G3811

Unveiling the Word

The Greek verb παιδεύω (paideúō) primarily means “to educate” or “to train.” It conveys a sense of nurturing, instructing, and guiding someone, often in a moral or ethical context. This term is not just about imparting knowledge but also encompasses the development of character and virtue in individuals, particularly children. Its significance extends to various domains, including education, discipline, and spiritual formation. In the context of the New Testament, the word is utilized to illustrate the responsibilities of parents, educators, and spiritual leaders in fostering growth in their charges. An example of this can be found in Luke 23:16, where it is used to describe the act of chastising or disciplining, reflecting the broader implications of training in both moral and educational spheres.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: παιδεύω, pronounced [pai-deh-oo].

Etymology: The root of παιδεύω comes from the noun παῖς (pais), meaning “child,” which emphasizes the focus on education and upbringing. The suffix -εύω (-eúō) indicates the action of leading or guiding.

Part of Speech: παιδεύω is a verb and is typically conjugated to reflect various tenses, moods, and voices. It follows regular patterns of Greek verb conjugation.

Defining Meanings

To Educate: The primary meaning of παιδεύω is to educate, focusing on the formal impartation of knowledge and skills to someone, especially children.

To Discipline: Another significant aspect of the term is its implication of discipline, highlighting that education often involves correction and guidance, ensuring that the individual learns appropriate behavior.

To Nurture: In a broader sense, παιδεύω refers to nurturing and developing the moral character and virtues of individuals, not just their intellect.

Exploring Similar Words

κατηχέω (katēchéō) [kat-ay-KHEH-oh]: This term means “to instruct” or “to teach,” particularly in a systematic or formal manner. While both παιδεύω and κατηχέω involve teaching, the latter often connotes a more formal or doctrinal approach.

διδάσκω (didáskō) [dee-DAS-koh]: This verb translates to “to teach” and is commonly used in the context of formal education. The difference lies in that διδάσκω can refer to any teaching context, whereas παιδεύω emphasizes the nurturing aspect of education.

μορφωτικός (morphōtikós) [mor-fo-TEE-kos]: This adjective refers to something that is formative or educative. Unlike παιδεύω, which is an action, μορφωτικός describes the quality of being conducive to growth or development.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood: παιδεύω can be used in various tenses, including present (indicating ongoing action), aorist (completed action), and perfect (action with continuing effects). It is primarily in the active voice, indicating the subject performs the action.

• Person and Number: Examples of conjugation include:

• 1st Person Singular: παιδεύω (I educate)

• 2nd Person Singular: παιδεύεις (You educate)

• 3rd Person Singular: παιδεύει (He/She educates)

• Aspect: The imperfective aspect of παιδεύω indicates ongoing or repeated action, while the perfective aspect would emphasize completed actions.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term παιδεύω is essential in both secular and religious contexts, particularly within the New Testament. Lexicons highlight its importance in illustrating the nurturing responsibilities of those in positions of authority, such as parents and teachers. The word encompasses not just the act of teaching but also the broader ethical implications of educating individuals to become morally upright citizens. In theological discussions, it often reflects God’s guidance in the lives of believers, emphasizing the divine role in personal development.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Luke 23:16: “Therefore I will chastise [παιδεύω] him and release him.”

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

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 ideal παιδεύω involves not only knowledge but also virtue, shaping both mind and character.”

Example 2: Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: “Education [παιδεία] must focus on the soul, guiding individuals toward the good.”

Example 3: Xenophon, Memorabilia: “Socrates emphasized the importance of proper παιδεύω in developing moral citizens.”

Septuagint Example 1: Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Septuagint Example 2: Deuteronomy 6:7: “And you shall teach [παιδεύω] them diligently to your children.”

Septuagint Example 3: Isaiah 28:9: “Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine?”

Noteworthy Summary

The word παιδεύω encapsulates the dual role of education and discipline in personal development. Its usage in both classical literature and the New Testament highlights the critical nature of guiding individuals in moral and ethical frameworks.

Did You Know?

1. The concept of παιδεύω emphasizes moral and ethical education, reflecting the belief that teaching goes beyond academics.

2. In ancient Greece, the role of the educator (or παιδαγωγός) was often taken by a household slave, highlighting the social structures of education.

3. The term has evolved in modern contexts to signify not just teaching but also the nurturing aspect of raising individuals in various spheres of life.

Strong’s G3811: παιδεύω (paideúō) means “to educate” or “to train,” emphasizing the nurturing of intellect and character in children and the moral responsibilities of educators.