SIL Translator’s Notes on Titus 2000 – Page 3

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:14

3:14a

And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works: The Greek text connects verse 14 to verse 13 with a conjunction that means “moreover also.” Paul told Titus that not only was he to help Zenas and Apollos, but the other believers on Crete were to help people also. You should connect these verses in a way that is natural in your language. For example:

Our people should also learn how to set an example by doing good things (God’s Word)
-or-

And our own people must be taught to devote themselves to good works (Revised English Bible)

And our people must also learn: Paul implied that someone must teach the believers. However, he did not say who was to teach them. In some languages it may be natural to translate this using a passive verb. For example:

Our people must be taught

And our people: This phrase refers to the Christian believers on Crete. The pronoun our is inclusive of Paul and Titus. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

our fellow believers
-or-
our brothers and sisters in Christ

to devote themselves to good works: This is the same phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translated as “to devote themselves to good deeds” in 3:8c. Paul said that the Christians must learn to give their full attention to doing good works.

to good works: The Greek phrase is literally “to engage in good works” (see the notes on 2:7a). Doing good works is one of the main themes of this letter. Paul discussed it in 1.16, 2.7, 2.14, 3.1, and 3.8.

3:14b

in order to meet the pressing needs of others: The Greek phrase is more literally “for the necessary needs.” This shows the kind of “good works” that Paul wanted the Cretan Christians to do. They should give help to people who lacked basic necessities such as food, clothes, or housing.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

when urgent needs arise (God’s Word)
-or-
in order to provide for urgent needs (New International Version (2011 Revision))
-or-
in order to provide for real needs (Good News Bible)

3:14c

so that they will not be unfruitful: This clause gives Paul’s purpose in giving these directions to Titus. He did not want the believers to live unfruitful, that is, unproductive, lives. If the believers helped others, they would not be unfruitful, that is, their lives would be useful and have a purpose.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

so that they may not be unproductive (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
they should not live useless lives (Good News Bible)

In some languages it may be more natural to translate this as a positive purpose. For example:

so that their lives would be fruitful
-or-
so that they can live productive lives (God’s Word)

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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 1:15

1:15a

To the pure, all things are pure: In this verse part Paul used the word pure in two ways. First it refers to people who are morally and spiritually pure. Then in the second occurrence it refers to objects that are ritually pure and acceptable for use by God’s people.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

If someone is clean and good inside, everything is clean and good for them to enjoy. (Easy English Bible)
-or-
Everything is pure for someone whose heart is pure. (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
All things are ritually clean to those who are clean/pure in heart.

To the pure: The phrase the pure refers to people who are spiritually and morally clean because they have been cleansed by God through their faith in Jesus. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

To people who are pure (New International Reader’s Version)
-or-
To those who are pure/clean in their heart/spirit

all things are pure: This clause indicates that all things that God has made are good and there is nothing inherently wrong in them. Paul was probably thinking of Jesus’ teaching that his disciples need not obey the Jewish food laws about clean and unclean foods. See Romans 14:20b. See also 1 Timothy 4:3-4. Paul was not saying that all actions are pure and right. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

all created things/objects are clean
-or-
all food items are ritually pure

1:15b

but to the defiled and unbelieving: The phrase the defiled refers to people who are not pure, people who have bad morals. It is the same group of people as those who are unbelieving. Here are some other ways to translate these words:

but to those who are corrupt and unbelieving (NET Bible)
-or-
to corrupt unbelievers (God’s Word)
-or-
but…to those who are defiled and unbelieving (Good News Bible)

and unbelieving: This implies that these are people who do not believe in Jesus and the gospel.

nothing is pure: This is the opposite of “all things are pure” in 1:15a. Paul was probably implying that these people defiled everything they touched. Because they were not pure in heart, they could offer nothing that was acceptable to God.

1:15c

Indeed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Indeed here introduces a stronger additional statement. Here are some other ways to translate this:

In fact
-or-
Truly

both their minds and their consciences are defiled: This clause explains “the defiled” in 1:15b. The meaning of these people being defiled is emphasized because it is repeated here.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

their minds and their sense of what is right and wrong are twisted (New International Reader’s Version)
-or-
Both their minds and their consciences have been ruined. (New Century Version)

their minds: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as minds refers to a person’s thinking, intellect, or understanding.

consciences: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as consciences refers to the aspect of a person’s thinking that causes him to feel ashamed or guilty when he does something wrong. It refers to how a person judges or evaluates his own deeds and behavior, approving or disapproving what he has done.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

their assessment/evaluation of their deeds
-or-
their sense of what is right and wrong (New International Reader’s Version)

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:3

Paragraph 3:3–7

3:3a

For: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For is a word that links this paragraph (3:3-7) back to the last paragraph (3:1-2). Paul had just told Titus (in 3:1–2) how the believers should behave and now (3:3–8) he gave the reasons why they should behave in that way, namely that God had been kind and loving to the believers while they were still evil, so now they should likewise be kind and loving to others.

