Titus 2:4-5
and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The Greek word used here, "train," carries a deeper meaning than simply teaching; it implies a gentle but firm process of discipline and guiding towards sanity and self-control. This isn't just about imparting knowledge, but about shaping character, so young women learn to be "husband-lovers" and "children-lovers" in a profoundly active and healthy way.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to teach different groups within the church, starting with older men and women, and now moving to younger women. This section emphasizes practical godliness and the importance of healthy home life, contrasting with the deceptive teachings prevalent in Crete. The instruction for older women to train the younger ones stems from the need for foundational, wholesome conduct that reflects well on the Christian faith.
Ever feel like life's just a series of tasks? This verse offers a different perspective. It’s not just about doing things, but about a deeper kind of formation.
The Greek word translated as 'train' here, sophronizo, is powerful. It means more than just teaching; it implies bringing someone to their senses, to a state of sound-mindedness, moderation, and self-control. It's about instilling a wise and disciplined perspective. This isn't about rote memorization of rules, but about shaping character from the inside out. Think of it as a wise mentor helping a younger person navigate life with greater clarity and purpose, moving them away from immaturity or recklessness towards thoughtful, godly living.
We often think of love as a feeling, but here it's presented as a core duty, especially within the home. What does that really mean?
The verse highlights two specific loves: 'to love their husbands and children.' The original Greek uses words that literally mean 'husband-lovers' and 'children-lovers.' This isn't just a passive affection; it's an active, devoted love that forms the bedrock of a godly household. It's about cherishing and prioritizing these relationships. In a culture that could easily lead young women astray with fleeting excitements or fables, Paul redirects their focus to the vital, often challenging, work of nurturing their families. This love isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential for a stable, flourishing life and for the gospel's reputation.
Understand the original words
sōphronizō · Greek Verb
To instruct, encourage, or urge someone into a specific way of life, often implying the passing on of wisdom or habits from an experienced mentor to one who is learning.
hagnos · Greek Adjective
Morally clean, free from defilement, and sincere. It describes a heart and life set apart from worldly corruption, characterized by integrity and untainted devotion to God.
hypotassō · Greek Adjective/Participle
A voluntary and godly alignment under the authority of another as an act of obedience to God. In marriage, it represents a supportive, cooperative role that mirrors the Church’s relationship to Christ.
blasphēmeō · Greek Verb
This passage lays the foundation for marriage, stating that a man shall leave his parents and hold fast to his wife, highlighting the foundational bond and commitment that Titus 2:4 expands upon by emphasizing a wife's love for her husband.
Proverbs 31:10-31The description of the excellent wife in Proverbs 31 provides a comprehensive picture of a woman who embodies many of the qualities Paul encourages here, particularly in her devotion to her household and her capable management of her home, which is rooted in love and wisdom.
Ephesians 5:22-24This passage directly instructs wives to submit to their own husbands as to the Lord, which complements the instruction in Titus to love their husbands by outlining a specific way this love is to be expressed within the marital relationship.
1 Timothy 5:14Paul here advises younger widows to marry and manage their households, aligning with the Titus passage's emphasis on the importance of domestic duties and love within the family structure, showing it's a consistent theme in his teaching.
vincentTitus 2:4: "That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,"
They may teach (σωφρονίζωσι)Better, school or train. N.T.o. olxx. The verb means to make sane or sober-minded; to recall a person to his senses; hence, to moderate, chasten, discipline.To love their husbands, to love their children (φιλάνδρους εἶναι, φιλοτέκνους)Lit. to be husband-lovers, children-lovers. Both adjectives N.T.o. olxx. Φίλανδρος in Class. not in this sense, but lovi…
calvinTitus 2:1-5: "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:"
- But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine He points out the remedy for driving away fables, namely, that Titus should devote himself to edification. He gives the appellation of sound doctrine to that which may instruct men to godliness; for all trifles vanish away, when that which is solid is taught. When he enjoins him to speak those things which agree with "sound doctrine," it is as if he had said, that Titus…
The Greek word used here, "train," carries a deeper meaning than simply teaching; it implies a gentle but firm process of discipline and guiding towards sanity and self-control. This isn't just about imparting knowledge, but about shaping character, so young women learn to be "husband-lovers" and "children-lovers" in a profoundly active and healthy way.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to teach different groups within the church, starting with older men and women, and now moving to younger women. This section emphasizes practical godliness and the importance of healthy home life, contrasting with the deceptive teachings prevalent in Crete. The instruction for older women to train the younger ones stems from the need for foundational, wholesome conduct that reflects well on the Christian faith.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to teach different groups within the church, starting with older men and women, and now moving to younger women. This section emphasizes practical godliness and the importance of healthy home life, contrasting with the deceptive teachings prevalent in Crete. The instruction for older women to train the younger ones stems from the need for foundational, wholesome conduct that reflects well on the Christian faith.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Titus 2:4-5 is available in the Sola app.
To blaspheme, insult, or bring into disrepute. It refers to speaking in a way that insults the truth of the Gospel, usually through a life that contradicts the message one claims to believe.
"and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled." — The Greek word used here, "train," carries a deeper meaning than simply teaching; it implies a gentle but firm process of discipline and guiding towards sanity and self-control. This isn't just about…
