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)
The list of virtues here—being "working at home," "kind," and "submissive"—isn't just about personal piety; it's presented as a crucial defense against slander. The primary purpose is explicitly stated: so that "the word of God may not be reviled," meaning their godly conduct serves to protect the reputation of the Gospel itself.
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)
Paul is instructing Titus on how to teach various groups within the church, including older men, older women, and younger women. This verse specifically addresses the younger women, outlining the virtues and behaviors expected of them within their homes and families. The overarching goal is to ensure that their conduct reflects the truth of the Gospel and doesn't give unbelievers any reason to criticize or reject God's message.
The word for 'working at home' isn't just about being physically present. It's about a deep engagement with your household.
The Greek word used here, often translated as 'keepers at home' or 'workers at home,' describes someone who is actively involved in their household responsibilities. It's not about being a recluse, but about prioritizing the care and management of one's home. Think of it as a dedicated focus on the sphere God has given you, bringing order, peace, and sustenance to your family. This involves diligence in domestic duties, creating a nurturing environment, and finding contentment in the foundational work of home-making. It stands in contrast to idleness, busy-bodiness, or neglecting one's own family for the affairs of others.
The way we live our daily lives, especially within our homes, has a profound impact on how others perceive God's Word.
Paul links the specific character qualities he lists – self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, submissive – to a crucial outcome: 'that the word of God may not be reviled.' This means our conduct isn't just a personal matter; it's a testimony. When our lives, particularly in the intimate sphere of the family, reflect the grace and order of God, it brings honor to the Gospel. Conversely, when our actions contradict our profession, it gives detractors ammunition to criticize Christianity itself. It's a powerful reminder that faithful living in the 'small' things – our character, our home life, our relationships – has significant evangelistic implications.
Understand the original words
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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
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.
The instructions in Titus 2:5 were given in a context where Christian households were often under scrutiny by both believers and non-believers. The Apostle Paul emphasizes domestic virtues not just for the good of the family, but as a critical witness to the integrity of the Christian faith itself.
c. AD 62-67— this verse
Paul Writes to Titus
While imprisoned or on a missionary journey, Paul writes to Titus, who is ministering in Crete. The letter offers guidance on establishing order and sound doctrine within the local churches.
c. 1st Century AD
Social Norms in the Roman Empire
Greco-Roman society often placed women in specific domestic roles, with expectations for modesty and household management. These cultural norms influenced the practical application of Christian teachings.
c. 1st Century AD
Household Codes in the New Testament
Various New Testament letters, including Titus, Ephesians, and Colossians, address the conduct of household members, including wives, husbands, children, and slaves, within the Christian community.
c. 1st Century AD
Challenges of Mixed Marriages
In many communities, Christian wives were married to non-Christian husbands. This created unique challenges for maintaining Christian conduct and avoiding reproach to the faith.
This passage mirrors the instruction for wives to be submissive to their husbands, emphasizing that their gentle and quiet spirit can win over unbelieving spouses, which directly relates to not letting the Word of God be reviled.
Proverbs 31:10-31The description of the 'excellent wife' in Proverbs offers a detailed picture of a capable and virtuous woman who manages her household well, works diligently, and speaks with wisdom, aligning with the virtues Titus 2:5 encourages and demonstrating how such character brings praise.
Matthew 5:16Jesus' teaching to 'let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven' directly parallels the Titus passage's concern that the conduct of believers should not cause the Word of God to be spoken of evil.
1 Timothy 5:14This verse advises younger widows to 'marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the enemy no occasion for slander,' which echoes the emphasis on home management and conduct that avoids bringing reproach upon the faith.
cambridgeTitus 2:5: "To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."
5 . to be discreet, chaste ] The ‘expulsive power of the new affection’ for husband and for child would lead them on best to be wholly pure (note above on Titus 2:2 and on 1 Timothy 3:2 ) in mind and spirit, and chaste in look, and word, and act. keepers at home ] Rather, we should read with R.V. workers at home , following ms. authority though with no support from…
ellicottTitus 2:5: "To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."
(5) To be discreet. —See Note in Titus 2:2 of this chapter. Chaste.—Not only in act, but also in look, in speech, in thought, even in dress. Keepers at home.—The older authorities here, instead of “keepers at home” (domum custodientes, domus curam habentes), read workers at home; the Greek word is not found elsewhere. The sense of the passage is, however, little ch…
The list of virtues here—being "working at home," "kind," and "submissive"—isn't just about personal piety; it's presented as a crucial defense against slander. The primary purpose is explicitly stated: so that "the word of God may not be reviled," meaning their godly conduct serves to protect the reputation of the Gospel itself.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to teach various groups within the church, including older men, older women, and younger women. This verse specifically addresses the younger women, outlining the virtues and behaviors expected of them within their homes and families. The overarching goal is to ensure that their conduct reflects the truth of the Gospel and doesn't give unbelievers any reason to criticize or reject God's message.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to teach various groups within the church, including older men, older women, and younger women. This verse specifically addresses the younger women, outlining the virtues and behaviors expected of them within their homes and families. The overarching goal is to ensure that their conduct reflects the truth of the Gospel and doesn't give unbelievers any reason to criticize or reject God's message.
"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 list of virtues here—being "working at home," "kind," and "submissive"—isn't just about personal piety; it's presented as a crucial defense against slander. The primary purpose is explicitly stat…
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Last reviewed October 2026