Greek Word Reference — Titus 2:6
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
The Greek word for new or youthful, used to describe someone or something as fresh or recently created, like new wine in Matthew 9:17. It can also mean regenerate, or spiritually renewed. This word appears in the New Testament, including Titus 2:4.
Definition: νέος, -α, -ον [in LXX for נַעַר (Gen.37:2, Exo_33:11, al.), חָדָשׁ (Lev.23:16, Num.28:26, al.), etc.; compar. -ώτερος for קָטָן, צָעִיר, etc. ;] __1. young, youthful: Tit.2:4. __2. new (prop., in respect of time; see: καινός): οἶνος (cf. οἶ. καινός, Mat.26:20), Mat.9:17, Mrk.2:22, Luk.5:37-39; φύραμα (figuratively), 1Co.5:7; διαθήκη (cf. καινὴ δ., Heb.9:15), Heb.12:24; metaphorically, ἄνθρωπος (cf. καινὸς ἀ, Eph.2:15), Col.3:10. __3. Compar., -ώτερος, -α, -ον, younger: Luk.15:12-13 22:26, Jhn.21:18; pl., οἱ ν., Act.5:6 (Rackham, in l), 1Ti.5:11, Tit.2:6; opposite to πρεσβύτεροι, 1Ti.5:1, 1Pe.5:5; αἱ ν., 1Ti.5:2 5:14. __4. Νέα Πόλις, Neapolis: Act.16:11 (Rec., Νεάπολις, which see) νεώτερος, see: νέος SYN.: καινός, which see (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 20 NT verses. KJV: new, young See also: 1 Corinthians 5:7; Luke 5:37; 1 Peter 5:5.
This word means likewise or in the same way, showing a similarity. It's used in Matthew 20:5 and Romans 8:26 to show that things are done in a similar manner. It helps to compare actions or events.
Definition: ὡσαύτως adv., strengthened for ὡς (in Hom, at the beginning of a clause, in the form ὣς δ᾽ αὔτως, later in one word), in like manner, just so, likewise: Mat.20:5 21:30, 36 25:17, Mrk.14:31, Luk.13:5 20:31, Rom.8:26, 1Ti.5:25, Tit.2:6; with verb to be supplied from context, Mrk.12:21, Luk.22:20, 1Co.11:25, 1Ti.2:9 3:8 3:11, Tit.2:3.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 17 NT verses. KJV: even so, likewise, after the same (in like) manner See also: 1 Corinthians 11:25; Mark 12:21; Romans 8:26.
To plead with or comfort someone, as Jesus did with his disciples in Matthew 26:53 when he told them to have faith. This word can also mean to invoke or call on someone for help or guidance.
Definition: παρακαλέω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for נחם ni., pi. ;] __1. to call to one, call for, summon: Act.28:20 (R, mg.; R, txt., entreat); hence (of the gods: Dem., Xen., al.), to invoke, call on, beseech, entreat: τ. πατέρα μου, Mat.26:53; τ. κύριον, 2Co.12:8; in late writers (Polyb., Diod., al.; rarely in LXX; in π., see Deiss., LAE, 176.14), also of men: absol., Phm 9; with accusative, Mat.8:5, Mrk.1:40, Act.16:9, al.; with inf., Mrk.5:17, Luk.8:41, Act.8:31, al.; before ἵνα (see M, Pr., 205, 208), Mt 14"36, Mrk.5:18, Luk.8:31, al. __2. to admonish, exhort: absol., Luk.3:18, Rom.12:8, 2Ti.4:2, al.; with accusative, Act.15:32, 1Th.2:11, Heb.3:13, al.; id. before inf., Act.11:23, Rom.12:1, Php.4:2, 1Th.4:10, al.; before ἵνα (see M, Pr., l.with), 1Co.1:10, 2Co.8:6, 1Th.4:1, al. __3. to cheer, encourage, comfort (Plut., LXX: Jb 43, Isa.35:3, Sir.43:24, al.): with accusative, 2Co.1:6, Eph.6:22, Col.2:2, al.; id. before ἐν, 1Th.4:18; διά, 2Co.1:4; pass., Mat.5:4, Luk.16:25, Act.20:12. SYN.: παραμυθέω (cf. M, Th., 25). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 104 NT verses. KJV: beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort(-ation), intreat, pray See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 20:12; 1 Peter 2:11.
