Titus 2:3 Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good.

◄ Titus 2:3 ►

New International Version
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.

New Living Translation
Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good.

English Standard Version
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,

Berean Standard Bible
Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good.

Berean Literal Bible
the aged women likewise reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not being enslaved to much wine, teachers of what is good,

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

New King James Version
the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—

New American Standard Bible
Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,

NASB 1995
Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,

NASB 1977
Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,

Legacy Standard Bible
Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,

Amplified Bible
Older women similarly are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor addicted to much wine, teaching what is right and good,

Christian Standard Bible
In the same way, older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not slaves to excessive drinking. They are to teach what is good,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the same way, older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to much wine. They are to teach what is good,

American Standard Version
that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;

Contemporary English Version
Tell the older women to behave as those who love the Lord should. They must not gossip about others or be slaves of wine. They must teach what is proper,

English Revised Version
that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanour, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Tell older women to live their lives in a way that shows they are dedicated to God. Tell them not to be gossips or addicted to alcohol, but to be examples of virtue.

Good News Translation
In the same way instruct the older women to behave as women should who live a holy life. They must not be slanderers or slaves to wine. They must teach what is good,

International Standard Version
Likewise, older women are to show their reverence for God by their behavior. They are not to be gossips or addicted to alcohol, but to be examples of goodness.

Majority Standard Bible
Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good.

NET Bible
Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good.

New Heart English Bible
and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;

Webster's Bible Translation
The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

Weymouth New Testament
In the same way exhort aged women to let their conduct be such as becomes consecrated persons. They must not be slanderers nor enslaved to wine-drinking. They must be teachers of what is right.

World English Bible
and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Aged women, in like manner, in behavior as becomes sacred persons, not false accusers, not enslaved to much wine, teachers of good things,

Berean Literal Bible
the aged women likewise reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not being enslaved to much wine, teachers of what is good,

Young's Literal Translation
aged women, in like manner, in deportment as doth become sacred persons, not false accusers, to much wine not enslaved, of good things teachers,

Smith's Literal Translation
The aged women likewise, becoming holy in a serene state of mind, not accusers, not slaves to much wine, teachers of good;

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
The aged women, in like manner, in holy attire, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teaching well:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Old women, similarly, should be in holy attire, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teaching well,

New American Bible
Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, teaching what is good,

New Revised Standard Version
Likewise, tell the older women to be reverent in behavior, not to be slanderers or slaves to drink; they are to teach what is good,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Teach the older women likewise, to behave as becomes the worship of God, not false accusers, not enslaved to much wine, but to become teachers of good things;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the elder women, in this way also, to be fitting in appearance for the worship of God and not to be slanderers, neither subservient to much wine, and to be teachers of excellence.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
that the aged women likewise be, in deportment, as it becomes holy women, not slanderers, not enslaved to much wine, teachers of good things,

Godbey New Testament
likewise that the elderly women be reverent in demeanor, not tattlers, not given to much wine, teachers of that which is good;

Haweis New Testament
That the elder women also be sacredly becoming in their behaviour, not slanderers, not enslaved by much wine, teachers of propriety;

Mace New Testament
in charity, in patience: the aged women likewise, to behave with sanctity of manners, not false accusers, not given to tipling,

Weymouth New Testament
In the same way exhort aged women to let their conduct be such as becomes consecrated persons. They must not be slanderers nor enslaved to wine-drinking. They must be teachers of what is right.

Worrell New Testament
that aged women, in like manner, be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers, not enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;

Worsley New Testament
the aged women likewise in behaviour as becometh saints, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of that which is good;

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Teaching Sound Doctrine
…2Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance. 3Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good. 4In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children,…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Timothy 5:9-10
A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, faithful to her husband, / and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.

1 Timothy 3:11
In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things.

Proverbs 31:26
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

1 Peter 3:3-4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

1 Timothy 2:9-10
Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, / but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 6:11
But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

1 Corinthians 14:34-35
Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. / If they wish to inquire about something, they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in the church.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ...

