Titus 2:4

In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children,

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Paul writes to Titus in Crete to organize the local church's conduct. He instructs older women to mentor younger women on domestic and relational duties.

The words — σωφρονίζωσιν (sōphronizōsin) translates to "they may train" or "instruct toward soundness," while φιλοτεκνους (philoteknous) literally means "loving children." These terms frame the instruction as practical discipline rather than emotional suggestion.

The thread — This directive parallels Paul's counsel to younger widows in 1 Timothy 5:14 to marry and manage households. It also connects to his instruction to treat younger women as sisters in 1 Timothy 5:2.

Why it lands — The text commands older women to actively shape the domestic habits of younger women so that God's reputation remains intact. It requires readers to prioritize practical instruction and household order over abstract piety.

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

ἵναinaso that σωφρονίζωσινsōphronizōsinthey may train τὰςtasthe νέαςneasyoung [women]φιλάνδρουςphilandrouslovers of [their] husbands εἶναι,einaito be,φιλοτέκνους,philoteknousloving [their] children,

King James Version

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

Cross-references

1 Timothy 5:14 So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.
1 Timothy 5:2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
1 Timothy 5:11 But refuse to enroll younger widows. For when their passions draw them away from Christ, they will want to marry,