G3809

Unveiling the Word

The Greek term παιδεία (paideía) translates to “education,” “training,” or “discipline.” It encompasses a broad spectrum of meanings, from the formal education of children to moral and ethical training. This word has significant cultural and philosophical roots in ancient Greece, where it was considered vital for developing civic responsibility and personal virtue. The word is notably used in Ephesians 6:4, where it refers to the upbringing and instruction of children, highlighting the importance of proper guidance in both education and moral character.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: παιδεία, pronounced [paɪˈdeɪ.ə].

Etymology: The term is derived from the root word παις (pais), meaning “child” or “boy.” The suffix -είᾳ (-eia) often forms nouns that describe a state or condition, which in this case relates to the upbringing and education of children.

Part of Speech: παιδεία is a noun and typically appears in the feminine gender. It can be found in both singular and plural forms, but its usage most commonly pertains to the singular concept of education.

Defining Meanings

Education: The primary meaning of παιδεία is formal education or training, emphasizing the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary for personal development and societal participation.

Discipline: Another significant meaning of the term involves the idea of discipline or corrective training, which implies that education is not solely about knowledge but also about moral and ethical development.

Cultural Formation: Additionally, παιδεία represents a broader cultural formation process that encompasses social norms, customs, and values passed from one generation to another.

Exploring Similar Words

παιδεύω (paideúō) [pai-DAY-oo]: This verb form means “to educate” or “to train,” focusing on the act of providing education as opposed to the concept or system of education that παιδεία represents.

μαθητεία (mathēteía) [ma-thay-TAY-a]: Meaning “discipleship” or “learning,” this term emphasizes the relationship between teacher and student, specifically within the context of following a teacher or philosophy.

ἐκπαίδευσις (ekpaídeusis) [ek-pai-DAY-u-sis]: This word refers to “training” or “instruction,” with a focus on thorough preparation for specific tasks or roles, often used in a more specialized or advanced context.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns/Adjectives:

• Case, Number, Gender: παιδεία is a feminine noun and can appear in various cases, including nominative (subject), genitive (possession), dative (indirect object), and accusative (direct object).

• Declension: It typically follows the first declension pattern in Greek, characterized by its ending in -α (-a) in the nominative singular.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In the context of New Testament scripture, παιδεία is often associated with both physical and spiritual upbringing. Lexicons indicate that this term not only relates to formal education but also embodies the moral and ethical teachings that shape an individual’s character and conduct. For early Christians, proper education was seen as essential for nurturing faith and virtues aligned with Christ’s teachings.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Ephesians 6:4: “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture [παιδεία] and admonition of the Lord.”

Hebrews 12:5: “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening [παιδεία] of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him.”

2 Timothy 3:16: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction [παιδεία] in righteousness.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Example 1: Plato, The Republic: “The purpose of education [παιδεία] is to prepare the individual for life in society.”

Example 2: Aristotle, Politics: “The ideal state must ensure proper education [παιδεία] for its citizens to maintain virtue.”

Example 3: Xenophon, Memorabilia: “Socrates spoke of the importance of education [παιδεία] in shaping a good character.”

Septuagint Example 1: Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child [παιδεία] in the way he should go.”

Septuagint Example 2: Isaiah 28:9: “Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.”

Septuagint Example 3: Deuteronomy 6:7: “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children [παιδεία].”

Noteworthy Summary

The term παιδεία (paideía) encapsulates the essence of education in both ancient Greek society and early Christian teachings. It reflects not only the acquisition of knowledge but also the moral formation necessary for responsible citizenship and spiritual growth.

Did You Know?

1. The concept of παιδεία was integral to Greek philosophy, emphasizing that true education goes beyond mere facts to cultivate virtues.

2. In early Christianity, the use of παιδεία signified the importance of spiritual upbringing, urging parents to guide their children in faith.

3. The educational systems of ancient Greece served as a model for later Western educational theories, valuing both intellectual and moral development.

Strong’s G3809: παιδεία (paideía) refers to “education” or “training,” highlighting its dual role in knowledge acquisition and moral development, reflecting its importance in personal and spiritual growth.