Titus 1

elect
“Elect” is from ἐκλεκτός (eklektos). In this translation, when the emphasis is on the verbal idea, eklektos is rendered as “chosen” (e. g., Matt 22:14; Luke 23:35). When the word is emphasizing or describing a group of people whom God chose, it is rendered as “elect” (e. g., Col 3:12; 1 Tim 5:21). If the emphasis is on quality of choice, it is rendered as “choice” (e. g., Rom 16:13; 1 Pet 2:4, 6). From the first verse in this epistle, Paul is emphasizing God’s sovereign election of His own people and His eternal and certain plan to accomplish their salvation.

full knowledge
“Full knowledge” renders the Greek word ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis), which Is the word for “knowledge” (γνῶσις; gnōsis) with the added prefix ἐπί- (epi-). In Greek, prefixes are often added to intensify the existing word, so in this case, it is translated not just as “knowledge” but as “full knowledge” to bring out the sense of the added prefix. Because Paul is concerned that believers continue to grow in their knowledge of Christ, the force of the added prefix likely does not emphasize the quality of knowledge (as in “real knowledge”) but rather the quantity of knowledge (“full knowledge”). Paul states at the beginning of this epistle that this is the goal of his life and ministry, as he is a slave and apostle for the full knowledge of the truth. This is part of his motivation for providing Titus and the Cretan church with the doctrine necessary to stand out from the pagan culture, witnessing well to the glory of Christ.

all eternity
The phrase “all eternity” is rendered by χρόνων αἰωνίων (chronōn aiōniōn; lit. “eternal times”). While the word αἰών (aiōn) is often rendered as “age,” referring to a lengthy period of time, it was often used to describe such a lengthy period of time as to mean “eternity.” Thus, the adjectival form of the term (αἰώνιος; aiōnios) is regularly rendered as “eternal.” Contextually, this is the sense in which Paul uses the term here, justifying the translation as “all eternity.” Using “eternity” in the translation provides consistency, as Paul has also just mentioned “eternal life” (ζωῆς αἰωνίου; zōēs aiōniou) earlier in this verse, and he uses the same phrase, rendered the same way, in 2 Timothy 1:9. Paul emphasizes here that God’s plan and promise to grant eternal life to sinners who trust in Christ is eternal and thus certain and unbreakable since it is not dependent upon anything that happens within time.

who are
The italicized phrase “who are” is added here to clarify that the qualities “not accused of dissipation, or rebellious” refer specifically to the children of a qualified elder and not to the man himself (though he certainly also must meet the requirements). This is clear in the Greek as the adjective ἀνυπότακτα (anypotakta; “rebellious”) is neuter in gender, modifying the neuter term τέκνα (tekna; “children”). Paul’s point here is that his children should be so well-trained by him that they also reflect his godly character and carry a blameless reputation, even free from accusations. Having children so characterized demonstrates that the man is capable of leading his own family in a godly way, bolstering his trustworthiness to lead the household of God (cf. 1 Tim 3:5).

fond of dishonest gain
“Fond of dishonest gain” translates the Greek term αἰσχροκερδής (aischrokerdēs), which is a compound word comprised of the Greek terms αἰσχρός (aischros; “shameful”) and κέρδος (kerdos; “gain” or “profit”). It is shameful gain because it is gain through underhanded or dishonest means. Thus, “fond of dishonest gain” accurately carries the intended sense of the term. Godly overseers must be diligent and honest workers, not underhanded scammers, as upright examples to and servants of the flock of God.

reprove
“Reprove” translates the Greek verb ἐλέγχω (elenchō), the root idea of which is to expose a fault of someone such that they recognize their error. Thus, it can be translated “show him his fault” (Matt 18:15), “expose” (John 3:20; Eph 5:11, 13), or “convict” (John 8:46; 16:8; 1 Cor 14:24; James 2:9; Jude 15). In the pastorals, because of the context of dealing with rebellious false teachers, a stronger sense is implied, leading to “reprove” as the consistent translation (1 Tim 5:20; 2 Tim 4:2; here; Titus 1:13; 2:15; cf. the similar contexts of Luke 3:19; Heb 12:5; Rev 3:19).

dishonest gain
Refer to the discussion on verse 7 above. Here, rather than using the compound word αἰσχροκερδής (aischrokerdēs), Paul writes the two separately (αἰσχροῦ κέρδους; aischrou kerdous), literally speaking of “the gain of dishonesty.” The compound word describes the character of a person (fond of dishonest gain), while this present terminology places focus on the nature of the profit itself as dishonest or shameful, this being the motivation of false teachers who must be silenced.