Chapter
1 2 3
Verse
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Titus 1:8
ESV but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
NIV Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
NASB but hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined,
CSB but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled,
NLT Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life.
KJV But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
NKJV but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled,

What does Titus 1:8 mean?

Verse 8 continues the list of elder qualifications which began in verse 5. Six traits are listed here.

First, an elder is to be "hospitable." Since churches met in homes, an elder must be known for hospitality, which was also a key virtue in the ancient Near East.

Second, an elder must be a "lover of good." An elder could not love "evil" and be fit to lead Christians.

Third, an elder must be "self-controlled." This trait complements verse 7 where elders are not to be "quick-tempered" and also serves as part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

Fourth, an elder must be "upright." The Greek dikaion means "fair or just." Fifth, an elder must be "holy" or set apart (1 Peter 1:15). This command reflected the Torah as well. In the Old Testament, "being holy" meant a focus on being like God, reflecting His nature.

Sixth, an elder was to be "disciplined." A godly elder must be able to stay focused. This is especially important in the situation on Crete. Paul's letter to Titus will continue to speak about the need to teach God's truth, and refute those who opposed it.
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