Titus 2:8

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Titus 2:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us.
Titus 2:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Titus 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Sound speech that cannot be condemned, etc.] In the public ministry, the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus should be used, and the doctrines of the Gospel be expressed, as near as can be, in the words which the Holy Ghost teacheth, and not in the enticing words of man's wisdom; such speech or language should be chosen, that is plain, easy, and acceptable, and conveys just ideas of things; and which being agreeable to the Scriptures of truth, and the analogy of faith, cannot be justly found fault with: or this may refer to private conversation, in which no rotten speech, or corrupt communication should proceed out of the mouth; nothing but what is pure, sound, graceful, and edifying; no…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“speech--discourse in public and private ministrations. he that is of the contrary part--the adversary (Tit 1:9; Ti2 2:25), whether he be heathen or Jew. may be ashamed--put to confusion by the power of truth and innocence (compare Tit 2:5, Tit 2:10; Ti1 5:14; Ti1 6:1). no evil thing--in our acts, or demeanor. of you--So one of the oldest manuscripts. Other very old manuscripts read, "of US," Christians.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Sound speech - Notes, 1 Timothy 1:10. He was to use language that would be spiritually “healthful” (ὑγιῆ hugiē); that is, true, pure, uncorrupted. - This word, and its correlatives, is used in this sense, in the New Testament, only by the apostle Paul. It is commonly applied to the body, meaning that which is healthful, or whole; see Luke 5:31; Luke 6:10; Luke 7:10; Luke 15:27; Matthew 12:13; Matthew 15:31; Mark 3:5; Mark 5:34; John 5:4, John 5:6,John 5:9, John 5:11, John 5:14-15; John 7:23; Acts 4:10; 3 John 1:2. For Paul’s use of the word see 1 Timothy 1:10; 1 Timothy 6:3; 2 Timothy 1:13;2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9, Titus 1:13; Titus 2:1-2, Titus 2:8. It does not elsewhere occur. That…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Wholesome speech - In private conversation. Titus 2:9”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Sound: Mar 12:17, Mar 12:28, Mar 12:32, Mar 12:34; Ti1 6:3 that he: Neh 5:9; Ti1 5:14; Pe1 2:12, Pe1 2:15, Pe1 3:16 may: Isa 66:5; Luk 13:17; Th2 3:14 having: Phi 2:14-16 Titus 2:9”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification