Bible Strands
Titus 1:8
Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul instructs Titus on the appointment of elders, placing this verse immediately after a list of disqualifying behaviors for overseers. The instruction functions as a direct contrast to the self-willed and greedy traits condemned in the preceding sentence.
The words — φιλόξενον (philoxenon) translates literally to "hospitable," while σώφρονα (sōphrona) means "self-controlled." These Greek terms specify the outward conduct and internal restraint required of the leader.
The thread — Paul repeats this character framework for church leaders in 1 Timothy 3:2, while Titus 2:7 expands the requirement to visible integrity in teaching and conduct.
Why it lands — The text demands that leaders embody hospitality, moral integrity, and personal restraint rather than relying on status or authority. It requires readers to evaluate leadership character through observable conduct and disciplined living.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
Cross-references
- 1 Timothy 3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
- Titus 2:7 In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,
- 1 Kings 5:7 When Hiram received Solomon’s message, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the LORD this day! He has given David a wise son over this great people!”
- 1 Samuel 18:1 After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself.
- 1 Kings 5:1 Now when Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king in his father’s place, he sent envoys to Solomon; for Hiram had always been a friend of David.
- Psalms 16:3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellence in whom all my delight resides.
- Amos 5:15 Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”
- 2 Corinthians 6:4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;
- 1 Thessalonians 2:10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed.
- 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.