Titus 1:6
If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
Original Language Analysis
ἀνέγκλητος
blameless
G410
ἀνέγκλητος
blameless
Strong's:
G410
Word #:
4 of 16
unaccused, i.e., (by implication) irreproachable
ἔχων
having
G2192
ἔχων
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
9 of 16
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
11 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
κατηγορίᾳ
G2724
Cross References
1 Timothy 3:12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.Ephesians 5:18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;Ezekiel 44:22Neither shall they take for their wives a widow, nor her that is put away: but they shall take maidens of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widow that had a priest before.Leviticus 21:7They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God.Titus 1:10For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture had low sexual standards; temple prostitution, pederasty, and marital infidelity were common. Against this backdrop, Christian leaders' counter-cultural sexual purity and faithful parenting provided powerful gospel witness. The requirement of believing children assumes sufficient parental age and child maturity for assessment.
Questions for Reflection
- Does your life bear the marks of blamelessness—not perfection but a reputation for integrity among believers and unbelievers?
- Are you "a one-woman man" not just in legal marital status but in thought life, media consumption, and emotional fidelity?
- What does your children's faith and behavior reveal about your household discipleship and spiritual leadership?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If any be blameless (ἀνέγκλητος, anegklētos)—not sinless perfection but a reputation above reproach, free from credible accusation. Public Christian witness matters; leaders' lives must adorn doctrine (2:10). The husband of one wife (μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἀνήρ, mias gynaikos aner)—literally "a one-woman man," emphasizing marital fidelity and sexual purity. This likely excludes polygamists, divorcees remarried for non-biblical reasons, and those with patterns of sexual sin.
Having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly—πιστά (pista, faithful/believing) children demonstrates effective household leadership. ἀσωτία (asotia, riotous living) and ἀνυπότακτα (anypotakta, insubordinate) indicate moral and behavioral chaos. A man who cannot govern his household cannot shepherd God's household (1 Timothy 3:5). This isn't perfectionism but a pattern of godly family culture.