SIL Translator’s Notes on Titus 2000 – Page 3

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:7

1:7a

As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach: The Greek is more literally “For an overseer/bishop must be blameless as a steward of God.” God has given overseers the responsible position of steward, and so it is important that they be blameless.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

For since a church leader is in charge of God’s work, he should be without fault. (Good News Bible)
-or-
An overseer is God’s servant who takes care of his work/people. So he must be without fault.
-or-
Because a bishop is a supervisor appointed by God, he must have a good reputation. (God’s Word)

In some languages, it may be more natural to follow the Greek order. For example:

For the overseer must be blameless as one entrusted with God’s work. (NET Bible)

Since Paul was writing about overseers in general and not one particular overseer, in some languages it may be natural to use a plural form. For example:

God has given overseers the task of watching over his people. So they must be without blame.

overseer: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as overseer is often translated as “bishop.” Many scholars think that “elder” (1:5) and overseer are two words for the same church leaders. According to this interpretation, Paul was still talking about the kind of people whom Titus should choose to be elders.

God’s steward: This phrase indicates that the overseer had the position of steward working for God. In New Testament times, a steward was an important servant who was responsible to manage his master’s business, possessions, or household. A master often gave his steward authority over other servants. And in the church, the work of the church leader is to look after the work and ministry of the church and to take care of God’s people.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

a supervisor appointed by God (God’s Word)
-or-
responsible for the welfare/wellbeing of God’s people

must be above reproach: Paul was saying that it is necessary for church leaders to be above reproach. The phrase above reproach translates the same word that Paul used in 1:6a that the Berean Standard Bible translated as “blameless.” You should translate it in the same way in both places.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

a church leader must be blameless
-or-
You should choose those who are blameless.
-or-
Choose blameless men.

1:7b–8

Here Paul began to describe in more detail how a church leader should behave. In 1:7b–d Paul listed five ways in which a church leader should not behave. Then in 1:8 Paul listed six ways in which a church leader should behave.

1:7b

not self-absorbed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as self-absorbed means “arrogant, bossy.” Paul said that a church overseer is not to be like this. He must not insist on his own way as though he were a king or dictator or boss.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

not arrogant (NET Bible)
-or-
He must not be one who demands his own way.
-or-
They must not be bossy (Contemporary English Version)

not quick-tempered: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as quick-tempered means “quick to get angry.” The church leader must not be someone who becomes angry quickly or easily. He must keep his anger under control.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

not become angry quickly
-or-
not hot tempered
-or-
He must not get angry easily. (New International Reader’s Version)
-or-
They must not be prone/inclined to anger.

1:7c

not given to drunkenness: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as given to drunkenness refers to someone who makes a habit of drinking a lot of alcohol so that he becomes drunk.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

not a drunkard
-or-
not a heavy drinker (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
He must not be someone who often gets drunk.

The same word is used in 1 Timothy 3:3a where the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “dependent on wine.” Try to translate it the same way in both places.

not violent: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as violent means “striker, brawler.” This refers to a person who often fights with other people or who is rough with others in language or actions. It refers mainly to fighting physically, but it can include yelling and arguing, too. Paul wrote that church leaders must not be men who behaved like this.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

not fight a lot
-or-
He must not like to fight with others.

The same word is used in 1 Timothy 3:3b. Try to translate it the same way here.

1:7d

not greedy for money: There is an interpretation issue with the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as greedy for money. Scholars have interpreted it in two ways:

(1) It refers to doing wrong things in order to become wealthy. For example:

use shameful ways to make money (God’s Word)

(New International Version (2011 Revision), Contemporary English Version, New Century Version, God’s Word, New American Bible, Revised Edition)

(2) It refers to strongly desiring to become wealthy. For example:

greedy for money (New American Standard Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version/New Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, Good News Bible, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, NET Bible, New Jerusalem Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), as do a majority of the commentaries.

The Greek word probably refers to someone who wants money so much that he would lie, cheat, or take bribes in order to get more money. This kind of person might use his position of authority in the church as a way to get money from other people.

