Titus Chapter 2 · Verse 6
Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
Original Language Analysis
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 5
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νεωτέρους
Young men
G3501
νεωτέρους
Young men
Strong's:
G3501
Word #:
2 of 5
"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 12:1Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.1 John 2:13I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.Ecclesiastes 11:9Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.Joel 2:28And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:1 Timothy 5:1Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
Historical Context
Young men in Greco-Roman culture faced pressure toward sexual promiscuity (prostitution, pederasty), honor-shame competition, and philosophical pretension. Christian young men needed counter-cultural self-control rooted in gospel truth, not Stoic self-sufficiency. The gymnasium, symposium, and marketplace provided constant temptation requiring sobering grace.
Questions for Reflection
- Young men: in what areas do you lack self-control—sexual purity, anger management, financial discipline, time use?
- How do you cultivate sober-mindedness in a culture promoting perpetual adolescence and instant gratification?
- What older men are modeling self-control for you, and are you humble enough to receive their exhortation?
Analysis & Commentary
Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded—νέους (neous, young men) receive briefer instruction: παρακάλει σωφρονεῖν (parakalei sophronein, exhort to be self-controlled/sensible). One command where women received five (v. 4-5). Why? Verses 7-8 shift to Titus personally as the young man's model. Self-control (σωφροσύνη, sophrosynē) was a cardinal Greek virtue but needed Christian redefinition: not autonomous self-mastery but Spirit-empowered discipline.
Young men face unique temptations: sexual immorality, pride, rashness, aggression. Σωφρονεῖν encompasses sexual purity, humility, thoughtful decision-making, and controlled strength. Where young women needed instruction about relationships and domesticity, young men needed fundamental character formation—thinking rightly before acting rightly.