Titus 2:1
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
Original Language Analysis
ἃ
the things which
G3739
ἃ
the things which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
4 of 8
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
πρέπει
become
G4241
πρέπει
become
Strong's:
G4241
Word #:
5 of 8
to tower up (be conspicuous), i.e., (by implication) to be suitable or proper (third person singular present indicative, often used impersonally, it i
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Timothy 1:13Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.1 Timothy 6:3If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;Titus 1:9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.1 Timothy 1:10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;Titus 3:8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Historical Context
Against Gnostic tendencies separating spirit and matter, Paul insists doctrine shapes daily life. Against Judaizing legalism making external conformity primary, Paul roots ethics in grace-transformed hearts. The household codes (Haustafeln) in Colossians 3:18-4:1, Ephesians 5:22-6:9, and 1 Peter 2:18-3:7 share similar structure, adapted to first-century family and economic structures.
Questions for Reflection
- Does your teaching and preaching connect doctrinal truth to practical living, or do you separate theology from life?
- How does "sound doctrine" function as spiritual health food versus the junk food of false teaching in your diet?
- What demographic group in your church most needs targeted, specific application of gospel truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine—the adversative δέ (de, but) contrasts Titus's ministry with false teachers. λάλει (lalei, speak/keep speaking) is present imperative: continuous action. τὰ πρέπει (ta prepei, things which befit/are appropriate to) indicates harmony between teaching content and life application. ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ (hygiainousē didaskalia, sound/healthy teaching) uses medical metaphor: doctrine produces health or disease.
Chapter 2 shifts from elder qualifications (1:5-9) and false teacher refutation (1:10-16) to congregational instruction: aged men (2:2), aged women (2:3-4a), young women (2:4b-5), young men (2:6-8), servants/slaves (2:9-10). Sound doctrine isn't abstract theology but life-shaping truth producing godliness in every demographic. The chapter climaxes in the theological basis: grace teaches godliness (2:11-14).