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 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 1:12

1:12a

As one of their own prophets has said: The words has said here indicate that this prophet spoke the words of 1:12b–d some time before Paul wrote this letter to Titus. He probably spoke and wrote this several hundred years beforehand. Use an appropriate way to indicate that. For example:

One of Crete’s own prophets said this long ago

one of their own prophets: This phrase indicates that this man was from, or lived in, the island of Crete.

prophets: Here the word prophets refers to people who spoke on behalf of one of the gods of Crete. The usual meaning of prophets in the New Testament refers to people who speak on behalf of God. Your translation should not indicate or imply that this person spoke on behalf of God. You may need to make it explicit that Paul was referring to spokesmen of the idols whom the people of Crete worshiped. For example:

spokesmen of their gods
-or-

pagan prophets

1:12b

Cretans are always liars: This clause is an exaggeration. It means that the people who lived in Crete had the habit of telling lies.

The prophet who was speaking was himself a Cretan. But he was not saying that he was telling a lie. So in some languages it may be necessary to remove the exaggeration in order to convey the correct meaning. For example:

Cretans are habitual liars
-or-

We Cretans certainly tell many lies

Cretans: This word means “the people of Crete.”

1:12c

evil beasts: The phrase “Cretans are” is implied from 1:12b. In some languages it is more natural to make this a clause. For example:

and they are evil brutes

This phrase compares Cretans to wild animals who do bad things. This is a figure of speech, a metaphor. It means that they acted without self-control or good morals. There are several ways to translate this figure of speech:

• Keeping the metaphor. For example:

they are wicked wild animals

• Using a simile. For example:

they are like wicked wild animals

• Explaining the meaning of the figure of speech. For example:

they are wicked and unrestrained, like wild animals

• Translate only the meaning of the metaphor. For example:

they are wicked and wild people

If you do this, you may then want to give a literal translation of the Greek in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

Literally, “wicked wild animals.”

Translate this figure of speech in the way that is most natural in your language and allows your readers to understand the correct meaning.

1:12d

lazy gluttons: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as lazy gluttons is more literally “lazy/idle stomachs.” It refers to people who are focused on eating and drinking rather than working. Their lives are centered around eating and drinking.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

lazy people who are always eating
-or-
too lazy to work but not too lazy to eat
-or-
They are lazy but love to eat.
-or-
They eat/consume a lot but do not work.

This phrase concludes the quotation from the Cretan prophet.

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:2

1:2a

in the hope of eternal life: There are several ways to interpret how this phrase is connected to 1:1. The two main interpretations are:

(1) The hope of eternal life is the purpose or result of the faith and knowledge mentioned in 1:1c-d. For example:

Then they will have the hope of eternal life. (Contemporary English Version)

(New Jerusalem Bible, Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

(2) The hope of eternal life is the basis or grounds of this faith and knowledge. For example:

which is based on the hope for eternal life (Good News Bible)

(New International Version (1984 Revision), Good News Bible, New Century Version, God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Although interpretation (2) is possible from the Greek, normally in the NT eternal life is the result of faith. It is the ultimate goal of believing in Jesus and knowing his truth.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

Because of their faith and knowledge, they hope to live forever.
-or-
This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

the hope: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as hope means “confident hope” or “waiting for and expecting something to happen.” Christians can know for certain that God will do what he has promised. They can believe what he has said without any doubt. In English the word hope often indicates that we are not sure that something will happen. For instance, when we say “I hope that it rains,” it means that we want it to rain but we do not know if it will. This is not the Greek meaning of the word.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

the expectation
-or-
they are certain/sure

eternal life: The word eternal refers to something that does not end. The phrase eternal life refers to life in God’s kingdom. This life continues forever.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

life forever
-or-
life that does not end

In some languages it may be best to translate life as a verb. For example:

they will live eternally
-or-
they will live with God forever

1:2b

which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as God, who cannot lie is more literally “the non-lying God.” The adjective “non-lying” describes God as one who does not say anything that is false. He only speaks the truth.

Here are some ways to translate this verse part:

which God, the one who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time
-or-
which God promised before the beginning of time. And he does not lie.
-or-
God does not lie. He promised this eternal life before the beginning of the world.

before time began: This phrase refers to the time before God made the world.

Here are some ways to translate this phrase:

before the world began (God’s Word)
-or-
before the word was/existed
-or-
before he created the world (T4T)

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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 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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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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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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Source: SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 2000

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:14

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:15

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:12

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:2

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:3

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:6

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:7

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 1:8

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American Bible Society