Σὺ δὲ λάλει ἃ πρέπει τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ. (Titus 2:1)
But you, speak the things which are fitting for sound teaching.
Exegetical Analysis
The verse begins with Σὺ δὲ, a strong emphatic contrast. The pronoun Σὺ (“you”) is unnecessary grammatically but present for emphasis, likely contrasting Titus with false teachers just mentioned in the previous context. The adversative particle δὲ reinforces the contrast — you, however. The imperative λάλει (“speak”) is a present active imperative, implying continuous action. Paul instructs Titus to engage in an ongoing ministry of truthful, verbal instruction.
The object of this speech is expressed as ἃ πρέπει, literally “the things which are fitting” or “what is appropriate.” The verb πρέπει (from πρέπω) expresses suitability or congruence, used here in the impersonal third-person singular. These things must match a specific standard: τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ (“to sound doctrine”). The participle ὑγιαινούσῃ comes from ὑγιαίνω, meaning “to be healthy, sound, whole,” and modifies διδασκαλίᾳ (“teaching” or “doctrine”) in the dative feminine singular.
This construction implies not just correct information but healthy, life-giving, and theologically grounded teaching. It is not enough to avoid falsehood—one must speak what fits the restorative, sanctifying nature of the gospel message.
Interpreting the Sacred Patterns
This verse functions as a hinge between the denunciation of rebellious, corrupt teachers in Titus 1 and the call to form spiritually mature communities in Titus 2. Paul gives a pastoral directive grounded in contrast. The emphasized pronoun Σὺ signals that Titus must resist the corruption around him and embody a different pattern of ministry. λάλει is not a generic call to speak, but to proclaim content aligned with gospel truth.
The key concept is ἃ πρέπει, what is fitting. Paul does not say merely to repeat sound doctrine, but to articulate the things that are proper, appropriate, or worthy of such doctrine. This places a moral and pastoral responsibility on the speaker—not just to be accurate, but to be appropriate. The phrase τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ has theological weight. Teaching that is healthy promotes spiritual wholeness. It opposes rot, decay, and the doctrinal infections of false teaching. Paul uses the same participle elsewhere to describe both doctrine and faith (e.g., 1 Timothy 1:10, 6:3). The grammar implies that Titus’s speech must not only conform to doctrinal orthodoxy but be marked by its restorative character.
Where Word Meets Worship
In a noisy world where even religious speech can be manipulative or divisive, Paul’s words to Titus resound with clarity. Speak what fits sound doctrine. This is not a command to be academic or impressive. It is a call to integrity—where the content of one’s words and the character of one’s theology align. The preacher, the elder, the teacher must ensure that what they say is suitable to the gospel that heals.
Worship is not only about singing or sacraments – it is about proclamation. When the church speaks, it must do so in a way that reflects the harmony, beauty, and truth of God. ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ does not merely protect from error; it nourishes the soul. It produces health in communities, clarity in conscience, and reverence in the hearer. To speak such things is an act of worship. It is also a shepherd’s responsibility. When we speak what fits sound doctrine, we do not just inform, we participate in God’s work of restoration.
Exegetical Feature Table
| Greek Word/Phrase | Form | Lexical Meaning | Interpretive Role | Exegetical Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Σὺ δὲ | Emphatic subject + adversative particle | “But you” | Pastoral contrast | Contrasts Titus with false teachers in the previous context |
| λάλει | Present active imperative, 2nd person singular | “speak, proclaim” | Main command | Implies ongoing, faithful instruction |
| ἃ πρέπει | Relative pronoun + 3rd person singular verb | “what is fitting” | Content of speech | Refers to things morally and doctrinally appropriate |
| τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ | Dative feminine singular | “to sound doctrine” | Standard of suitability | Doctrine that is healthy, orthodox, and restorative |
Speak What Heals
Paul’s words to Titus are not lofty theology, they are practical holiness. Speak what fits. Speak what nourishes. Speak what heals. The standard is not popular opinion or eloquence, but sound doctrine — teaching that preserves, corrects, and blesses. Every word spoken from the pulpit, the classroom, or the living room must submit to that standard. The gospel is not an abstract message but a healing power, and those entrusted with it must speak accordingly.
