Titus 2:5
What does Titus 2:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 2:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 2:5 means
Young women are called to sound judgment, purity, diligent care of the home, kindness, and respectful submission to their own husbands. These virtues dignify the ordinary tasks of household life and promote peace and order. Submission here is a willing posture within marriage, not a license for abuse; it reflects trust in God’s design and a desire for harmony. The purpose is missional: that God’s word would not be slandered. When Christian homes are marked by integrity and love, critics lose grounds to mock the faith. By honoring their roles thoughtfully and graciously, young women become living commendations of the gospel in the most visible arena of ancient life—the household.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000to be sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed:
KJV
King James Version · 1611To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901to be sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949To be wise in mind, clean in heart, kind; working in their houses, living under the authority of their husbands; so that no evil may be said of the word of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862sober, pure, keepers of <FI>their own<Fi> houses, good, subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be evil spoken of.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752To be discreet, chaste, sober, having a care of the house, gentle, obedient to their husbands: that the word of God be not blasphemed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890discreet, chaste, diligent in home work, good, subject to their own husbands, that the word ofGod may not be evil spoken of.
Context
Completing the instruction begun in verses 3–4, verse 5 details the character and commitments fitting younger women. The closing purpose clause—“that the word of God be not blasphemed”—signals a major theme: behavior affects the gospel’s public reputation. Next, in verses 6–8, Paul will address younger men and Titus himself, still aiming at a credible, attractive witness that silences opponents. The flow keeps tying personal conduct to communal testimony in Crete’s skeptical environment.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 9:39
And Peter arose and went with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
- Acts 9:36
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
- Genesis 18:9
And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.
- Colossians 3:18
Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
- Romans 2:24
For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you, even as it is written.
- Genesis 16:8
And he said, Hagar, Sarai’s handmaid, whence camest thou? and whither goest thou? And she said, I am fleeing from the face of my mistress Sarai.
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