Here is another way to translate this transition word:

Because (T4T)

Some English versions do not translate this word. Do whatever is most natural in your own language.

at one time: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as at one time refers to an indefinite time in the past. In this context it means “the time before we became Christians” or “before we believed.” Here are some other ways to translate this word:

In the past (New Century Version)
-or-
Once (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

we too were foolish: The Greek word the Berean Standard Bible translated as foolish means “stupid” or “without understanding.” In this context, it indicates that all these people did not understand spiritual matters.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

we also were foolish (New Century Version)
-or-
we, like them, had no understanding of God’s ways

we: The Greek pronoun the Berean Standard Bible translates as we here is inclusive: Paul included himself and Titus and the believers in Crete. He was as foolish as the Christians in Crete had been.

too: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as too here means “also, as well.” Paul and Titus, and the other believers, were all once ignorant of the gospel, just like the pagans among whom they lived, the “everyone” of 3:2c.

disobedient: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as disobedient here indicates that these people did not obey instructions. See note on 1:16c where the same word is used.

Paul did not make explicit whose instructions these people failed to obey. Scholars suggest two options:

(1) It refers specifically to disobeying God.

(2) It means more general disobedience—disobeying both God and human authorities.

Most English versions leave this ambiguous. You should do the same if that is possible in your language. If, however, in your language you must say whom they were disobeying, it is recommended that you supply “God”:

disobedient to God
-or-
did not obey God

misled: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as misled is passive in form. Paul probably meant that before the Christians believed in Jesus, other people, or perhaps Satan, lied to them or deceived them to discourage them from believing. There are at least two ways to translate this:

• Using a passive verb. For example:

we were misled
-or-
we ourselves were…led astray (New Revised Standard Version)

• Using an active verb and supplying a subject. For example:

people lied to us
-or-

Satan deceived us

3:3b

and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures: This verse part indicates that these people used to be slaves to desires and pleasures, that is, they were controlled by them. They were not free to behave in a different way.

This is a passive clause and there are at least two ways to translate it:

• using a passive verb. For example:

enslaved to various lusts and pleasures (New American Standard Bible)

• using an active verb. For example:

and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

Translate this using the verb form that is most natural in your language. In some languages it may be natural to leave the verb implied:

slaves to various passions and pleasures

all sorts of desires and pleasures: The Greek adjective that the Berean Standard Bible translates as all sorts of means “various.” It refers to both desires and pleasures. These desires and pleasures affected not just one area of life but many areas of life.

desires: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as desires implies a desire to do something evil or immoral, so it can also be translated “passions” or “lust.”

pleasures: This word is similar in meaning to “desires.” It refers to all kinds of enjoyable activities, illegal or immoral as well as legal and moral, whatever gives pleasure.

3:3c

living in malice and envy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as living in means “passing our lives” or “spending our time.” Paul was saying that before people became Christians, they spent their time doing malicious and envious things. Here are some other ways to translate this:

spending our life in malice and envy (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
We spent our lives doing evil and being jealous. (New Century Version)
-or-
Our lives were full of evil and envy. (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

malice: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as malice is a general word referring to evil or wickedness.

envy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as envy refers to the desire to possess something that someone else has, that is, the desire for your own well-being rather than that of the other person. This is the action forbidden by the Tenth Commandment, “You shall not covet.”

3:3d

being hated and hating one another: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible has translated as being hated is an adjective that describes something as worthy of hate, that is, hateful. There are several ways to translate it:

• As a verb. For example:

others hated us and we hated them (Good News Bible)

• As an adjective. For example:

hateful (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
despicable (New Revised Standard Version)

Here is another way to translate this verse part:

We behaved in a way that caused people to hate us, and we hated one another.

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:3

1:3a

In His own time He has made His word evident: The Greek text is more literally “at his appointed season he has brought to light his word.” Scholars have understood this clause in two ways:

(1) At the right time God brought to light his word, that is, the gospel message. This is the message referred to as “the truth” in 1:1d. For example:

who indeed at the proper time revealed his word (New Revised Standard Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (1984 Revision), New Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, King James Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition)

(2) At the right time God brought to light the hope of eternal life mentioned in 1:2a. For example:

At the right time God let the world know about that life (New Century Version)

(New International Version (2011 Revision), Good News Bible, New Century Version, Revised English Bible, English Standard Version)

Some versions remain ambiguous or equate the two options. It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). The object of the Greek clause is “his word” and not “the hope of eternal life” from 1:2b.

