teknomom

To: Kerryn

“Elders” is from the Greek word “presbuterous” (plural) [masc. is presbutas and fem. is presbutidas].

“Guardian” or “Overseer” is from the Greek word “episkopos”.

“Deacon” is a transliteration of the Greek word “diakonos”; the translation is “minister” meaning “one who serves”.

The word “elder” sometimes is rendered “older man” or “older woman”, other times as the title of an official. Context has to be used to determine which is meant. But we at least know that both are possible meanings.

That “elder” word is used in Titus 1 for people who were to be appointed, so these had to be “Elders”, not simply “older people”. Then in ch. 2 we see the same basic Greek word yet instead of “Elders” it is typically translated “older men” and “older women”. Were these not the “appointees” Paul just wrote about a few paragraphs earlier? Titus had been left in Crete for the expressed purpose of appointing “Elders”, yet for some reason translators think the subject changed. Can it be prejudice? After all, if these appointed officials are the subject, then it would mean– gasp!– that there were such things as female Elders! Horrors!

These women were to be “holy as is fitting for their appointment…”. The Greek in Titus 1:5 is “katasteses” (verb), and in 2:3 is “katastemati” (noun). Both are listed in the same spot in Mounce’s Analytical Lexicon with the meaning “behavior, appearance”, yet 1:5 is given the meaning “appoint”. This makes no sense; how can it mean “behavior” in 1:5– “I left you in Crete to **appear** elders in every city”? Vine’s Expository Dictionary also uses “appoint”, which makes sense, yet we have to wonder why the lexicon does not include this meaning.

At any rate, the same root word is used in both 1:5 and 2:3. It makes perfect sense to continue the “appoint” meaning in 2:3– “likewise the female elders to behave as is proper for their appointment”. This same word also appears in Acts 6:3 for appointing people to oversee the distribution of food to the Greek widows. Strong’s has these words under 2688 “behavior” but then says “from 2525” which means “appoint, ordain”. But it’s always wise to consult experts in Greek, and one respected scholar is Dr. Ann Nyland. She translates the words as “appoint” and “appointment”.

So we have the same root word, and it is translated “appoint” in places where either men are clearly indicated in the context or the context is not specific. Yet in the instance where women are clearly indicated, they switch to “behavior”. Inconsistent, to say the least, and likely prejudicial.

I should also add that Titus 2:4 has the word “neas” from which we get “neo” or “new” (primary meaning of Strong’s 3501). So these female elders were to teach the “new” female believers, not “young women”.

Hope that helps!