Titus Chapter 2 · Verse 7
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Original Language Analysis
περὶ
In
G4012
περὶ
In
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
παρεχόμενος
shewing
G3930
παρεχόμενος
shewing
Strong's:
G3930
Word #:
4 of 13
to hold near, i.e., present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion
τύπον
a pattern
G5179
τύπον
a pattern
Strong's:
G5179
Word #:
5 of 13
a die (as struck), i.e., (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e., a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a samp
καλῶν
of good
G2570
καλῶν
of good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
ἔργων
works
G2041
ἔργων
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
7 of 13
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδιἀφθορίαν,
shewing uncorruptness
G90
ἀδιἀφθορίαν,
shewing uncorruptness
Strong's:
G90
Word #:
11 of 13
incorruptibleness, i.e., (figuratively) purity (of doctrine)
Cross References
1 Peter 5:3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.1 Timothy 4:12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.2 Corinthians 4:2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.Philippians 1:10That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;Ephesians 6:24Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.2 Corinthians 1:12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.2 Thessalonians 3:9Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.2 Corinthians 2:17For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Historical Context
Titus's youth (compared to Paul) required especially careful conduct to earn respect. In honor-shame culture, personal example carried more weight than abstract argument. The Greco-Roman rhetorical tradition valued decorum (πρέπον, prepon)—appropriate speech and conduct befitting the message. Paul demands this for gospel ministers.
Questions for Reflection
- Leaders: is your life an imitable pattern, or do you say "do as I say, not as I do"?
- Does your teaching exhibit integrity, dignity, and sincerity, or do gimmicks and entertainment replace substance?
- In what specific ways do your works confirm or contradict your words—where's the gap between profession and practice?
Analysis & Commentary
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works—Paul shifts to Titus personally. περὶ πάντα (peri panta, in all things/concerning everything) is comprehensive. παρεχόμενος σεαυτὸν τύπον (parechomenos seauton typon, presenting yourself as an example/pattern) means embodied teaching. τύπος (typos, type/pattern/model) suggests an impression left in wax—others should be able to imitate Titus's visible godliness. καλῶν ἔργων (kalōn ergōn, good/beautiful works).
In doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity—three teaching qualities: ἀφθορίαν (aphtharian, incorruption/integrity—doctrine unmixed with error), σεμνότητα (semnotēta, dignity/seriousness), ἀφθαρσίαν (aphtharsian, sincerity/purity). Some manuscripts omit ἀφθαρσίαν. The point: teaching content (uncorrupted) and manner (dignified) must align. Style and substance both matter.