This verse begins with if any man (better “if anyone”). It makes no sense to translate the Greek literally here, since what comes out is somewhat ungrammatical, if not unclear, as Revised Standard Version shows. In fact what the text seems to be saying is that Titus can appoint people to be elders if they have the qualifications as stated. Most translations therefore restructure the text along these lines.

The list of qualifications is quite similar to that which is contained in 1 Timothy, particularly in the section on bishops (1 Tim 3.1-6). The similarities between these two parts have led some scholars to conclude that “bishops” and “elders” are two designations of the same office or function; this contention gains added support by the appearance of the word “bishop” (Greek episkopos, singular) in Titus 1.7. There are some, however, who hold that both of these passages are dependent on an already established list of qualifications for church officials. At any rate, it is profitable to put these two passages in parallel columns in order to make the similarities clear and to ensure that these are translated in a consistent and accurate manner.

For blameless see comment in 1 Tim 3.10. The similar term used in 1 Tim 3.2 (“above reproach”) stresses the kind of life that no one can criticize.

The word for believers is the same word translated “faithful” elsewhere, but in this context it has the same meaning as in 1 Tim 6.2, namely, Christians.

For open to the charge see “charge” and comments in 1 Tim 5.19. Good News Translation‘s “not have the reputation” is a good translation model. The word for profligate appears as “loose” in Luke 15.13 in its adverbial form to describe the way of life of the prodigal son; it has the same meaning here, namely, senseless and reckless and excessively riotous behavior with no concern at all for the consequences of such action (so Jerusalem Bible “uncontrollable,” New International Version “wild,” New Jerusalem Bible “disorderly conduct,” New American Bible, Revised “licentiousness”). In most languages there will be specific vocabulary to describe children who act in this way. For insubordinate see “disobedient” and comments in 1 Tim 1.9. Some ways of translating this are “open to any charge of indiscipline” (Revised English Bible), “disobedient” (New International Version).

An alternative translation model for this verse is:

• A church leader must be without fault (or, have a good reputation) and have only one wife. His children must be believers in Christ. They should not be known for wild behavior or for being disobedient.

Quoted with permission from Arichea, Daniel C. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to Titus. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1995. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .