2:7a

In everything: There are two ways to understand the phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as In everything:

(1) It belongs with the instruction that follows, that Titus set a good example. For example:

in all things show yourself to be an example (New American Standard Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), Revised Standard Version/New Revised Standard Version, Good News Bible, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, New Century Version, God’s Word, NET Bible, English Standard Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition)

(2) It belongs with the instruction in 2:6 that young men be “self-controlled.” For example:

⁶Similarly, urge younger men to be moderate in everything that they do, ⁷and you yourself set an example of good works (New Jerusalem Bible)

(Contemporary English Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition)

Either interpretation is acceptable and has scholarly support. You may wish to follow the interpretation in the major language version in your area.

2:7b

show yourself to be an example: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as show yourself to be an example is more literally “showing yourself as an example.” Paul wanted Titus to act in a good way so that he could be a model for the other young men to follow.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

set them an example (New International Version (2011 Revision))

or

act as a model

by doing good works: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates by doing good works is more literally “of good works.” It refers to actions that please God and help other people.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

of good works (English Standard Version)

or

of good behavior (Good News Bible)

2:7c

In your teaching: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as teaching here probably refers both to the actual work of teaching and to its content.

In some languages it may be natural to translate this phrase as a dependent clause. It may also be necessary to supply an object and indicate whom Titus was to teach. For example:

When you are teaching (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
When you teach the believers (Easy English Bible)

show integrity: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as integrity means “soundness” or “without corruption.” Titus should teach things that he knew to be true, because he knew them to be true. He should not say things for selfish reasons or say what he did not really believe.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

do it with honesty (New Century Version)

or

be sincere (Contemporary English Version)

dignity: This Greek word is similar to the one in 2:2b that the Berean Standard Bible translated as “dignified.” Both Titus’ behavior while teaching and the content of what he taught should not be silly or lightweight. He should teach in a way that was worthy of respect.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

seriousness (New International Version (2011 Revision))

or

gravity (New Revised Standard Version)

General Comment on 2:7c

In some languages it may be natural to reorder the phrases in this verse part. For example:

Be sincere and serious when you teach. (Contemporary English Version)

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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.