Titus 1:6
New International Version
An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.

New Living Translation
An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious.

English Standard Version
if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.

Berean Standard Bible
An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination.

Berean Literal Bible
if anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having believing children, not under accusation of debauchery, or insubordinate.

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

New King James Version
if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.

New American Standard Bible
namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion.

NASB 1995
namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.

NASB 1977
namely, if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.

Legacy Standard Bible
namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, who are not accused of dissipation, or rebellious.

Amplified Bible
namely, a man of unquestionable integrity, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of being immoral or rebellious.

Christian Standard Bible
An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who are not accused of wildness or rebellion.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
one who is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of wildness or rebellion.

American Standard Version
if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly.

Contemporary English Version
they must have a good reputation and be faithful in marriage. Their children must be followers of the Lord and not have a reputation for being wild and disobedient.

English Revised Version
if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A spiritual leader must have a good reputation. He must have only one wife and have children who are believers. His children shouldn't be known for having wild lifestyles or being rebellious.

Good News Translation
an elder must be without fault; he must have only one wife, and his children must be believers and not have the reputation of being wild or disobedient.

International Standard Version
An elder must be blameless. He must be the husband of one wife and have children who are believers and who are not accused of having wild lifestyles or of being rebellious.

Majority Standard Bible
An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination.

NET Bible
An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who cannot be charged with dissipation or rebellion.

New Heart English Bible
if anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, who are not accused of loose or unruly behavior.

Webster's Bible Translation
If any is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of riot, or disorderly.

Weymouth New Testament
wherever there is a man of blameless life, true to his one wife, having children who are themselves believers and are free from every reproach of profligacy or of stubborn self-will.

World English Bible
if anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, who are not accused of loose or unruly behavior.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
if anyone is blameless, a husband of one wife, having believing children, not under accusation of riotous living or insubordinate—

Berean Literal Bible
if anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having believing children, not under accusation of debauchery, or insubordinate.

Young's Literal Translation
if any one is blameless, of one wife a husband, having children stedfast, not under accusation of riotous living or insubordinate --

Smith's Literal Translation
If any be irreproachable, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not in accusation of licentiousness, or disorderly.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If any be without crime, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of riot, or unruly.

Catholic Public Domain Version
if such a man is without offense, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of self-indulgence, nor of insubordination.

New American Bible
on condition that a man be blameless, married only once, with believing children who are not accused of licentiousness or rebellious.

New Revised Standard Version
someone who is blameless, married only once, whose children are believers, not accused of debauchery and not rebellious.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Appoint only an elder who is blameless, and the husband of one wife, and one who has faithful children who do not swear and who are not intemperate.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
One who is without fault and has been the husband of one wife, and has believing children who are not abusive and not insubordinate in immorality.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
if any one is blameless, the husband of one wife, if he has faithful children that are not accused of riotous living, or disobedient.

Godbey New Testament
if any one is irreproachable, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not in accusation of riot or incorrigible.

Haweis New Testament
if there be a man blameless, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not under an accusation or debauchery, or disorderly conduct.

Mace New Testament
to chuse such as are without reproach, married to but one wife, whose children are obedient, not accused of debauchery, nor unruly.

Weymouth New Testament
wherever there is a man of blameless life, true to his one wife, having children who are themselves believers and are free from every reproach of profligacy or of stubborn self-will.

Worrell New Testament
if anyone is blameless, a husband of one wife, having believing children not in accusation of rioting, or unruly.

Worsley New Testament
to wit, if any one be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of debauchery, or unruly.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Appointing Elders on Crete
5The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. 7As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.…

Cross References
1 Timothy 3:2-5
An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, / not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. / An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity. ...

1 Timothy 3:12
A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.

1 Timothy 3:4
An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.

1 Timothy 3:10
Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.

1 Timothy 5:9
A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, faithful to her husband,

1 Timothy 5:17
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

1 Peter 5:2-3
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

1 Peter 3:1-7
Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives / when they see your pure and reverent demeanor. / Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, ...

