Titus 2:8
Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Original Language Analysis
λόγον
speech
G3056
λόγον
speech
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
1 of 14
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ὑγιῆ
Sound
G5199
ὑγιῆ
Sound
Strong's:
G5199
Word #:
2 of 14
healthy, i.e., well (in body); figuratively, true (in doctrine)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξ
he that is of
G1537
ἐξ
he that is of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
6 of 14
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἐντραπῇ
may be ashamed
G1788
ἐντραπῇ
may be ashamed
Strong's:
G1788
Word #:
8 of 14
to invert, i.e., (figuratively and reflexively) in a good sense, to respect; or in a bad one, to confound
ἔχων
having
G2192
ἔχων
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
10 of 14
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
Cross References
1 Peter 2:12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.1 Peter 2:15For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:1 Peter 3:16Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.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;Nehemiah 5:9Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?2 Thessalonians 3:14And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.Isaiah 66:5Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
Historical Context
Christians faced constant suspicion in pagan society: atheism (denying pagan gods), cannibalism (misunderstanding Eucharist), incest (calling each other "brother" and "sister"), disloyalty (serving King Jesus). Irreproachable conduct and speech disarmed these slanders. 1 Peter 2:12, 15, 3:16 share this apologetic concern.
Questions for Reflection
- Does your speech exhibit both truth and grace, or do you prioritize one at the expense of the other?
- When critics oppose you, is it because of legitimate failures on your part or solely because of the gospel's offense?
- How do you cultivate winsomeness without compromising truth, remaining both courageous and kind?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Sound speech, that cannot be condemned—λόγον ὑγιῆ ἀκατάγνωστον (logon hygiē akatagnōston, healthy speech beyond reproach). ὑγιής (hygiēs, healthy) recalls medical metaphor; ἀκατάγνωστος (akatagnōstos, irreproachable/not able to be condemned) means critics find no legitimate fault. This requires both truthfulness (content) and winsomeness (manner). Proverbs 15:1-2 warns that even truth spoken foolishly provokes opposition.
That he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed (ἵνα ὁ ἐξ ἐναντίας ἐντραπῇ, hina ho ex enantias entrapē)—the goal: ἐντρέπω (entrepō, to shame/to turn around in shame). ὁ ἐξ ἐναντίας (ho ex enantias, the one of the opposite side) is the opponent. Having no evil thing to say of you (μηδὲν ἔχων λέγειν περὶ ἡμῶν φαῦλον, mēden echōn legein peri hēmōn phaulon)—legitimate criticism is disarmed. This isn't silencing all opposition but removing just cause for accusation.