The things which become sound doctrine." To wit, those which he proceeds immediately to specify. On the phrase sound doctrine, see the notes at 1 Timothy 1:10 ; compare 2 Timothy 4:3 .
This verse isn't just about teaching correct theology; it emphasizes teaching what fits or harmonizes with sound doctrine. The point is that true doctrine should naturally lead to a particular kind of life, and Titus's job was to make sure those two things were in sync.
Paul instructs Titus to actively teach the truths of the gospel, contrasting this with the harmful "fables and human commands" of false teachers prevalent on Crete. This charge isn't just about abstract theology; it's about ensuring that the core message of Christ leads to a life that honors God and reflects His truth in everyday living. The verses that follow detail how this "sound doctrine" should shape the behavior of different groups within the church community.
Paul instructs Titus to actively teach the truths of the gospel, contrasting this with the harmful "fables and human commands" of false teachers prevalent on Crete. This charge isn't just about abstract theology; it's about ensuring that the core message of Christ leads to a life that honors God and reflects His truth in everyday living. The verses that follow detail how this "sound doctrine" should shape the behavior of different groups within the church community.
"But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine." — This verse isn't just about teaching correct theology; it emphasizes teaching what fits or harmonizes with sound doctrine. The point is that true doctrine should naturally lead to a particular ki…
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Last reviewed October 2026