But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

TITUS 2:1KJV
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Titus 2:1 (KJV)

What does Titus 2:1 mean?

Titus 2:1 tells Titus to speak about matters that fit with reliable Christian teaching. His words are to be consistent with that teaching, rather than separated from it. The verse introduces the instructions that follow for different people in the community.

The word “But” marks a contrast with the people described just before this verse, whose words and conduct were misleading others. Titus is addressed directly: “speak thou.”

The Greek behind Titus 2:1

  • “become” — πρέπω (prepō): This word carries the sense of being suitable or fitting. In the KJV, “become” does not mean “turn into”; it means that what Titus says should fit with sound teaching.
  • “sound” — ὑγιαίνω (hygiainō): This word can refer to being healthy or well. Here, the idea of health is applied to teaching, suggesting that the teaching is reliable rather than harmful.

Why Titus 2:1 matters

  • Titus’s speech is measured by its relationship to the teaching. The phrase “the things which become sound doctrine” links what he says with the teaching it should fit.
  • The passage gives the instruction a specific shape. The verses that follow address older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and servants, showing the kinds of matters Titus is to speak about.

Where else these words appear

“become” Greek G4241 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Ephesians 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
  • Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

“sound” Greek G5198 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
  • 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
  • Titus 1:9 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.

“doctrine” Greek G1319 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
  • 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
  • 1 Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;