King James Version

What Does Titus 2:3 Mean?

Titus 2:3 in the King James Version says “The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, tea...” — study this verse from Titus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; holiness: or, holy women false: or, one who foments strife”

Titus 2:3 · KJV

Context

1

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

2

That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. sober: or, vigilant

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; holiness: or, holy women false: or, one who foments strife

4

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, sober: or, wise

5

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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).

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Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. Older women: does your life exhibit sacred dignity befitting holiness, or do you blend into worldly patterns?
  2. Do you struggle with sins of the tongue—gossip, slander, negativity—imitating the Devil's character?
  3. Are you actively teaching younger women godly living, or are you passively consuming rather than pouring out?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
πρεσβύτιδας1 of 12

“The aged women”

G4247

an old woman

ὡσαύτως2 of 12

“likewise”

G5615

as thus, i.e., in the same way

ἐν3 of 12

“that they be in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

καταστήματι4 of 12

“behaviour”

G2688

properly, a position or condition, i.e., (subjectively) demeanor

ἱεροπρεπεῖς5 of 12

“as becometh holiness”

G2412

reverent

μὴ6 of 12

“not”

G3361

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

διαβόλους7 of 12

“false accusers”

G1228

a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)

μὴ8 of 12

“not”

G3361

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

οἴνῳ9 of 12

“wine”

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

πολλῷ10 of 12

“to much”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

δεδουλωμένας11 of 12

“given”

G1402

to enslave (literally or figuratively)

καλοδιδασκάλους12 of 12

“teachers of good things”

G2567

a teacher of the right

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 2:3 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 2:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 2:41 Timothy 3:111 Peter 3:3-51 Timothy 2:9-10Titus 1:7Romans 16:2

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