Titus 1:7
What does Titus 1:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 1:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 1:7 means
Here the overseer is called God’s steward—one entrusted to manage what belongs to Another. Because he answers to God, he must be above reproach. Paul lists vices that disqualify: self-will that insists on one’s own way, a quick temper that erupts under pressure, a brawler or striker who uses force to win, and greed that turns ministry into a means of gain. These warn against domineering, volatile, violent, and mercenary leadership styles. God’s flock needs shepherds who reflect the Master’s heart, not men ruled by impulse or appetite. Authority in the church is a trust, and trust requires restraint, humility, and freedom from love of money.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For the bishop must be blameless, as God’s steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;
KJV
King James Version · 1611For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For the bishop must be blameless, as God’s steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For it is necessary for a Bishop to be a man of virtue, as God's servant; not pushing himself forward, not quickly moved to wrath or blows, not desiring profit for himself;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for it behoveth the overseer to be blameless, as God's steward, not self-pleased, nor irascible, not given to wine, not a striker, not given to filthy lucre;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For a bishop must be without crime, as the steward of God: not proud, not subject to anger, nor given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For the overseer must be free from all charge [against him] asGod's steward; not headstrong, not passionate, not disorderly through wine, not a striker, not seeking gain by base means;
Context
Still developing qualifications, this verse shifts from family reputation (v. 6) to the leader’s inner posture and public manner. The negative traits guard the office from abusive leadership. The next verse (v. 8) will present the corresponding positive virtues. Together, they portray a steward whose character reflects the God he serves, preparing for the doctrinal steadiness required in verse 9.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 14:17
He that is soon angry will deal foolishly; And a man of wicked devices is hated.
- Ecclesiastes 7:9
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
- Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
- Ezekiel 44:21
Neither shall any of the priests drink wine, when they enter into the inner court.
- Isaiah 56:10
His watchmen are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber.
- Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.
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