Here are some other ways to translate this is phrase:

He must not be a person who will do anything to get money.
-or-
He must not try to get money by cheating people (New International Reader’s Version)

The same term is used in 1 Timothy 3:8.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 2:2

2:2a

Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled: There is no verb in Greek at the beginning of this verse, but many English versions supply a verb. For example:

Teach
-or-
Instruct (Good News Bible)

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
The older men should be sober, dignified, and temperate (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Instruct the older men to be sober, sensible, and self-controlled (Good News Bible)

Older men: The Greek word refers in general to male believers who were older than 40 or 50. It is similar to, but not the same as, the word used for elders of the church.

temperate: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as temperate means “restrained” or “moderate.” It usually refers to not drinking too much alcohol but can also have the wider meaning of being restrained and moderate in conduct and behavior. See how you translated the same word at 1 Timothy 3.2c.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

sober (Good News Bible)

sober-minded (English Standard Version)
-or-
calm

dignified: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as dignified describes someone who is respected by others and deserves to be so respected. This kind of respect was associated with the behavior of a serious and mature person.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

worthy of respect (New International Version (2011 Revision))
-or-
respectable

self-controlled: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as self-controlled describes someone who is thoughtful and deliberate in his actions rather than impulsive. See how you translated it in 1:8c and translate it the same way in both places. For example:

They must control themselves. (New International Reader’s Version)
-or-
able to control themselves

2:2b

and sound in faith, love, and perseverance: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sound is literally “healthy,” that is, health-giving or wholesome. Here it describes a man as being solid and firm in the way he trusts God, loves others, and endures hardship. It is the same word used in 2:1 to describe correct doctrine. If possible, translate it the same in both places.

The three phrases in faith, love, and perseverance list three areas in which the older men should be solid and firm. The word in connects the areas of behavior (faith, love, and perseverance) to the word sound . Consider how best to indicate this in your language. For example:

sound in faith, sound in love, sound in endurance
-or-
strong in faith, in love, and in patience (New Century Version)
-or-
Their faith, love, and patience must never fail. (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

in faith: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as faith here refers to trust in God, trust that comes from Christian belief. The older men should trust in God completely for everything they need.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

in the way they trust God
-or-
in their trust in God

love: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as love here refers to the affection and warm regard that one person shows to another person. The older men should be healthy in the way they show love to others. They should be selfless in service to other people.

Here is another way to translate this phrase:

in the way they love other people

and perseverance: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as perseverance refers to the ability to not give up in the face of difficulty. Paul wanted the older men to endure or bear hardship. They should be patient and not quit when they met difficulties.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

and in the way they bear up during difficult times
-or-
and in patience

General Comment on 2:2a-b

These verse parts include four items in a list (“temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, sound”). The Berean Standard Bible follows English style by separating the first three items with a comma and supplying the word “and” between the last two. Each of the items describes a type of behavior that the older men should follow. The verb “to be” is therefore implied for each of them. Follow your language style for constructing such a list.

The Berean Standard Bible has translated 2:2a-b as one clause. In some languages it may be more natural to translate this verse as two or more clauses or sentences, with more than one imperative verb. For example:

^2aTell older men to be sober. Tell them to be men of good character, to use good judgment, ^2band to be well-grounded in faith, love, and endurance. (God’s Word)
-or-

^2aTeach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. ^2bThey must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:6

3:6a

This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly: In Greek the sentence continues here using a pronoun that refers to the Holy Spirit. In some languages it may be natural to make this reference explicit and begin a new sentence here, as does the Berean Standard Bible. More examples:

God poured out the Spirit generously
-or-
God caused this Holy Spirit to descend upon us in abundance/fullness/richness

He poured out: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as poured out is a figure of speech that describes the way God gave the Holy Spirit to his people. This same figure of speech is used in Acts 2:17–18, 33. To “pour out” something is to let it flow or come down. This figure of speech indicates that God caused the Holy Spirit to come down, descend, upon his people.

abundantly: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as abundantly means “richly, in full measure.” In this context it indicates that God gave the Holy Spirit to believers without holding back, that is, fully or completely. Here are some other ways to translate this:

in God’s great generosity
-or-
generously
-or-
completely

3:6b

through Jesus Christ our Savior: This “pouring out” of the Holy Spirit (3:6a) was done through Jesus Christ our Savior. Commentators understand this in two ways:

(1) The life and death of Jesus saved us and made it possible for God to pour out the Holy Spirit. For example:

He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did. (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

(2) God sent Jesus to give us his Spirit. For example:

God sent Jesus Christ to give us his Spirit. (Contemporary English Version)

Both of these statements are true. Paul may have had either or both in mind. If you must choose between them, it is recommended that you choose interpretation (1), since Paul referred to Jesus Christ as our Savior.

General Comment on 3:6a-b

In some languages it may be necessary to reorder these parts. For example:

^6bBecause Jesus Christ died to become our Savior, ^6aGod has caused the Holy Spirit to come down upon us in full/generous measure.

