Titus 1:8
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)
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)
Cross References
1 Timothy 3:2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;Titus 2:7In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,1 Kings 5:7And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.
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
- Is your home a place of gospel hospitality where strangers and struggling believers find welcome and help?
- Which of these six virtues—hospitality, love of good, sobriety, justice, holiness, temperance—is least evident in your daily life?
- How do you cultivate self-control (temperance) in an age of unlimited access to food, entertainment, and sexual images?
Related Resources
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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.