This strong apostolic command from Paul to Titus combines three imperatives with a final charge against being disregarded. The verse—Ταῦτα λάλει καὶ παρακάλει καὶ ἔλεγχε μετὰ πάσης ἐπιταγῆς· μηδείς σου περιφρονείτω from Titus 2:15—models the full range of pastoral responsibility. The grammar blends imperatives, prepositional emphasis, genitive construction, and a rare third-person imperative of prohibition to express bold, Spirit-empowered leadership.
The Greek Text in Focus
Ταῦτα λάλει καὶ παρακάλει καὶ ἔλεγχε μετὰ πάσης ἐπιταγῆς· μηδείς σου περιφρονείτω (Titus 2:15)
“Speak these things, and encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”
Grammatical Highlights
- Ταῦτα — accusative neuter plural demonstrative; “these things,” object of all three imperatives.
- λάλει — present imperative active, 2nd singular; “keep on speaking.”
- παρακάλει — present imperative active, 2nd singular; “keep on encouraging.”
- ἔλεγχε — present imperative active, 2nd singular; “keep on rebuking.”
- μετὰ πάσης ἐπιταγῆς — preposition + genitive noun and adjective; “with all authority.”
- μηδείς — negative pronoun; “no one.”
- σου — genitive second-person singular; “of you,” modifying περιφρονείτω.
- περιφρονείτω — present imperative active, 3rd singular; “let no one disregard.”
Triple Present Imperatives: Persistent Ministry
Paul gives three coordinated present imperatives—λάλει, παρακάλει, ἔλεγχε—to define the full breadth of Titus’ ministry. The present tense suggests ongoing, habitual action. The message (“these things”) is to be spoken, encouraged, and also rebuked. The commands progress from communication to exhortation to confrontation, covering the pastoral spectrum.
Authority Emphasized: μετὰ πάσης ἐπιταγῆς
The prepositional phrase μετὰ πάσης ἐπιταγῆς (“with all authority”) reinforces how Titus is to rebuke. The noun ἐπιταγή implies a sense of delegated command or authoritative order. The genitive plural adjective πάσης emphasizes fullness or totality. Grammar reinforces tone: this is not mild suggestion but divine charge.
Third-Person Prohibition: μηδείς… περιφρονείτω
The rare third-person imperative περιφρονείτω means “let him not disregard.” Combined with μηδείς (“no one”) and the genitive σου (“you”), the phrase becomes a strong command to the community: Titus is not to be treated with contempt. Greek places this last for emphasis, marking it as climactic and protective.
| Word / Phrase | Form | Function | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| λάλει | Present Imperative Active, 2nd Singular | Command to speak | Speak |
| παρακάλει | Present Imperative Active, 2nd Singular | Command to exhort | Encourage |
| ἔλεγχε | Present Imperative Active, 2nd Singular | Command to rebuke | Rebuke |
| μετὰ πάσης ἐπιταγῆς | Preposition + Genitive | Describes how to rebuke | With all authority |
| μηδείς σου περιφρονείτω | Negative + Genitive + 3rd Person Imperative | Prohibition of contempt | Let no one despise you |
The Grammar of Undeniable Authority
Titus 2:15 encapsulates pastoral ministry as bold and persistent. The Greek grammar commands not only continual proclamation and exhortation but fearless confrontation. The use of three imperatives forms a tricolon of ministry. The authority is not in the tone but in the syntax — backed by πάσης ἐπιταγῆς. And the final prohibition ensures the messenger is not dismissed. Paul’s Greek does not just instruct Titus — it shields him with divine grammar.
