In post Christian America, where gender roles are very confused, divorce rates are very high, and even homosexuality is normalized, it would be very helpful to have a clear standard to look to for guidance. Titus 2:3-5 is one of the clearest statements in the Bible on how Christian women ought to live. Unfortunately, with every new English translation that arrives on the scene, this scripture passage is changed a little. See below Titus 2:5 in five of the best selling English translations of the Bible.
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
Being a worker or even busy at home is quite a bit different then being a keeper at home. Being sensible as a woman is very different from being discreet or self controlled. Most women have a very clear understanding of what it means to be obedient to their own husband but really not a clue what it means to be subject to their husband. Most women have a very clear understanding of what it means to blaspheme the word of God but not many women have any idea what it means to malign or revile the word of God. The newer the version, the softer the blow and the duller the sword.
Here is the Greek word which is translated blasphemed, reviled, dishonored, and malign in the different versions above: blasphéméo. You can decide for yourself which is the correct way to translate this Greek word. It seems to me that the more contemporary versions of the Bible purposely cloud the gender distinctions. This is not what a Church which has lost its distinction from the world needs.
If you are a young lady who wants to be in the center of God’s will for your life do yourself a favor and get a KJV version of the Bible. It is very clear and it is God’s word for English speaking people. The further you get away from the KJV the more worldly you will become. If you want to be comfortable in your sin and have the world love you then the ESV, NIV, or even the Message will work well for you.