Ephesians 5:22-33
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. / For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. / Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. ...

Colossians 3:18-21
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. / Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. / Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. ...

Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

1 Corinthians 7:2
But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.

1 Corinthians 9:5
Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?

Matthew 19:4-6
Jesus answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ / and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? / So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.


Treasury of Scripture

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

any.

1 Timothy 3:2-7
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; …

the husband.

Leviticus 21:7,14
They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God…

Ezekiel 44:22
Neither shall they take for their wives a widow, nor her that is put away: but they shall take maidens of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widow that had a priest before.

Malachi 2:15
And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

having.

Genesis 18:19
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

1 Samuel 2:11,22,29,30
And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest…

1 Samuel 3:12,13
In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end…

not.

Proverbs 28:7
Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

or.

Titus 1:10
For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:

1 Thessalonians 5:14
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

Jump to Previous
Accusation Accused Behavior Believe Blameless Charge Children Disorderly Elder Faith Faithful Free Good Husband Husbands Insubordinate Loose Open Profligacy Profligate Record Reproach Riot Self-Will Stedfast Stubborn Themselves True. Uncontrolled Unruly Wherever Wife Wild
Jump to Next
Accusation Accused Behavior Believe Blameless Charge Children Disorderly Elder Faith Faithful Free Good Husband Husbands Insubordinate Loose Open Profligacy Profligate Record Reproach Riot Self-Will Stedfast Stubborn Themselves True. Uncontrolled Unruly Wherever Wife Wild
Titus 1
1. Paul greets Titus, who was left to finish the work in Crete.
6. How those chosen as ministers ought to be qualified.
11. The mouths of evil teachers to be stopped;
12. and what manner of men they be.














An elder
The term "elder" in the Greek is "presbyteros," which refers to a leader or overseer within the early Christian church. Historically, elders were respected members of the community, often older and wiser, tasked with guiding the congregation. This role is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, where elders were leaders in both civic and religious life. In the New Testament context, elders are seen as shepherds of the church, responsible for teaching, guiding, and protecting the flock.

must be blameless
The Greek word for "blameless" is "anegklētos," meaning not accused or without reproach. This does not imply perfection but rather a life that is above public criticism. In a historical context, this requirement underscores the importance of integrity and moral character in leadership. An elder's life should reflect the teachings of Christ, serving as a model for others in the community.

the husband of but one wife
This phrase, "mias gunaikos anēr" in Greek, has been interpreted to mean that an elder should be faithful and committed in marriage. It emphasizes monogamy and fidelity, reflecting the sanctity of marriage as ordained by God. In the cultural context of the time, where polygamy and divorce were more common, this standard set a high moral bar for church leaders, aligning with the biblical view of marriage as a covenant.

having children who are believers
The Greek term "tekna echōn pista" suggests that an elder's children should be faithful or trustworthy. This requirement highlights the importance of an elder's ability to lead and nurture a family in the faith. It reflects the biblical principle that leadership begins at home, and an elder's household should be a testament to their ability to guide others spiritually.

and are not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination
The phrase "mē en katēgorian asōtias ē anupotakta" in Greek indicates that an elder's children should not be accused of reckless living or rebellion. "Debauchery" refers to a lifestyle of excess and moral corruption, while "insubordination" denotes a refusal to submit to authority. This requirement underscores the importance of discipline and moral upbringing within the family, as a reflection of the elder's leadership and character. In the early church, the behavior of an elder's family was seen as a direct reflection of their ability to lead the church community effectively.

(6) If any be blameless.--The candidate for the holy office must have naught laid to his charge; he must be of such a character that no one could bring a reasonable accusation against him. Blameless must be his life, spotless his name. As it has been well said, "the office of presbyter must never be allowed to cover or condone damaged reputations."

The husband of one wife.--See Notes on 1Timothy 3:2.