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:8

1:8a

Instead: This conjunction indicates a contrast. The contrast is between verse 7 and verse 8. In 1:7b–d, Paul gave five ways church leaders should not act. In verse 8 he lists six ways they should act. The Berean Standard Bible indicates this contrast with the conjunction Instead.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

Rather (New International Version (2011 Revision))
-or-
But (English Standard Version)

In some languages it is necessary to begin verse 8 with a short sentence like:

No, they should not be like this. Instead…

he must be hospitable: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as he must be hospitable is more literally just “hospitable.” The Berean Standard Bible has supplied the verb phrase he must be in order to translate verse 8 as a separate sentence.

The Greek word meaning hospitable comes from root words meaning “friendly, loving” and “stranger, outsider.” A church leader must be a person who is happy to welcome people from outside his family into his home as guests.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

He must be friendly to strangers
-or-
He must be ready to welcome guests

If you have been referring to the church leaders in the plural, continue to do so here. For example:

Overseers must be ready to welcome guests (New Century Version)

See also the notes on 1 Timothy 3:2d, where the same word hospitable is used. Translate it the same way in both verses.

1:8b

a lover of good: This phrase indicates that a church leader must be someone who is happy to do what is right and good. Again, Paul was speaking of church leaders in general, and in some languages it may be more natural to use the plural.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

and enjoy doing good things (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
devoted to what is good (NET Bible)
-or-
full of love for whatever is good

In some languages it may be natural to translate this as a clause or sentence. For example:

He must love what is good. (New International Reader’s Version)
-or-
Overseers must…love what is good. (New Century Version)

1:8c

self-controlled: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as self-controlled describes a person who is sensible, thoughtful, or prudent. He is in control of himself and so is able to act wisely, calmly, and appropriately in every situation.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

able to control himself (SSA)
-or-
he/they must behave in a sensible manner

This word also occurs in 1 Timothy 3:2c. See how you translated it there. If it is possible and natural, translate it the same way here.

upright: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as upright means “righteous” or “just.” A church leader must behave toward other people in a way that is fair and just.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

must live right (English Easy-to-Read Version)
-or-
he/they must do what is just

1:8d

holy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as holy means “pure” and “wholly devoted to God.” It describes something or someone as being separated to God, set apart for God’s use.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

His ways must be pure.
-or-
His heart must be dedicated to God.

disciplined: This word describes a person who can control his desires and actions. He does things in moderation and not to excess. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

he must control his own desires and actions
-or-
he must be able to control himself

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 2:3

2:3a

Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior: The Berean Standard Bible has supplied the verb are and the verb to be. Here are some other ways to translate this:

instruct the older women to behave as women should who live a holy life (Good News Bible)
-or-
Tell older women to live their lives in a way that shows they are dedicated to God. (God’s Word)

Older women: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Older women is used only here in the New Testament. The context suggests that it refers to women who were of a similar age to the men mentioned in 2:2, women in their forties or fifties or older.

likewise: This word indicates that Paul’s next comments are similar to what he has just said. The older women should act in similar ways to the older men. Another way to translate this is:

In the same way

reverent: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as reverent refers to behavior appropriate for a holy person, that is, someone who is dedicated to God.

Here are some other ways to translate the phrase:

exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy (NET Bible)
-or-
to live their lives in a way that shows they are dedicated to God (God’s Word)
-or-
to show their dedication to God

to behave as holy women should

in their behavior: The phrase refers generally to the way that they live, particularly the way they speak and look. The older women should act in ways that other people could see that they were dedicated to God.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

in the way they live (New International Version (2011 Revision))

in all that they do

2:3b

not slanderers: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as slanderers refers to people who accuse others of bad behavior. Here it refers to gossips, people who tell bad stories about others.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

not speaking against others (New Century Version)

not to be gossips (God’s Word)

This behavior, and the one that follows, is something the older women should not do. In some languages it might be natural to start a new sentence here. For example:

They should not be slanderers
-or-
Tell them not to be gossips (God’s Word)

or addicted to much wine: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as addicted is more literally “enslaved.” It refers to a person who is completely controlled by something or someone else. It is the second behavior the older women should not follow.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

or enslaved to too much wine (New Century Version)
-or-
not slaves to excessive drinking (NET Bible)

and not controlled by alcohol

much wine: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wine refers to a fermented alcoholic drink. It was a very common everyday drink in cultures of that time and place. Usually water was added to make it less intoxicating. The word much refers to drinking an excess of wine. Paul was not saying that the older women should not drink any wine at all.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

too much wine (New Century Version)

excessive drinking (NET Bible)