To be of sound mind means being sane and moderate. In Mark 5:15, Jesus healed a man and made him sane. It's about being self-controlled and discreet.
Definition: σωφρονέω, -ῶ (σώφρων), __(a) to be of sound mind or in one's right mind: Mrk.5:15, Luk.8:35; opposite to ἐκστῆναι, 2Co.5:13 (Hdt.); __(b) to be temperate, discreet, self-controlled (opposite to μαίνεσθαι, ὑβρίζειν, etc.; sch., Thuc., al.): Tit.2:6; opposite to ὑπερφρονεῖν, Rom.12:3; σ. καὶ νήφειν, 1Pe.4:7.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: be in right mind, be sober (minded), soberly See also: 1 Peter 4:7; Mark 5:15; Romans 12:3.
Context — Teaching Sound Doctrine
4In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children,
5to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.
6In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.
7In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,
8and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Ecclesiastes 12:1 |
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of adversity come and the years approach of which you will say, “I find no pleasure in them,” |
| 2 |
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.” |
| 3 |
Joel 2:28 |
And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. |
| 4 |
1 John 2:13 |
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. |
| 5 |
Ecclesiastes 11:9 |
Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. |
| 6 |
1 Timothy 5:1 |
Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers, |
| 7 |
Psalms 148:12 |
young men and maidens, old and young together. |
| 8 |
Job 29:8 |
the young men saw me and withdrew, and the old men rose to their feet. |
Titus 2:6 Summary
This verse is encouraging younger men to have control over their thoughts, feelings, and actions, so they can live a life that honors God. Being self-controlled means making good choices and resisting temptation, as also taught in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7. By living a self-controlled life, younger men can set a good example for others and bring glory to God. As we strive to be self-controlled, we can look to Jesus as our example, who lived a life of perfect obedience and self-control, as seen in Hebrews 4:15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for younger men to be self-controlled?
Being self-controlled means having mastery over one's emotions, desires, and actions, as seen in Titus 2:6, and is a key aspect of living a godly life, as also taught in 1 Corinthians 9:27 and Galatians 5:23.
Why is self-control important for younger men?
Self-control is essential for younger men because it enables them to make wise decisions, resist temptation, and live a life that honors God, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and 1 Timothy 4:12.
How can older men urge younger men to be self-controlled?
Older men can urge younger men to be self-controlled by setting a good example, providing guidance and mentorship, and teaching them the importance of self-control in living a godly life, as seen in 1 Timothy 4:12 and Titus 2:7-8.
Is self-control only for younger men?
No, self-control is a virtue that is encouraged for all believers, regardless of age or gender, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23 and 2 Peter 1:6, where it is listed as a key aspect of spiritual growth and maturity.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life do I need to exercise more self-control, and how can I start making changes today?
- What are some practical ways I can demonstrate self-control in my daily life, such as in my relationships, work, or habits?
- How can I balance self-control with grace and humility, avoiding legalism or pride, and instead, living a life that is pleasing to God?
- What role can accountability and community play in helping me develop self-control, and how can I seek out supportive relationships in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Titus 2:6
Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. Temperate, chaste, modest, moderate, wise, and prudent in all things: this is said to Titus, as being his province to instruct and exhort the young men;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Titus 2:6
Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. Young , [ tous (G3588) neooterous (G3501)] - in contrast to "the aged men" (Titus 2:2). 'The younger men.' Sober-minded - self-restrained.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Titus 2:6
The word signifieth to be temperate, sober, wise, discreet, to govern their passions; an exhortation more specially necessary for young men, whose natural heat inclineth them to passion and rashness.