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Colossians 3:8
But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

James 3:2
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.

Treasury of Scripture

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

as.

Romans 16:2
That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

Ephesians 5:3
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

1 Timothy 2:9,10
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; …

holiness.

1 Timothy 3:8,11
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; …

not given.

Titus 1:7
For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

teachers.

Titus 2:4
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

Hebrews 5:12
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

Revelation 2:20
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

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Accusers Aged Behavior Behaviour Bid Conduct Consecrated Deportment Drink Elder Enslaved Evil Exhort False. Good Holiness Likewise Malicious Manner Older Persons Reverent Right Sacred Slanderers Slaves Teachers Way Wine Wine-Drinking Women

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Titus 2

1. Directions given unto Titus both for his doctrine and life.
10. Of the duty of servants, and in general of all Christians.

Berean Study Bible

Older women
The Greek term used here is "πρεσβύτιδας" (presbytidas), which refers to women who are advanced in age. In the early Christian communities, older women held a position of respect and were expected to model virtuous behavior. This reflects the cultural context of the time, where age was associated with wisdom and experience. The role of older women was crucial in mentoring younger women and contributing to the moral and spiritual fabric of the church.

Likewise
This word connects the instructions given to older women with those given to other groups in the preceding verses. It implies that the qualities expected of older women are part of a broader pattern of Christian conduct that applies to all believers, regardless of age or gender. This continuity emphasizes the unity and consistency of Christian ethics.

Reverent in their behavior
The Greek word "ἱεροπρεπεῖς" (hieroprepēs) suggests a demeanor that is fitting for someone who is holy or sacred. This phrase calls older women to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects their dedication to God. It implies a life marked by dignity, respect, and a deep sense of the sacred, serving as a living testimony to their faith.

Not slanderers
The term "διάβολους" (diabolous) is used here, which is also translated as "devils" or "accusers" in other contexts. This highlights the destructive nature of slander, equating it with the work of the devil. Older women are cautioned against engaging in gossip or false accusations, which can harm relationships and disrupt the unity of the church.

Or addicted to much wine
The phrase warns against excessive drinking, which was a common issue in the ancient world. The Greek word "δεδουλωμένας" (dedoulōmenas) implies being enslaved or in bondage to wine. This serves as a reminder that Christians are called to live in freedom and self-control, avoiding anything that might lead to addiction or moral compromise.

But teachers of good
The Greek word "καλοδιδασκάλους" (kalodidaskalous) combines "kalos" (good) and "didaskalos" (teacher). This phrase underscores the positive role older women are to play in the community. They are to impart wisdom and goodness, teaching by example and instruction. This aligns with the biblical principle of discipleship, where mature believers guide others in the faith.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(3) The aged women likewise.--St. Paul, faithful to what had now become one of the guiding principles of Christianity, the equal position of women in the city of God, fellow-heirs with men in the citizenship of the city which hath foundations, proceeds to remind the elder women of Crete of their own high duties in the company of believers. They now--the women--must remember that the position which Christ and His disciples had claimed for them in the world was not without its grave responsibilities. These aged women of the flock. like the elders just exhorted, had also much to do for Christ.

That they be in behaviour as becometh holiness.--That is, that they should show themselves as it becometh holiness; or, more literally, in demeanour reverend. The Greek word rendered "in behaviour," or "in demeanour," includes dress, appearance, conversation, manner; includes an outward deportment dependent on something more internal. The elder Christian woman in her whole bearing should exhibit a certain dignity of sacred demeanour; there should be something in her general appearance, in her dress, in her speech, in her every-day behaviour, which the younger and more thoughtless sister could respect and reverence--an ideal she might hope one day, if the Master spared her so long, herself to reach. For an admirable gloss on these words, see 1Timothy 2:9-10.

