King James Version

What Does Titus 1:7 Mean?

Titus 1:7 in the King James Version says “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, no...” — study this verse from Titus chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;”

Titus 1:7 · KJV

Context

5

For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: wanting: or, left undone

6

If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

7

For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

8

But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; men: or, things

9

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. as: or, in teaching

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God—ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos, overseer/bishop) is synonymous with πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros, elder) in Titus 1:5-7 and Acts 20:17, 28. Biblical polity knows two offices: elders/overseers and deacons. οἰκονόμος θεοῦ (oikonomos theou, God's steward) stresses accountability; elders manage the Master's household and will give account (Hebrews 13:17).

Five negative qualifications follow: not selfwilled (μὴ αὐθάδη, mē authadē—arrogant, self-pleasing), not soon angry (μὴ ὀργίλον, mē orgilon—quick-tempered), not given to wine (μὴ πάροινον, mē paroinon—addicted to wine), no striker (μὴ πλήκτην, mē plēktēn—physically violent), not given to filthy lucre (μὴ αἰσχροκερδῆ, mē aischrokerdē—greedy for dishonest gain). These vices destroy trust and disqualify from leadership.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Crete's cultural context included honor-shame dynamics, wine's central role in social life, and widespread financial corruption. Christian leaders had to transcend these cultural patterns. The specification against drunkenness and violence suggests these were particular temptations in Cretan culture (cf. 1:12's "slow bellies").

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you serve as a faithful steward aware of ultimate accountability to God, or do you treat ministry as personal kingdom-building?
  2. Which of these five vices—arrogance, anger, alcohol abuse, violence, or greed—represents your greatest temptation?
  3. How does your church screen potential leaders for these character qualities versus mere giftedness or popularity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
δεῖ1 of 19

“must”

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

γὰρ2 of 19

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τὸν3 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπίσκοπον4 of 19

“a bishop”

G1985

a superintendent, i.e., christian officer in genitive case charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively)

ἀνέγκλητον5 of 19

“blameless”

G410

unaccused, i.e., (by implication) irreproachable

εἶναι6 of 19

“be”

G1511

to exist

ὡς7 of 19

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

θεοῦ8 of 19

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

οἰκονόμον9 of 19

“the steward”

G3623

a house-distributor (i.e., manager), or overseer, i.e., an employee in that capacity; by extension, a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively, a preach

μὴ10 of 19

“no”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

αὐθάδη11 of 19

“selfwilled”

G829

self-pleasing, i.e., arrogant

μὴ12 of 19

“no”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὀργίλον13 of 19

“soon angry”

G3711

irascible

μὴ14 of 19

“no”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πάροινον15 of 19

“given to wine”

G3943

staying near wine, i.e., tippling (a toper)

μὴ16 of 19

“no”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πλήκτην17 of 19

“striker”

G4131

a smiter, i.e., pugnacious (quarrelsome)

μὴ18 of 19

“no”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

αἰσχροκερδῆ19 of 19

“given to filthy lucre”

G146

sordid

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Titus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Titus 1:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Titus 1:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 5:182 Peter 2:101 Peter 4:101 Peter 5:2James 1:19-20Luke 12:42

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