Titus 3:2
To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Ephesians 4:31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:1 Timothy 3:3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;Ephesians 4:2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;1 Peter 3:10For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:Galatians 6:1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.Matthew 11:29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.1 Timothy 3:11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.James 4:11Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,1 Peter 3:8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Historical Context
Christians faced constant provocation from pagan neighbors, Jewish opponents, and Roman authorities. The temptation toward defensive belligerence or revolutionary violence was real (Zealot option in Judea). But Jesus's teaching (Matthew 5:38-48) required radical enemy-love, trusting God's vindication rather than self-assertion.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you slander others—politicians, neighbors, even enemies—or do you guard your tongue from malicious speech?
- Are you known for gentleness and meekness, or do you constantly engage in verbal combat and quarrels?
- How do you show meekness toward all people, including those who oppose or mistreat you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
To speak evil of no man (μηδένα βλασφημεῖν, mēdena blasphēmein)—βλασφημέω (blasphēmeō, slander/revile) is strong language, the same verb for blaspheming God. Malicious speech against humans maligns God's image. To be no brawlers (ἀμάχους εἶναι, amachous einai)—ἄμαχος (amachos, peaceable/not combative), avoiding unnecessary quarrels (2 Timothy 2:24).
But gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men (ἐπιεικεῖς, πᾶσαν ἐνδεικνυμένους πραΰτητα πρὸς πάντας ἀνθρώπους, epieikeis, pasan endeikmnenous prautēta pros pantas anthrōpous)—ἐπιεικής (epieikēs, gentle/reasonable/yielding). πραΰτης (prautēs, meekness/gentleness) is strength under control (Moses was meekest, Numbers 12:3, yet confronted Pharaoh). πρὸς πάντας ἀνθρώπους (pros pantas anthrōpous, toward all men)—universal application, not just believers.