Titus 2:15
Ταῦτα λάλει καὶ παρακάλει καὶ ἔλεγχε μετὰ πάσης ἐπιταγῆς· μηδείς σου περιφρονείτω
1. Hearing the Verse Slowly
Tafta lalei kai parakalei kai elengche meta pasēs epitagēs; mēdeis sou perifroneitō
This verse sounds like a set of clear instructions. Paul gives Titus a sequence of actions: speak, encourage, correct, and do it with full authority. The Greek moves quickly because the verbs come one after another.
2. Literal Translation
These things speak, and encourage, and correct with all authority; let no one disregard you.
3. The Action Chain
The verse is built around four verbal ideas:
λάλει means “speak.”
παρακάλει means “encourage” or “exhort.”
ἔλεγχε means “correct” or “rebuke.”
περιφρονείτω means “let him disregard” or “let him despise.”
4. Grammar Focus: The Imperative Voice of Instruction
The main grammar feature in Titus 2:15 is the imperative. An imperative is a command or instruction. Greek uses imperatives when the speaker wants someone to do something directly.
λάλει, παρακάλει, and ἔλεγχε are commands addressed to Titus.
The verse does not merely say that Titus may speak or might encourage. It tells him to keep doing these things. The present imperative often gives the sense of ongoing action: “keep speaking,” “keep encouraging,” “keep correcting.”
The last command is different:
μηδείς σου περιφρονείτω = “let no one disregard you.”
Here the command is not directly “you do this,” but “let no one do this to you.” Greek can command not only actions, but also situations that must not be allowed.
5. Vocabulary Builder: Words That Carry Authority
| Greek Word | Transliteration | Basic Meaning | Beginner Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ταῦτα | tafta | these things | Points back to the teaching Paul has just given. |
| λάλει | lalei | speak | A simple verb for verbal communication. |
| παρακάλει | parakalei | encourage, exhort | Can comfort or urge someone forward. |
| ἔλεγχε | elengche | correct, rebuke | Means to expose what is wrong and correct it. |
| ἐπιταγῆς | epitagēs | authority, command | Shows that Titus should teach with seriousness and confidence. |
| περιφρονείτω | perifroneitō | let him disregard | Describes looking down on someone or treating them lightly. |
6. Syntax Insight: Follow the Path of the Sentence
This verse has a strong, simple structure. It begins with the object:
Ταῦτα = “these things”
Then Greek gives three commands in sequence:
λάλει
speak
παρακάλει
encourage
ἔλεγχε
correct
The repeated καὶ means “and.” It links the commands together like steps in a single ministry task. Titus is not only to speak. He must also encourage and correct.
Then Greek adds the manner:
μετὰ πάσης ἐπιταγῆς = “with all authority”
The final clause gives a protective command:
μηδείς σου περιφρονείτω = “let no one disregard you”
7. Mini Grammar Lab: Why So Many Commands?
A beginner may notice that Titus 2:15 feels direct. That is because Greek stacks commands together. This creates urgency and clarity.
| Command | What Titus Must Do | Beginner Grammar Note |
|---|---|---|
| λάλει | Speak the teaching | Present imperative |
| παρακάλει | Encourage the hearers | Present imperative |
| ἔλεγχε | Correct what is wrong | Present imperative |
| περιφρονείτω | Let no one disregard Titus | Third-person imperative |
8. Beginner Practice Activity: Find the Commands
Look at the Greek verse again:
Ταῦτα λάλει καὶ παρακάλει καὶ ἔλεγχε μετὰ πάσης ἐπιταγῆς· μηδείς σου περιφρονείτω
Fill in the blanks with the correct Greek command:
- “Speak” =
- “Encourage” =
- “Correct” =
- “Let him disregard” =
Answer Check:
1. λάλει 2. παρακάλει 3. ἔλεγχε 4. περιφρονείτω
What This Verse Teaches Your Eyes to Notice
Titus 2:15 teaches beginners to notice how Greek can build force through repeated commands. The verse is not complicated in structure, but it is strong in movement. First comes Ταῦτα, “these things.” Then the commands begin: λάλει, παρακάλει, ἔλεγχε. Finally, the verse closes with μηδείς σου περιφρονείτω, a command that no one should treat Titus lightly.
When reading Greek, look for the verbs first. In this verse, the verbs are the engine of the whole sentence.
