Devine Scripture

Titus 2:4

What does Titus 2:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Titus 2:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Titus 2:4 means

The purpose of older women’s reverent lives is that they may train younger women in the practical art of love—toward their husbands and children. This love is not left to impulse or culture’s expectations; it is learned, cultivated, and coached. In the ancient world, marriages were often arranged and domestic pressures were real. Christian love, shaped by the gospel, must take root in that daily setting. Through patient mentoring, younger wives and mothers learn to put affection into action, to prioritize covenant bonds, and to persevere when love requires sacrifice. Paul envisions a community where wisdom flows down the generations, stabilizing homes and strengthening the church’s witness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Training the younger women to have love for their husbands and children,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

that they may make the young women sober-minded, to be lovers of <FI>their<Fi> husbands, lovers of <FI>their<Fi> children,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That they may teach the young women to be wise, to love their husbands, to love their children.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that they may admonish the young women to be attached to [their] husbands, to be attached to [their] children,

Context

This verse flows directly from verse 3’s charge that older women be teachers of good. The content of that teaching begins here with love within the household, and it continues in verse 5 with further traits fitting young women. The emphasis on training implies intentional discipleship, not mere advice. These instructions sit within the broader aim of the chapter: Christian conduct that accords with sound doctrine and that safeguards the reputation of God’s word before a watching world.

v.3that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;

v.4This passage

v.5to be sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed:

Cross references

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

  • 1 Timothy 5:11

    But younger widows refuse: for when they have waxed wanton against Christ, they desire to marry;

  • 1 Timothy 5:2

    the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.

  • 1 Timothy 5:14

    I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling:

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