Trapp's Commentary on Titus 2:6
6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. Ver. 6. Young men likewise exhort]
Ellicott's Commentary on Titus 2:6
(6) Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.—The task of influencing the young men belongs especially to Titus. Among them, in respect to age, he still must be reckoned; as regarded their peculiar temptations, none could be found so fit as the still young Christian disciple of St. Paul (he ‘was probably about forty years of age when he was placed over the Cretan Church) to set out vividly before them both the peril and the only means of guarding against it. Brought up in a Pagan home, not improbably in the luxurious and wicked Syrian Antioch, drawn to the Master’s side in the fresh dawn of manhood, tried in many a difficult task and found faithful, the words of Titus, exhorting the youth of Crete to be sober-minded, or self-restrained, would be likely to have great weight. In this word, which urged self-restraint, a young man’s duty is briefly comprehended. No task, the wise Chrysostom tells us, is after all so hard and difficult for youth, as obtaining the mastery over oneself in the matter of harmful pleasures. The Apostle gives but few special directions here for his disciple’s guidance, for he is going to tell him how he will best win these young men to the side of Christ. It will be, he proceeds to show him, most effectually done by the sight of the example of his own manly, self-restrained religious life.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Titus 2:6
Verse 6. Young men - exhort to be sober-minded.] Reformation should begin with the old; they have the authority, and they should give the example. The young of both sexes must also give an account of themselves to God; sober-mindedness in young men is a rare qualification, and they who have it not plunge into excesses and irregularities which in general sap the foundation of their constitution, bring on premature old age, and not seldom lead to a fatal end.
Cambridge Bible on Titus 2:6
6–8. The standard of holy living for young men6. The younger women in Crete were to be placed under the guidance of elder women, though in Ephesus Timothy was himself to instruct them. The young men are to have the special care of Titus.Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded] Rather, the younger men … pure minded. The verb occurs in Mark 5:15, Luke 8:35, of the ‘possessed of devils’ being restored to sound reason; and in Romans 12:3, 2 Corinthians 5:13, of sober, reasonable judgment; but here, from the context, and from the use of the cognate verb Titus 2:4 and its context, and of the corresponding adjectives, 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; Titus 2:2; Titus 2:5, it seems limited to ‘purity of mind and spirit.’ In the somewhat similar exhortation to Timothy, 1 Timothy 5:22, the word is different, ‘keep thyself chaste,’ as above in Titus 2:5 ‘chaste’ is joined with ‘pure’. ‘Chaste’ is suitable there because sins, actual sins, are the contrast rather than an impure spirit and state of mind.
Barnes' Notes on Titus 2:6
Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded - Margin, “discreet.” On the meaning of the Greek word used here (σωφρονεῖν sōphronein), see the notes at Titus 2:2, Titus 2:4.
Whedon's Commentary on Titus 2:6
6. Soberminded—Self-regulated, as against the wild impulses of youth and vigour.
Sermons on Titus 2:6
| Sermon | Description |
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(Titus - Part 16): Temptations Peculiar to Young Men
by A.W. Tozer
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A.W. Tozer addresses the unique temptations faced by young men in his sermon on Titus, emphasizing the importance of being sober-minded and setting a pattern of good works. He iden |
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(Through the Bible) Titus
by Chuck Smith
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ. He highlights that this hope is based on the promise of God, who ca |
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Thoughts for Young Men
by J.C. Ryle
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J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical need for young men to be self-controlled and spiritually vigilant, as highlighted in Paul's letter to Titus. He reflects on the unique challenges |
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Reasons for Exhorting Young Men
by J.C. Ryle
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J.C. Ryle emphasizes the urgent need to exhort young men, highlighting their unique vulnerabilities and the spiritual dangers they face. He reflects on the alarming reality that ma |
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Not Saved by Good Works but Unto Good Works
by Timothy Tow
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Timothy Tow preaches on the importance of faith and good works in the doctrine of salvation, emphasizing that while Protestants believe in salvation by faith alone, good works are |
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God's Bloodhound
by Rolfe Barnard
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In this sermon, the speaker discusses their plan to distribute 50 sets of 70-hour tapes throughout America to help train young preachers. They express gratitude for the person fina |
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The Vanity of Life
by Keith Daniel
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The sermon in the video focuses on the book of Ecclesiastes, which confronts the vanity of life and the gravity of death. The preacher emphasizes that there is nothing certain abou |