2:3c

but teachers of good: In Greek this is a single word meaning “good teacher.” The Berean Standard Bible has supplied the word but to indicate a contrast with what the women should not do. However, most English versions connect this word to the positive instructions which follow in 2:4-5. If you connect it to what follows, it may not be necessary to supply a conjunction indicating contrast.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

They must be teachers of right behavior (New Jerusalem Bible)

They must teach what is proper (Contemporary English Version)

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:7

3:7a-c

There are two main ways to understand the structure of 3:7a-c:

(1) The words “having been justified” indicate the basis or grounds for God making us his heirs. For example:

And so, since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life (NET Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), English Standard Version, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, NET Bible, New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New Century Version, New Jerusalem Bible)

(2) The words “having been justified” are part of God’s purpose. For example:

so that we might be justified by his grace

Paragraph 3:8

3:8 provides a link between paragraph 3:3–7 and the next paragraph, 3:9–11. It concludes the teachings in 3:4–7 with an assurance that these teachings are true and a command to Titus to emphasize them. Then, in 3:8d, Paul said that these teachings were “excellent and profitable,” in contrast with the “foolish” and “pointless” teachings he would talk about in 3:9–11.

Different translations start the new paragraph at different places. Because this paragraph is a link between two other paragraphs, it may be best to make it a paragraph by itself, as a number of English versions have done (for example, Good News Bible, New Century Version). You should put the paragraph breaks wherever is most helpful to your readers.

3:8a

This saying is trustworthy: This phrase refers back to what Paul has just written, probably 3:4–7, but possibly 3:1-7. Here are some other ways to translate this:

This is doctrine that you can rely on. (New Jerusalem Bible)

saying: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as saying is literally “word, message.” It refers to what Paul had just been writing in the previous paragraph. It does not refer to just one word or one statement.

trustworthy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as trustworthy means “reliable,” “sure,” “certain to be true,” “something you can trust.” Paul was telling Titus that he could depend on and trust what he has just told him.

3:8b

And I want you: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as And I want you is a way of introducing a request or polite command. You can translate it as:

And so I request that
-or-
And so you should
-or-
And please

to emphasize: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to emphasize means “to insist on” or “to stress.” This verb is in the present tense, which means that Paul wanted Titus to do this frequently or regularly, that is, to keep on emphasizing these matters.

In some languages it may be necessary to indicate to whom Titus was “to emphasize these things.” If this is the case in your language, you could say that Titus was to emphasize these teachings to the believers in Crete, who are mentioned in the following verse part, 3:8c. For example:

I want you to insist on these things to those who have trusted in God

these things: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as these things refers back to the same teachings as 3:8a, that is, the teachings Paul had just given in 3:4–7. You can also translate this phrase as:

these matters
-or-
these teachings
-or-
these instructions

3:8c

so that: The Greek word the Berean Standard Bible translates as so that here introduces the purpose or desired result of Paul’s instructions. Paul wanted Titus to emphasize his teachings in order that the believers in Crete would live in a right way.

those who have believed God: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as who have believed God refers to Christian believers in Crete. They were people who had trusted God to save them through Jesus Christ. If you have supplied an explicit description of them in 3:8b, here you may just refer back to them with a pronoun such as “they/them.”

will take care to devote themselves to good deeds: This long phrase indicates that Paul wanted the believers to think seriously about how to practice good works. He wanted them to consider carefully how they could do good to others and make a strong effort to do so.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

will be careful to use their lives for doing good (New Century Version)
-or-
will be sure to do good deeds (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
may be intent on engaging in good works (NET Bible)

to good deeds: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as good deeds is literally “good works.” See the comment on this in the note on 2:7a.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

good works (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
good things (God’s Word)
-or-
good deeds (Good News Bible)

3:8d

These things are excellent and profitable for the people: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as These things refers to the advice and doctrinal truths that Paul had written about in the preceding verses, 3:4–7, or possibly 3:1–7. Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

These things are good and will help everyone. (New Century Version)
-or-
These things are good and beneficial for all people. (NET Bible)

excellent: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as excellent means “good.”

profitable: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as profitable means “helpful, useful, beneficial.”

for the people: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for the people is literally “for men.” This is, however, a use of “men” that refers to people in general.