Not false accusers.--Or better, perhaps, not slanderers. St. Paul knew well how easily old age yields itself to this temptation. Old age is at times intolerant, censorious, even bitter, forgetful especially of the days of youth; but Christ's aged saints must use their voice for better things than these.

Not given to much wine.--This warning was probably called for, owing to the evil habits and customs of the Cretans.

Teachers of good things.--Or, teachers of what is good. Beza's rendering, "mistresses of honour" (honestatis magistr?), is singular and expressive. This does not mean that these aged women should occupy the place of public instructresses, but that they should, by here and there speaking a kind warning word, and, better still, by the golden silence of a useful honoured life, teach their younger sisters lessons of truth and faith and love.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 3. - That for the, A.V; be reverent in demeanor for that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, A.V.; slanderers for false accusers, A.V.; nor for not, A.V.; enslaved for given, A.V.; that which is good for good things, A.V. Reverent (ἱεροπρεπεῖς); only here in the New Testament, twice in 4 Maccabees (in 9:25, where the eldest of the seven brothers who suffered martyrdom ruder Antiochus Epiphanes is called ὁἱεροπρεπὴς νεανίας; and in 11:20, where it is coupled with αἰών, "age," or "generation"); it is not uncommon in classical Greek. The word means "becoming a holy person, place, or matter;" otherwise expressed in 1 Timothy 2:10, "which becometh women professing godliness;" and Ephesians 5:3, "as becometh saints." In demeanor (ἐν καταστήματι; Of much wider meaning than καταστολή in 1 Timothy 2:7); here only in the New Testament, once in 3Macc. 5:45, "a state" or "condition," spoken of elephants; and so in classical Greek, applied to a man, to health, to the air, or the body politic. Here mien, demeanor, or deportment, including, as St. Jerome expounds it, the movements of the body, the expression of the countenance, what is said, and what is left unsaid. The whole habit and composition or structure of mind and body is to be ἱερόπρεπες, what becomes a holy woman. Slanderers (διαβόλους); as 1 Timothy 3. (q.v.). Nor enslaved to much wine (comp. 1 Timothy 3:8). Observe the fitness of the phrase "enslaved." The drunkard is thoroughly the slave of his vicious appetite (cutup. Titus 3:3; Romans 6:16; 2 Peter 2:19). Teachers of that which is good (καλοδιδασκάλους); only here in the New Testament, not found in the LXX., or in classical Greek; teachers, by their holy demeanor as well as by their words. For as Ignatius (quoted by Ellicott) says of the Bishop of the Trallians, "His very demeanor (αὐτὸ τὸ κατάστημα) was a great lesson (μοθητεία)."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

Older [women],
πρεσβύτιδας (presbytidas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4247: An old woman. Feminine of presbutes; an old woman.

likewise,
ὡσαύτως (hōsautōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5615: In like manner, likewise, just so. From hos and an adverb from autos; as thus, i.e. In the same way.

are to be reverent
ἱεροπρεπεῖς (hieroprepeis)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2412: Suitable to a sacred character, reverent. From hieros and the same as prepo; reverent.

in
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.

[their] behavior,
καταστήματι (katastēmati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2688: Behavior, conduct, deportment, demeanor. From kathistemi; properly, a position or condition, i.e. demeanor.

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.

slanderers
διαβόλους (diabolous)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1228: From diaballo; a traducer; specially, Satan.

[or]
μηδὲ (mēde)
Conjunction
Strong's 3366: And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.

addicted
δεδουλωμένας (dedoulōmenas)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1402: To enslave. From doulos; to enslave.

to much
πολλῷ (pollō)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

wine,
οἴνῳ (oinō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3631: Wine. A primary word (yayin); 'wine'.

[but] teachers of good.
καλοδιδασκάλους (kalodidaskalous)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2567: A teacher of that which is noble (honorable) and good. From kalos and didaskalos; a teacher of the right.

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NT Letters: Titus 2:3 And that older women likewise be reverent (Ti. Tt.)