In His own time: The phrase In His own time means “at the time that God chose.” The revelation of God’s word happened at the right time, at the time that God chose for it to be revealed.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

at the proper time (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
at just the right time (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

He has made His word evident: The phrase made…evident here means “revealed.” It indicates that God made something clearly known to people. He made His word, that is, his message, the gospel message, known through Paul.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

he has revealed this message (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
he made his Word known (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
God has caused people to know his gospel message

1:3b

in the proclamation entrusted to me: Paul’s proclamation was the means by which God revealed his word (1:3a). The content of that proclamation had been entrusted to Paul, that is, God gave him the responsibility of defending and proclaiming the gospel message. In this way God caused people to know this message.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

through the preaching with which I have been entrusted (English Standard Version)
-or-
He did this through the preaching that he trusted me with. (New International Reader’s Version)
-or-
He gave me the work of declaring that word/message.

entrusted to me: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as entrusted here indicates that God gave Paul an important task or responsibility and expected him to do it well.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

He trusted me with that work (New Century Version)
-or-

he gave it to me
-or-

he gave me the responsibility for it

by the command of God our Savior: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as command is a strong word that refers to a command/order issued by a superior person.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

by order of God our Savior (Good News Bible)
-or-

God commanded me to do this.

God our Savior: The pronoun our is inclusive of Titus and all Christian believers.

In some languages it may be necessary to translate the word Savior as a phrase. For example:

God, the one who saves us(incl) from sin

General Comment on 1:3b

In some languages it may be natural to change the order of information in this verse part. For example:

It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him. (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

General Comment on 1:1-3

In the Greek, Titus 1:1-3 forms one long sentence. In many languages it will be natural to translate these verses as several shorter sentences. For example:

^1aThis letter is from me, Paul. I am God’s servant ^1band an apostle of Jesus Christ. ^1c-dGod has sent me to help the people that he has chosen. I teach them to understand his true message and to trust him. ^1eAs a result they will live in a way that pleases God. ^2a-bBefore the world began, God promised that his people would have life with him. And God never tells lies. ^3a-bGod is the one who saves us. Now, at the proper time, he has made his message clear. He has given his message to me so that I can tell it to people. That is what he has told me to do. (Easy English Bible)

Section 1:5–9
Paul instructs Titus to appoint elders in the churches

In this section Paul began the main content of his letter, which continues through 3:11. He made a general statement about what he wanted Titus to do and then talked about how to choose men to be the leaders in the local churches. This section, especially 1:6–8, is very similar to 1 Timothy 3:1–7. If you have already translated 1 Timothy, you should compare your work there with the list here in Titus. Both lists talk about the character and behavior of elders in the church.

Here are some other possible headings for this section:

Paul writes to Timothy concerning the appointment of church leaders
-or-
Instructions on how to select men to be elders in the churches
-or-
Qualifications for church leaders

Paragraph 1:5–9

1:5a

The reason I left you in Crete: This phrase introduces Paul’s purpose in leaving Titus on the island of Crete. Some time before Paul wrote this letter, he had been on the island of Crete with Titus. At some point Paul had to leave to go somewhere else. He left Titus in charge of helping the new churches and teaching the believers. So here in 1:5 Paul was reminding Titus of things he had already told him some time before.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

This is why I left you in Crete (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
I left you in Crete, so that (Good News Bible)

I left you in Crete: Paul asked Titus to stay in Crete to do a specific job. Avoid translating this in a way that suggests that Paul abandoned Titus without discussing it with him. It may be possible to translate this as:

When I left Crete, I asked you to remain there

In some languages it may be more natural to use direct speech here. For example:

When I left Crete, I said to you, “I want you to stay here.”

Crete: Crete is a large island in the Mediterranean Sea. In some languages it may be natural to make this explicit:

Crete island
-or-

the island of Crete

1:5b

was that you would set in order what was unfinished: This verse part tells the reason why Paul left Titus in Crete. Paul wanted Titus to put in order some things that had not yet been completed. Here are some other ways to translate this:

was to set in order the remaining matters (NET Bible)
-or-
to do what still needed to be done (God’s Word)
-or-
so that you could put in order the things that still needed doing (Good News Bible)

set in order: This phrase means “organize” or “cause things to be the way they should be.”

what was unfinished: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as what was unfinished is more literally “the left/remaining things.” There were some things that Paul thought should be done f

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:15

Paragraph 3:15

This is the closing of the letter. The greetings are similar to the greetings at the end of other New Testament letters.

