Devine Scripture

Titus 1:8

What does Titus 1:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Titus 1:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Titus 1:8 means

Paul now describes the positive traits that should mark an overseer: hospitable, welcoming others into his life and home; a lover of what is good, drawn to virtue rather than scandal; sober-minded, balanced and steady; just, treating people fairly; holy, set apart to God; self-controlled, mastering desires rather than being mastered by them. This composite picture is of a man whose life adorns the gospel. Such qualities foster trust, promote peace, and create space for ministry to flourish. The leader’s presence should be a doorway to God’s goodness, not a barrier. In a culture known for excess and deception, these virtues are both a witness and a safeguard.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but given to hospitality, a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but given to hospitality, a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But opening his house freely to guests; a lover of what is good, serious-minded, upright, holy, self-controlled;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but a lover of strangers, a lover of good men, sober-minded, righteous, kind, self-controlled,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But given to hospitality, gentle, sober, just, holy, continent:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but hospitable, a lover of goodness, discreet, just, pious, temperate,

Context

Following the vices to avoid (v. 7), this verse supplies the virtues to pursue. The movement from negatives to positives rounds out the portrait of a qualified elder before Paul addresses doctrinal fidelity and polemical ability (v. 9). This balanced character profile is essential groundwork for confronting the false teachers described in the next section (vv. 10–16).

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;

v.8This passage

v.9holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict the gainsayers.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Amos 5:15

    Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish justice in the gate: it may be that Jehovah, the God of hosts, will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.

  • 1 Kings 5:7

    And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be Jehovah this day, who hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:10

    Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and righteously and unblamably we behaved ourselves toward you that believe:

  • 1 Timothy 6:11

    But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

  • 1 John 5:1

    Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is begotten of God: and whosoever loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

  • 1 Timothy 3:2

    The bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

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