Titus 2:3
What does Titus 2:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 2:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 2:3 means
Older women likewise are to carry themselves with reverence, living before God with worshipful seriousness. Their speech must avoid the poison of slander, and their habits must be free from bondage to much wine. Positively, they are to be teachers of what is good—models and mentors who pass on practical holiness. Their years and experience are not for idleness but for influence, shaping homes and the next generation. In a culture prone to loose talk and indulgence, such women demonstrate the beauty of self-control and wise counsel. Their godliness is not loud or showy, but steady and helpful, equipping others to walk faithfully in everyday life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;
KJV
King James Version · 1611The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949That old women are to be self-respecting in behaviour, not saying evil of others, not given to taking much wine, teachers of that which is good,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862aged women, in like manner, in deportment as doth become sacred persons, not false accusers, to much wine not enslaved, of good things teachers,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The aged women, in like manner, in holy attire, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teaching well:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890that the elder women in like manner be in deportment as becoming those who have to say to sacred things, not slanderers, not enslaved to much wine, teachers of what is right;
Context
Having set expectations for older men, Paul turns to older women, mirroring the call to dignified self-control. The focus here anticipates the next verses: these women will actively train younger women (verses 4–5). The list balances negatives to avoid and positives to pursue, showing how character becomes a channel of instruction. By ordering this way—older men, then older women—Paul lays a foundation of mature influence before moving to the more specific responsibilities of younger believers.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 5:12
For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food.
- Titus 1:7
For the bishop must be blameless, as God’s steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;
- Revelation 2:20
But I have this against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
- 1 Timothy 3:11
Women in like manner must be grave, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
- Romans 16:2
that ye receive her in the Lord, worthily of the saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever matter she may have need of you: for she herself also hath been a helper of many, and of mine own self.
- 1 Timothy 3:8
Deacons in like manner must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Titus 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Titus 2.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About the Grace of God
Understanding God's grace helps us grasp His unconditional love and our salvation through faith in Christ.
Topic
Bible Verses About Holy Living
Discover how to live a life set apart for God through His Word and by His grace, reflecting His character in all you do
Topic
Bible Verses About Integrity
Integrity is a foundational virtue, marked by honesty and moral soundness, reflecting God's own character in our lives