Titus 3:2
What does Titus 3:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 3:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 3:2 means
The manner of Christian conduct is as important as the acts themselves. Believers must avoid speaking evil of anyone, refusing the corrosive habit of slander. They are not to be combative, always looking for a fight, but to be gentle—yielding where conscience and truth allow, patient with wrongs, and considerate of others’ weaknesses. “Showing all meekness toward all men” is comprehensive: humility is due not only to fellow Christians or to the respectable, but to every person we meet. Such meekness is not weakness; it is strength under control, modeled after God’s kindness. This posture disarms hostility, preserves unity, and adorns the gospel in a watching world.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000to speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all meekness toward all men.
KJV
King James Version · 1611To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901to speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all meekness toward all men.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949To say no evil of any man, not to be fighters, to give way to others, to be gentle in behaviour to all men.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862of no one to speak evil, not to be quarrelsome--gentle, showing all meekness to all men,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752To speak evil of no man, not to be litigious but gentle: shewing all mildness towards all men.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, [to be] mild, shewing all meekness towards all men.
Context
Having commanded submission to authorities and readiness for good works (v. 1), Paul adds the heart-tone that should accompany obedience: gracious speech and a non-contentious spirit. Verse 2 broadens the audience—“all men”—so the church’s gentleness extends to neighbors, rulers, and opponents alike. The following verse (v. 3) explains why such humility is fitting: we ourselves were once marked by folly and malice. Remembering our own past softens our words and tempers our reactions, preparing for the gospel explanation that follows in verses 4–7.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy.
- 1 Peter 3:8
Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded:
- 1 Peter 3:10
For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile:
- Proverbs 25:24
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house.
- 1 Peter 2:17
Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
- Galatians 6:1
Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
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