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:9

1:9

In 1:6–8 Paul said that church leaders must behave in a way that pleases God. Now in 1:9 he wrote that church leaders must think and teach correctly about the gospel.

This is the last part of Paul’s list of requirements for church leaders. If it is natural in your language, you could begin 1:9 with a linking word such as “Finally.”

1:9a

He must hold firmly to the faithful word: Many English versions begin this verse with the pronoun He. It refers to the people whom Titus was to appoint as elders. Paul has been talking about these people since 1:5b. If you use a pronoun here, you need to check that it is clear that these people are still being referred to. If it is not clear, you will need to use a noun like “an elder” (see New Century Version). In some languages it may be more natural to use a plural form.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

He must hold firmly to the faithful message (NET Bible)
-or-
He must be devoted to the trustworthy message (God’s Word)
-or-
He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

hold firmly: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as hold firmly means to believe strongly and persistently in something. It refers to holding something in one’s mind rather that in one’s physical body. Use the expression that is natural in your language for faithful belief in something.

the faithful word: This phrase refers to the gospel teachings about Jesus Christ. The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as faithful means “reliable” or “sure.” It refers to something that is true and does not change. Paul was saying that the gospel is something that people can trust and depend on.

The phrase faithful word also occurs in 3:8, 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:11.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the teachings that are true
-or-
the good news that does not change
-or-
the true message (Contemporary English Version)

as it was taught: Paul said that elders should strongly believe the gospel as it was taught. A literal English translation of the Greek is “according to the teaching.” Paul is saying that the church leaders must firmly believe the same teaching about Jesus Christ that he and the other apostles taught. They must not change those teachings.

This clause is passive. There are several ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

he was taught (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

• Use an active verb. The subject could be Paul and the other apostles (exclusive of Titus), or Paul and his fellow workers (inclusive of Titus). For example:

as we(excl) apostles taught it to you(sing)
-or-
just as we(incl) taught it to him/them

1:9b

so that he can encourage others by sound teaching: The conjunction so that here introduces Paul’s purposes in giving his instruction in 1:9a. This verse part gives the first purpose. If it is natural to do so in your language, you could begin a new sentence here. For example:

He must do this so that he can encourage others by teaching doctrine that is true.

In some languages it may be natural to translate this purpose clause as a clause that indicates the expected result. For example:

Then he can use these accurate teachings to encourage people. (God’s Word)
-or-
Then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching. (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
In this way he will be able to encourage others with the true teaching (Good News Bible)

he can encourage others: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as encourage does not have an explicit object. The Berean Standard Bible has supplied the object others. In some languages it may be natural to supply a different object. For example:

overseers can help people (New Century Version)

by sound teaching: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sound means “healthy, wholesome.” Here it is used figuratively to describe a body of teaching that is true or correct. This kind of teaching is spiritually health-giving. It helps believers to become healthy in their minds and spirits and to think and act in a way that pleases God.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

with the true teaching (Good News Bible)
-or-
with wholesome teaching (New Century Version)

teaching: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as teaching means “teaching/instruction.” Here it refers to the true teaching about Jesus.

1:9c

and refute those who contradict it: This is another purpose for Paul’s instruction that an elder should firmly believe the trustworthy message about Jesus. There will be people who contradict the message and refuse to believe it. An elder is to firmly believe the gospel so that he can refute those people. To refute them means to show them that they are wrong.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

and also to show the error of those who are opposed to it (Good News Bible)
-or-
and show those who oppose it where they are wrong (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
and show those who are against the true teaching that they are wrong

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 2:4

2:4a

In this way: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates In this way indicates the purpose for doing something. Here it connects the idea of training younger women (2:4a) as the purpose for the older women teaching what is good (2:3c).

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

so that (New American Standard Bible)

and so (Revised English Bible)

they can train: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as train means “encourage” or “advise.” The older women should show the younger women how to behave through their own good conduct and advice.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

they may encourage (New Revised Standard Version)

they can show (the younger women) how

the young women: This is a general term referring to women old enough to be married but young enough to still have a husband and children to care for.

Here is another way to translate this phrase:

young married women

2:4b

to love their husbands and children: The Greek text is more literally “to be lovers of their husbands, lovers of their children.” These two ideas represent the mark of a good wife in both Greek and Jewish cultures. They describe a deep affection for family and a commitment to meeting their needs.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

to take loving care of their husbands and children

to be loving wives and mothers (Revised English Bible)

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Source: SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 2000

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:7

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 2:2

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:6

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:8

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 2:3

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:7

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:9

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 2:4

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