Titus 2:7
What does Titus 2:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 2:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 2:7 means
Titus must let his life preach alongside his words. He is to display a pattern of good works—acts of service and integrity that others can safely imitate. In his teaching he must show purity, free from corruption or hidden agenda, and gravity, a seriousness of purpose that treats God’s truth with weight. The messenger and the message should match. When a teacher’s conduct is beautiful and his doctrine is clean, his ministry gains credibility. This is not about somberness without joy, but about earnest sincerity that refuses flippancy with holy things. Titus’s example becomes a living curriculum for the church in Crete.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,
KJV
King James Version · 1611In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In all things see that you are an example of good works; holy in your teaching, serious in behaviour,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862concerning all things thyself showing a pattern of good works; in the teaching uncorruptedness, gravity, incorruptibility,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752In all things shew thyself an example of good works, in doctrine, in integrity, in gravity,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890in all things affording thyself as a pattern of good works; in teaching uncorruptedness, gravity,
Context
Paul moves from general exhortations for young men to specific expectations for Titus as their model. Verse 7 connects behavior and doctrine, preparing for verse 8’s focus on speech that cannot be condemned. Together, these verses aim to protect the ministry from slander: a pure life, weighty teaching, and guarded words make opponents stumble over the truth rather than the teacher. The flow underscores that pastoral authority rests not only on office but on observable integrity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity.
- Ephesians 6:24
Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ witha loveincorruptible.
- Philippians 1:10
so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the day of Christ;
- 2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not as the many, corrupting the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 8:8
I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.
- 2 Corinthians 4:2
but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
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