Bible Strands
Titus 3:2
to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Titus, who oversees the church in Crete, instructing him to remind the believers of their conduct. The verse sits between a call to submit to rulers (3:1) and a reminder of their former life in malice and mutual hatred (3:3).
The words — βλασφημεῖν (blasphēmein) is typically "to blaspheme" (speak against God), but here it is directed at fellow humans, meaning to denigrate or slander. ἐπιεικεῖς (epieikeis) carries the sense of not pressing one's full advantage—being forbearing rather than merely "gentle."
The thread — The same cluster of traits appears in 2 Timothy 2:24 (the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone) and Ephesians 4:2 (humility, gentleness, patience), while Ephesians 4:31 names the opposite: bitterness, rage, slander, and malice.
Why it lands — It tells a community that was "hating and hating one another" (3:3) to stop denigrating each other and to extend forbearance and gentleness to everyone, without exception.
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
To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Cross-references
- Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.
- 2 Timothy 2:24 And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.
- Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
- Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
- 1 Timothy 3:3 not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
- 1 Peter 3:10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.
- 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.
- Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
- Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
- 1 Peter 2:17 Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.