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πρεσβῦτις (presbutis)

presbutis

old woman

G4247 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun presbutis refers specifically to an aged woman, derived from the root for elder or seniority. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Titus 2:3, where Paul instructs older women to behave in a manner worthy of holiness.

This term distinguishes female eldership by age and life stage rather than office. The context emphasizes spiritual maturity and teaching younger women, highlighting the value of experience in Christian community. Translators typically render it as "older women," capturing both the physical reality of aging and the respect due to their years.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Paul’s letter to Titus offers a gentle but firm invitation for older women to embrace their role as spiritual guides within the church. The term used here highlights that age is not a time of withdrawal, but a season of purposeful influence. It suggests that the wisdom gathered through decades of life experience becomes a valuable resource for nurturing faith in others.

This passage encourages a lifestyle marked by reverence and self-control, steering clear of gossip and excess. Instead, the focus shifts to teaching what is good. For those in this stage of life, it is an opportunity to model integrity and share practical wisdom, helping younger believers navigate their own spiritual journeys with confidence and grace.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • [the] aged [women]1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Πρεσβύτιδας1×

Key Verses

  • Titus 2:3
    and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good,

    This verse uniquely defines the specific conduct expected of older women, linking their age directly to their responsibility as teachers of good character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does presbutis mean in the New Testament?

It is a Greek noun meaning 'old woman' or 'older woman.' It appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Titus 2:3. The word emphasizes the dignity and spiritual responsibility associated with aging in the Christian community.

How is this word different from presbyteros?

While presbutis refers to an older woman, presbyteros typically refers to an elder or older man. In Titus 2, Paul addresses both groups separately, highlighting that while the gender and specific roles may differ, the call to reverence and teaching remains central for both.

What is the main instruction given to presbutis in Titus?

The text instructs them to be reverent in behavior, avoid slander, not be enslaved to much wine, and serve as teachers of what is good. This highlights a focus on moral integrity and mentoring younger women in the faith.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Titus 1 verse
Titus 2:3

and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which…