Having faithful children.--Better, believing children. In searching out these presbyters, whose charge would involve so many and such responsible duties, Titus must look for men of ripe age. There were even grave objections to the appointment of the comparatively young to this office. We have seen how anxious St. Paul was for Timothy, his well-known and trusted friend, on account of his want of years. Timothy must have been at least approaching forty years of age when St. Paul warned him so earnestly of his behaviour and his life, "Let no man despise thy youth." These presiding Cretan elders should be married men, with children already, so to speak, grown up.

These requirements evidently show that Christianity had been established in Crete for a very considerable period. We must remember some thirty-three years had passed since that memorable Pentecost feast of Jerusalem, when "Cretes" were among the hearers of those marvellous utterances of the Spirit. Besides the children of the candidates for the presbyter's office being professing Christians, they must also be free from all suspicion of profligacy.

Not accused of riot.--More accurately rendered, dissoluteness. The Greek word here rendered "riot" implies a self-indulgent or even a reckless expenditure. Such careless selfishness well-nigh always ends in profligacy. In the case of men whose duties included the superintendence of the Church's funds, it was imperatively necessary that their homes and families should be free from all suspicion of anything like that reckless waste or extravagance which in so many cases imperceptibly passes into dissoluteness and profligacy.

Or unruly.--That is, disobedient to their parents. If the presbyter was incapable of teaching his own children obedience and order, what hope was there that his influence would be of any value with his flock? All these early instructions to the master-builders whose task it was to lay the early storeys of the Christian Temple are very decisive as to the state of St. Paul's mind; and we must not forget whence St. Paul directly drew his wisdom. The Apostles of the Lord never seem to have thought of the Christian priesthood of the future developing into a caste or order. Anything more diametrically opposed to the mediaeval notion of church government than the Pastoral Epistles can hardly be imagined. The writer of the Epistles to Timothy and to Titus never dreamed of building up a priestly order with views, thoughts, hopes, and joys differing from those of the ordinary worker of the world. St. Paul's presbyters were to be chosen, among other qualities, for the white and blameless lives of their families. The presbyter's home in Crete and Ephesus must supply a fair pattern for the many other Christian homes in that luxurious, dissolute age in which Titus lived.

Verse 6. - Any man is for any be, A.V.; children that believe for faithful children, A.V.; who are not for not, A.V. Blameless (ἀνέγκλητος); see 1 Timothy 3:10, note. The husband of one wife (see 1 Timothy 3:2, note). Having children that believe (see 1 Timothy 3:4). Mark the importance given to the "elder's" family as well as to his personal character. Not accused (μὴ ἐν κατηγορίᾳ κ.τ.λ..); literally, not under an accusation (see 1 Timothy 5:19). Riot (ἀσωτίας); see Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:4; Luke 15:13. Used in Plato and Aristotle for "debauchery" or "profligacy," with the kindred words ἄσωτος ἀσωτεύομαι, etc. Unruly (ἀνυπότακτα); ver. 10 and 1 Timothy 1:9, note (comp. 1 Timothy 3:4, where the children are required to be ἀν ὑποταγῇ, "under rule," in subjection).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[An elder must]
εἴ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

be
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

blameless,
ἀνέγκλητος (anenklētos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 410: Irreproachable, blameless. Unaccused, i.e. irreproachable.

[the] husband
ἀνήρ (anēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

of one
μιᾶς (mias)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

wife,
γυναικὸς (gynaikos)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1135: A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.

having
ἔχων (echōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

children
τέκνα (tekna)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5043: A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.

who are believers
πιστά (pista)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4103: Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful.

[and are] not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

open to
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

accusation
κατηγορίᾳ (katēgoria)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2724: An accusation, charge. From kategoros; a complaint, i.e. Criminal charge.

of indiscretion
ἀσωτίας (asōtias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 810: Wantonness, profligacy, wastefulness. From a compound of a and a presumed derivative of sozo; properly, unsavedness, i.e. profligacy.

or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

insubordination.
ἀνυπότακτα (anypotakta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 506: Not subject to rule, unruly. Unsubdued, i.e. Insubordinate.


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NT Letters: Titus 1:6 If anyone is blameless the husband (Ti. Tt.)
Titus 1:5
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