Titus 2:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Titus 2:3
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
Chapter Context
Titus 2 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, faith, grace. Written during after Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. 62-64 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Cretan culture's negative reputation required special attention to Christian character.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-15: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Titus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Titus 2:3
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
Analysis
The aged women likewise—πρεσβύτιδας (presbytidas, aged women) receive parallel instruction. That they be in behaviour as becometh holiness—ἐν καταστήματι ἱεροπρεπεῖς (en katastēmati hieroprepeis, in deportment/bearing reverent/befitting sacred things). The compound ἱεροπρεπής suggests priestlike demeanor; Christian women's daily conduct has sacred dignity.
Not false accusers (μὴ διαβόλους, mē diabolous)—διάβολος (diabolos) is the Devil's title (slanderer/accuser). Gossip imitates Satan's character (Revelation 12:10). Not given to much wine (μὴ οἴνῳ πολλῷ δεδουλωμένας, mē oinō pollō dedoulōmenas)—literally "not enslaved to much wine." The perfect passive participle δεδουλωμένας depicts ongoing slavery. Teachers of good things (καλοδιδασκάλους, kalodidaskalous)—they teach τὸ καλόν (to kalon, the beautiful/noble/good), specifically training younger women (v. 4).
Historical Context
First-century women's limited public roles made domestic discipleship crucial. Older women mentored younger in household management, child-rearing, and godliness. Wine's universal use made addiction a real danger, especially for isolated women. Slander filled idle time; godly teaching provided purposeful alternative.
Reflection
- Older women: does your life exhibit sacred dignity befitting holiness, or do you blend into worldly patterns?
- Do you struggle with sins of the tongue—gossip, slander, negativity—imitating the Devil's character?
- Are you actively teaching younger women godly living, or are you passively consuming rather than pouring out?
Cross-References
- Holy: Romans 16:2
- Parallel theme: Titus 1:7, 2:4, 1 Timothy 3:8, 3:11