Titus Chapter 1 · Verse 8

Authorized King James Version

Study PDF

But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

Original Language Analysis

ἀλλὰ But G235
ἀλλὰ But
Strong's: G235
Word #: 1 of 7
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
φιλόξενον a lover of hospitality G5382
φιλόξενον a lover of hospitality
Strong's: G5382
Word #: 2 of 7
fond of guests, i.e., hospitable
φιλάγαθον a lover of good men G5358
φιλάγαθον a lover of good men
Strong's: G5358
Word #: 3 of 7
fond to good, i.e., a promoter of virtue
σώφρονα sober G4998
σώφρονα sober
Strong's: G4998
Word #: 4 of 7
safe (sound) in mind, i.e., self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion)
δίκαιον just G1342
δίκαιον just
Strong's: G1342
Word #: 5 of 7
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
ὅσιον holy G3741
ὅσιον holy
Strong's: G3741
Word #: 6 of 7
properly, right (by intrinsic or divine character; thus distinguished from 1342, which refers rather to human statutes and relations; from g2413, whic
ἐγκρατῆ temperate G1468
ἐγκρατῆ temperate
Strong's: G1468
Word #: 7 of 7
strong in a thing (masterful), i.e., (figuratively and reflexively) self-controlled (in appetite, etc.)

Analysis & Commentary

After negative prohibitions (v. 7), Paul lists positive virtues. A lover of hospitality (φιλόξενον, philoxenon)—literally "stranger-loving," welcoming travelers and outsiders. Early Christians lacked church buildings; hospitality enabled gospel spread. A lover of good men (φιλάγαθον, philagathon)—or "lover of goodness," pursuing moral excellence. Sober (σώφρονα, sophron)—self-controlled, sound-minded, the opposite of excess.

Just (δίκαιον, dikaion)—righteous in dealings with others, giving each their due. Holy (ὅσιον, hosion)—devout toward God, distinct from δίκαιος (righteous toward others). Temperate (ἐγκρατῆ, enkratē)—self-controlled, especially regarding physical appetites (food, sex, sleep). These six positive virtues create a portrait of balanced, mature Christian character oriented both God-ward and neighbor-ward.

Historical Context

Cretan society was marked by the opposite of these virtues—inhospitality to strangers, vice over virtue, excess over moderation, injustice, impiety, and indulgence. Christian leaders needed to incarnate a counter-cultural way of life demonstrating the gospel's transforming power in pagan contexts.

Questions for Reflection