3:15a

All who are with me send you greetings: Paul said that all the believers in the area where he was located wanted to greet Titus.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

Everybody here sends greetings (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
everyone who is with me says that they are thinking affectionately about you (T4T)

Some languages may have an idiom that expresses the idea of a greeting. For example:

Everyone with me sends respectful words to you
-or-
Everyone with me wants me to ask if you are well
-or-
Everyone with me asks about the news of you

Use an idiom or form that is appropriate in your language.

3:15b

Greet those who love us in the faith: Paul asked Titus to pass on his greetings to the other Christians on Crete.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

Greet all our friends who share in our faith (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Give my greetings to the believers—all who love us (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
Greet the fellow Christians on Crete who love us(excl)

3:15c

Grace be with all of you: This was a common way to end a letter to fellow Christians. See similar expressions in Ephesians 6:24; Colossians 4:18; 1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy 4:22; Hebrews 13:25. If you have already translated those letters, check how you translated the ending of those letters.

Here is another way to translate this phrase:

I pray that God will give his grace to all of you.

Grace: As he did at the beginning of the letter (1:4b), Paul is using Grace as a Christian blessing. In this context, avoid using a long phrase to translate Grace.

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:16

1:16a

They profess to know God: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as They profess means to say that something is true, whether it is true or is not true. It implies that the person speaking wants his listeners to believe what he said. Here, these people did not know God but said that they knew God. They wanted their listeners to believe that they knew God.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

They told people that they knew God
-or-
They say that they know God
-or-
They declare, “We(excl) know God.”

They: This pronoun refers to the people described in 1:15b–c.

1:16b

but by their actions they deny Him: These people were doing things that showed that they did not know God or believe in him. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

but they deny that they know him by what they do
-or-
However, by the way they act they show that to be a lie.

The Greek and the Berean Standard Bible have placed the phrase by their actions in the front of the clause to emphasize it. Some languages cannot emphasize it in that way. Try to emphasize this phrase in a way that is natural in your language.

1:16c

They are detestable: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as detestable means “horrible/awful/disgusting.” God is disgusted with their deeds.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

They are disgusting
-or-
They are horrible people.

disobedient: This word here indicates that these people did not obey God. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

they always disobey
-or-
they never obey God

1:16d

and unfit for any good deed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as unfit refers to failing a test. Here the test is about doing good. These people failed that test, so they are not qualified to do good. If they tried to do good, they would fail.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

and they are not able to do anything good
-or-
and they are not competent to do any good thing

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:4

3:4–7

After writing about the way that they used to live before they became Christians, Paul now reminded Titus that things had changed because of what God had done for them. He emphasized that God did not save them because of the good deeds they had done. He saved them because he was merciful.

Verses 3:4–7 are one sentence in Greek, but probably you will need to use several sentences in your translation. See the General Comment at the end of 3:7.

3:4

But: What Paul was now going to say contrasts with 3:3. Before people became Christians, their state was as Paul had described it in 3:3. Now since God had saved them everything had changed for them. In English this contrast is shown by the use of But. Use whatever word or structure you use in your language to indicate this sort of contrast.

when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared: Most commentators think that Paul was referring here to God sending Jesus to earth. God showed his kindness and love to people by sending Jesus. In some languages it may not be possible to talk about abstract concepts like kindness and love appearing. In those languages it may be more natural to say that they were revealed, or that God showed them to us. For example:

when God our Savior revealed his kindness and love (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
when the kindness and love of God our Savior for humanity were revealed (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
when the kindness and love of God our Savior was shown to us
-or-
God our Savior showed us how good and kind he is (Contemporary English Version)

kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as kindness means “goodness, generosity.” The Greek word translated as love has a similar meaning and refers to the love God has for people. In some languages it may be natural to translate both these abstract nouns as adjectives. For example:

that he/God is kind and loving
-or-
how good and kind he is (Contemporary English Version)

God our Savior: This phrase refers to God as the one who saves/rescues us from sin and God’s wrath.

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:6

1:6–9

In these verses, Paul lists several qualities that elders should have. His purpose in listing these qualities was to tell Titus what kind of people he should choose to be church leaders. They should be godly men whom others respected.

Paul used the singular: “An elder…he…he….” But what Paul was saying was true for everyone who wanted to become an elder. If it is more natural in your language to use a plural, you could translate like this: “Men/People whom you choose to be elders should be….They should be…” Once you have decided whether you should use singular or plural, be consistent throughout 1:6–9.

