Titus 1:6
What does Titus 1:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 1:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 1:6 means
The first qualifications focus on home life and reputation. “Blameless” means having no chargeable scandal—an integrity recognizable by outsiders. “Husband of one wife” speaks to marital faithfulness and sexual purity, not polygamy or flirtation. His children are to be believers and not known for wildness or defiance; the leader’s home should display the fruit of wise, loving authority and gospel influence. Church leadership begins where a man is best known—at home. If the gospel has not shaped his closest relationships, it should not be entrusted with broader oversight. Character proven in private life qualifies a man to care for God’s public household.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly.
KJV
King James Version · 1611If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Men having a good record, husbands of one wife, whose children are of the faith, children of whom it may not be said that they are given to loose living or are uncontrolled.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862if any one is blameless, of one wife a husband, having children stedfast, not under accusation of riotous living or insubordinate--
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If any be without crime, the husband of one wife. having faithful children, not accused of riot or unruly.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890if any one be free from all charge [against him], husband of one wife, having believing children not accused of excess or unruly.
Context
This verse begins the list of elder qualifications introduced in verse 5. Starting with the family emphasizes that pastoral fitness is measured in everyday relationships, not merely public gifts. The subsequent verses (vv. 7–8) move from family to personal character, and then to doctrinal commitment and competency (v. 9). The order underscores that life and teaching belong together.
v.5For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge;
v.6This passage
v.7For the bishop must be blameless, as God’s steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Leviticus 21:14
A widow, or one divorced, or a profane woman, a harlot, these shall he not take: but a virgin of his own people shall he take to wife.
- Ephesians 5:18
And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit;
- 1 Samuel 2:22
Now Eli was very old; and he heard all that his sons did unto all Israel, and how that they lay with the women that did service at the door of the tent of meeting.
- Genesis 18:19
For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Jehovah may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
- 1 Samuel 2:11
And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto Jehovah before Eli the priest.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all.
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