Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Titus 2:7

ἐν τῇ διδασκαλία�. This is undoubtedly the true reading and is found in א*ACD2*E*KLP; G has ἀφθονίαν. The rec. text has ἀδιαφθορίαν with אcD2cE**L and cursives.

After σεμνότητα the rec. text adds ἀφθαρσίαν, with D2cE**KL and about 30 cursives; instead of which C and a few other authorities have ἁγνείαν. But neither addition is sufficiently well supported to entitle it to a place in the text.

7. περὶ πάντα σεαυτὸν παρεχόμενος τύπον καλῶν ἔργων, in all things shewing thyself an example of good works. The use of the reflexive pronoun along with the middle voice of the verb makes the personal application of the injunction more pointed. Example is better than precept, and Titus is to set an example in his own person. For the use of τύπος cp. 1 Timothy 4:12, and the note thereon; and for the stress laid on καλὰ ἔργα in the Pastorals and the significance of the adjective καλός see on 1 Timothy 2:10.

It will be remembered that these words, together with those of Titus 2:8 and of Titus 2:12, form the substance of one of the solemn questions which are put to a bishop before his consecration.

ἐν τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ�, σεμνότητα, in thy teaching (shewing) uncorruptness, gravity. These two attributes have reference to the qualities of the teacher, rather than to the content of the doctrine taught; the character of that is defined by the words which follow. σεμνότης (see on 1 Timothy 2:2) is peculiarly a quality of persons, not of doctrine; and ἀφθορία (ἄπ. λεγ. in N.T.) well expresses the single-mindedness and sincerity which a teacher of sacred things should exhibit. It signifies his whole-heartedness, while σεμνότης rather has reference to his outward demeanour.

ἡ διδασκαλία here is to be taken actively, thy teaching, and not (as in the A.V. and R.V.) in the objective sense of the doctrine taught. It has been pointed out in the note on 1 Timothy 1:10, that it is used in both senses in the Pastoral Epistles, but here the context as well as the close juxtaposition of the verb παρακαλεῖν (παράκλησις exhortation being contrasted with διδασκαλία instruction, as at 1 Timothy 4:13) seems to require us to translate teaching, as Wiclif’s version has it.

The A.V. has at the end of this verse the additional attribute sincerity, the rendering of ἀφθαρσίαν of the rec. text. But as the critical note shews, it is a later gloss, and not entitled to a place in the text at all.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Titus 2:7

Old Testament

New Testament