Here is an example of an English version that uses plural forms in these verses:

⁶they must have a good reputation and be faithful in marriage. Their children must be followers of the Lord and not have a reputation for being wild and disobedient.

⁷Church officials are in charge of God’s work, and so they must also have a good reputation. They must not be bossy, quick-tempered, heavy drinkers, bullies, or dishonest in business. ⁸Instead, they must be friendly to strangers and enjoy doing good things. They must also be sensible, fair, pure, and self-controlled. ⁹They must stick to the true message they were taught, so their good teaching can help others and correct everyone who opposes it. (Contemporary English Version)

1:6a

An elder must be blameless: The list of qualities for elders starts with a Greek clause which more literally says “if anyone is blameless.” In Greek this sentence is not complete, but Paul meant “If someone is blameless, then you may appoint him as an elder.”

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

It is necessary for an elder to be blameless.
-or-

Appoint as elders men like this: a man whom no one can rightly accuse of doing wrong. (SSA)
-or-
Appoint as elders only those who are blameless.

blameless: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as blameless means “without fault, beyond reproach.” A church leader must be someone who has always behaved in a moral and honest way so that no one has a reason to accuse him of doing wrong.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

without fault (Good News Bible)
-or-
have a good reputation (God’s Word)
-or-
not be guilty of doing wrong

1:6b

the husband of but one wife: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the husband of but one wife is literally “of one woman/wife a man/husband.” There are several ways to interpret this phrase:

(1) It means that a church leader must be faithful to his wife (no adultery). For example:

Faithful in marriage (Contemporary English Version)

(Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), New International Version (2011 Revision))

(2) It means that a church leader must not have more than one wife at a time (no polygamy). For example:

the husband of one wife (NET Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, English Standard Version, God’s Word, Good News Bible, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, New Century Version, NET Bible, Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version (1984 Revision))

(3) It means that a church leader must not be someone who has remarried after the death of his spouse or their divorce (no remarriage ). For example:

married only once (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

(New American Bible, Revised Edition, New Revised Standard Version)

Option (1) is supported by many commentaries, although it is followed by only a few English versions. It is possible that Paul had both ideas (1) and (2) in mind, that is, that he thought of a man “of one woman” as one who did not take either a lover or a second wife but had intimate relations with only one woman. Option (3) is less likely. Paul approved of remarriage for widows (1 Corinthians 7:8-9) and did not indicate that he would have given different advice to widowers. In New Testament times it was not uncommon for a young woman to die in childbirth and many Christian men must have remarried. So in your translation, it is good to translate in as literal a way as possible and allow for both options (1) and (2).

This verse part is probably not teaching that an elder must be a married man, although it is assumed that this will normally be the case.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

faithful in marriage (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
faithful to his wife (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

Paul wanted the church leaders to live in such a way that no one would have any reason to criticize them or the church by saying that an elder was not faithful to his wife.

This phrase also occurs in 1 Timothy 3:2 and 1 Timothy 3:12.

1:6c

having children who are believers: The Greek text is more literally “having faithful/believing children.” Paul directed that the children of each elder must believe in Jesus and follow him. In other words, someone whose children do not believe should not become an elder. Paul was probably not saying that people without children should not become elders.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

and have children who are believers (God’s Word)
-or-
His/Their children must be followers of the Lord.

1:6d

and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination: This continues the description of the children of elders. They should not act in a way that would allow people to accuse them of indiscretion or insubordination.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

and do not have the reputation of being wild or disobedient
-or-
His children shouldn’t be known for having wild lifestyles or being rebellious. (God’s Word)
-or-
not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion (New American Standard Bible)

open to accusation of: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as open to accusation of means “can be accused of,” that is, can be truly or rightfully accused of something.

indiscretion: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as indiscretion means “self-indulgent, unrestrained.” It refers to doing whatever you want and enjoying yourself in an uncontrolled way. This may include things like getting drunk, fighting, going to wild parties, or having sex outside of marriage.

Here is another way to translate this word:

living in a way that is not controlled
-or-
indecent behavior (New American Standard Bible)

This word is also used in Ephesians 5:18 and 1 Peter 4:4 (in which cases the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “reckless indiscretion”).

insubordination: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as insubordination describes someone who is unruly or disobedient. Here it refers to people who refuse to obey their parents or anybody else in authority.

Here is another way to translate this word:

rebelling against those in authority
-or-
rebellious

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Source: SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 2000

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:14

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:15

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:3

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:3

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:15

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:16

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:4

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:6

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American Bible Society