The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

TITUS 2:3KJV
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Titus 2:3 (KJV)

What does Titus 2:3 mean?

Titus 2:3 instructs older women to live in a way that fits a holy life, avoiding slander and excessive drinking, and to be teachers of good things. The verse highlights the kind of character and influence expected from mature women in the Christian community.

Paul is writing to Titus, a young church leader on the island of Crete, giving him guidance on how different groups in the church should behave. Here, Paul emphasizes that older women have a special role: their conduct should reflect reverence, and they should use their experience to help guide others, especially by teaching what is good.

The Greek behind Titus 2:3

  • ἱεροπρεπεῖς (hieroprepēs, "holiness"): This word means "suitable for what is sacred" or "befitting holiness." It suggests that older women should carry themselves in a way that shows respect for God and spiritual things, not just general good behavior.
  • διαβόλους (diabolous, "accusers"): This is the same Greek word often translated as "devil" or "slanderer." Here, it means not to be someone who spreads harmful gossip or false accusations, which is a strong warning against divisive speech.
  • οἴνῳ (oinō, "wine"): The phrase "not given to much wine" uses the word for wine, stressing not just moderation but avoiding being controlled by drink, which was a social issue in the ancient world.
  • καλοδιδασκάλους (kalodidaskalous, "teachers of good things"): This compound word means "teachers of what is good," showing that older women are expected to actively pass on positive values and practical wisdom, not just avoid bad behavior.

Why Titus 2:3 matters

  • Titus 2:3 clarifies that older women have an important teaching role within the church, not just a passive one.
  • The verse counters any idea that spiritual maturity is only about personal piety; it includes influence and example for others.
  • By connecting behavior with holiness and teaching, Paul shows that how older women live and what they teach are both crucial for the health of the whole Christian community.

Where else these words appear

“given” Greek G1402 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 7:6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
  • Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

“likewise” Greek G5615 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
  • Mark 14:31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

“wine” Greek G3631 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
  • John 2:3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
  • Revelation 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

“accusers” Greek G1228 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
  • Luke 8:12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
  • 2 Timothy 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,