Lexical Summary didaktikos: Able to teach, instructive Original Word: διδακτικός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance apt to teach, instructiveFrom didaktos; instructive ("didactic") -- apt to teach. see GREEK didaktos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom didaktos Definition apt at teaching NASB Translation able to teach (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1317: διδακτικόςδιδακτικός, διδακτικη, διδακτικόν (equivalent to διδασκαλικός in Greek writings), apt and skillful in teaching: 1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:24. (διδακτικη ἀρετή, the virtue which renders one teachable, docility, Philo, praem. et poen. § 4; (de congressu erud. § 7).) Topical Lexicon OverviewThe Greek adjective διδακτικός, translated “able to teach” or “apt to teach,” appears only twice in the New Testament (1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:24). Though rare in occurrence, it embodies a critical biblical principle: faithful leaders in Christ’s church must possess both the skill and the spiritual maturity necessary to communicate God’s truth effectively. Occurrences in the Pastoral Epistles In 1 Timothy 3:2, “able to teach” is listed among the non-negotiable qualifications for an overseer. The word stands beside moral attributes such as temperance and self-control, showing that competency in instruction is inseparable from godly character. In 2 Timothy 2:24, Paul broadens the scope from overseers to any “servant of the Lord,” insisting that the Lord’s slave must be “kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.” Instruction, therefore, is a ministry entrusted not merely to an office but to all who represent Christ. Old Testament Foundations The apostolic expectation grows out of a rich biblical heritage. Moses commanded Israel to teach God’s statutes “diligently to your children” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Ezra “set his heart to study the Law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes” (Ezra 7:10). Throughout the prophets, failure to teach truth faithfully is condemned (Jeremiah 6:13-15). Christ as the Model Teacher Jesus is repeatedly addressed as “Teacher” (Matthew 8:19; John 13:13). His public ministry prioritised exposition of Scripture (Luke 4:16-21) and private instruction of disciples (Mark 4:34). In the Great Commission He commands, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). Christian pedagogy therefore derives its authority and method from the incarnate Word. Apostolic Mandate and Spiritual Gifts While διδακτικός emphasises aptitude, other passages recognise the Spirit’s endowment of the office and gift of teaching (Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11). The calling is both supernatural and cultivated—Spirit-given yet honed through disciplined study of Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15). Character and Disposition Paul couples “able to teach” with gentleness, patience, and freedom from quarrelsomeness (2 Timothy 2:24-25). Knowledge divorced from humility produces arrogance (1 Corinthians 8:1). The effective instructor embodies the meekness and wisdom commended by James 3:13, guarding against the stricter judgment awaiting teachers (James 3:1). Protection Against False Doctrine Sound teaching is the primary antidote to error. Paul’s charge to Timothy to “preach the word…for the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2-3) underscores the guardian role of the didaktikos leader. Titus was likewise to silence rebellious men “teaching things they should not” by holding fast the faithful word (Titus 1:9-11). Historical Church Practice From the Didache to the catechetical schools of Alexandria and Antioch, the early church regarded doctrinal instruction as vital. Reformation leaders placed preaching and teaching at the center of congregational life, translating Scripture into the vernacular and producing confessions and catechisms for lay instruction. Throughout church history, seasons of renewal have been marked by a return to Scripture-saturated teaching. Pastoral and Practical Implications 1. Preparation: Leaders must invest time in the Word, prayer, and theological study to handle Scripture accurately. Contemporary Relevance In an age of information overload and doctrinal confusion, the church’s need for leaders “able to teach” is acute. Biblically grounded, Christ-exalting teaching nourishes believers, guards the flock, and advances the mission of making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). Summary Strong’s Greek 1317 encapsulates the God-ordained responsibility of those who shepherd His people: to know the Scriptures deeply and to impart them faithfully. Wherever this attribute is cherished and cultivated, the church is strengthened, error is restrained, and the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ is proclaimed. Forms and Transliterations διδακτικον διδακτικόν didaktikon didaktikónLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Timothy 3:2 Adj-AMSGRK: κόσμιον φιλόξενον διδακτικόν NAS: hospitable, able to teach, KJV: given to hospitality, apt to teach; INT: respectable hospitable able to teach 2 Timothy 2:24 Adj-AMS |
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