G3862:

Brief Overview of παράδοσις (Strong’s G3862: parádosis)

Unveiling the Word

The Greek noun παράδοσις (parádosis) means “tradition” or “handing down.” It signifies the act of passing on customs, teachings, or practices from one generation to another. The significance of this word is particularly pronounced in religious contexts, where it encompasses the transmission of doctrinal teachings and practices within the early Christian community and Judaism. In Matthew 15:2, the Pharisees question Jesus about His disciples not following the “tradition of the elders,” highlighting the tension between traditional practices and Jesus’ teachings. Etymologically, παράδοσις is derived from the verb παραδίδωμι (paradídōmi), which means “to hand over” or “to deliver,” emphasizing the idea of delivering knowledge or customs through generations.

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Necessary Information

Greek Word: παράδοσις (parádosis) [pah-RAH-do-sis]

Etymology: The term comes from the verb παραδίδωμι (paradídōmi), composed of παρά (pará), meaning “beside” or “alongside,” and δίδωμι (dídōmi), meaning “to give” or “to hand over.” This reflects the process of passing down knowledge or traditions from one person or group to another.

Part of Speech: Noun. παράδοσις is a feminine noun that typically appears in both singular and plural forms.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

Tradition: The primary meaning of παράδοσις refers to the transmission of beliefs, practices, or customs from one generation to the next.

Teaching: It can also signify the body of teachings or doctrines that have been handed down, particularly within religious contexts.

Cultural practice: Additionally, the term encompasses the broader aspects of cultural practices that are preserved through oral or written means over time.

Exploring Similar Words

παράδοτος (parádotos) [pah-RAH-do-tos]: This adjective means “handed down” or “traditionary,” and while it relates closely to παράδοσις, it emphasizes the state of being passed down rather than the act of transmission.

διδασκαλία (didaskalía) [dee-dah-skah-LEE-ah]: Meaning “teaching” or “doctrine,” this word focuses on the content of what is taught rather than the process of passing down traditions.

συνήθεια (sunētheia) [soo-NEH-thee-ah]: This term means “custom” or “habit” and refers to practices that may not have formal religious significance but are still culturally important, differing from the more formalized concept of παράδοσις.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns:

Case, Number, Gender: παράδοσις is a feminine noun. In the nominative singular, it is παράδοσις; in the genitive singular, it is παραδόσεως; and in the accusative singular, it remains παράδοσιν. In the plural, the nominative is παραδόσεις.

Declension: As a feminine noun of the third declension, παράδοσις follows standard declension patterns in Greek, adapting its form according to the grammatical case being used.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Various Greek lexicons provide insights into the implications of παράδοσις in both biblical and classical literature. BDAG highlights its role in the early church as a framework for preserving and teaching the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Thayer’s discusses the importance of tradition in Jewish law and its evolution in early Christianity. LSJ emphasizes its use in philosophical contexts, where the passing down of knowledge is crucial for understanding. Vine’s connects it to the teachings of the church and how they were to maintain the integrity of Christ’s message. Strong’s notes that παράδοσις often highlights the contrast between human traditions and divine commandments, especially in the teachings of Jesus. LEH and Moulton and Milligan elaborate on its significance in various cultural and historical contexts, emphasizing the role of tradition in shaping societal norms.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 15:2: “Why do your disciples break the tradition (παράδοσις) of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.”

1 Corinthians 11:2: “Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions (παράδοσις) even as I delivered them to you.”

2 Thessalonians 2:15: “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions (παράδοσις) that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical literature, παράδοσις is used to denote the importance of transmitting knowledge and customs.

Plato, The Republic: “The education of the youth should involve the traditions (παράδοσις) of the ancients to instill virtue and wisdom.”

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: “The virtues are not only acquired but are passed down (παράδοσις) through careful teaching and habituation.”

Xenophon, Memorabilia: “Socrates emphasized the need to respect the customs handed down (παράδοσις) by our forebears.”

In the Septuagint, the concept appears similarly.

Septuagint Example 1: Proverbs 4:2: “For I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching (παράδοσις).”

Septuagint Example 2: Jeremiah 35:8: “We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us (παράδοσις).”

Septuagint Example 3: Deuteronomy 6:2: “That you may fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son’s son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments (παράδοσις) which I command you.”

Noteworthy Summary

The noun παράδοσις is crucial for understanding the dynamics of tradition, particularly within religious and philosophical contexts. It emphasizes the importance of transmitting beliefs, teachings, and practices through generations, reflecting the foundational aspects of both Jewish and Christian faiths.

Did You Know?

The use of παράδοσις in Matthew emphasizes the conflict between Jesus’ teachings and the established traditions of the Pharisees, showcasing how traditions can sometimes hinder true faith.

Tradition plays a pivotal role in the preservation of religious beliefs, and understanding παράδοσις helps contextualize the practices of the early Church.

The concept of tradition is not only significant in religious contexts but also vital in the transmission of cultural values and customs across generations.

Strong’s G3862: παράδοσις (parádosis) means “tradition” or “handing down,” emphasizing the transmission of teachings and practices, particularly relevant in theological discussions about faith and obedience.

Part of Speech: Noun

Tags: Greek, New Testament, biblical studies, theology, language, vocabulary, word study, tradition, teaching, customs