King James Version

What Does Titus 2:4 Mean?

Titus 2:4 in the King James Version says “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, sober: or, wise” — study this verse from Titus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Titus 2:4 · KJV

Love

Context

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.

6

Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. sober: or, discreet

Read Titus 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That they may teach the young women to be sober—σωφρονίζωσιν (sophronizōsin, train/encourage/advise) describes the older women's ministry to νέας (neas, young women). The content: φιλάνδρους εἶναι (philandrous einai, to be husband-loving), φιλοτέκνους (philoteknous, child-loving). Both compound adjectives with φίλος (philos, affectionate love).

This isn't natural instinct but learned behavior requiring teaching. To love their husbands, to love their children—Christian marriage and motherhood aren't biologically automatic but cultivated virtues. The gospel transforms domestic relationships from duty or cultural expectation into worshipful vocations. Modern feminism despises this, but Paul dignifies marriage and motherhood as arenas of grace-taught godliness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Arranged marriages meant many young brides barely knew their husbands. High infant mortality and lack of birth spacing made mothering physically exhausting. Without modern labor-saving devices, domestic work was grinding. The gospel didn't remove these challenges but reframed them as Spirit-empowered callings, not meaningless drudgery.

Reflection Questions

  1. Young wives: do you cultivate affectionate love for your husband, or has dutiful obligation or contempt replaced love?
  2. Mothers: do you embrace child-rearing as holy calling, or has cultural denigration of motherhood infected your attitude?
  3. Older women: are you teaching younger women the beauty of biblical femininity, or have you absorbed secular feminism's contempt for domesticity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
ἵνα1 of 7

“That”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

σωφρονίζωσιν2 of 7

“sober”

G4994

to make of sound mind, i.e., (figuratively) to discipline or correct

τὰς3 of 7
G3588

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

νέας4 of 7

“the young women”

G3501

"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate

φιλάνδρους5 of 7

“to love their husbands”

G5362

fond of man, i.e., affectionate as a wife

εἶναι6 of 7

“to be”

G1511

to exist

φιλοτέκνους7 of 7

“to love their children”

G5388

fond of one's children, i.e., maternal

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 2:4 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 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 5:141 Timothy 5:21 Timothy 5:11

Test Your Knowledge

Titus 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterTitus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Titus 2 with CommentaryAll Titus ChaptersComplete Titus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes