Lexical Summary didaskalos: Teacher, Master Original Word: διδάσκαλος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance doctor, master, teacher. From didasko; an instructor (genitive case or specially) -- doctor, master, teacher. see GREEK didasko HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1320 didáskalos (a masculine noun derived from 1321 /didáskō, "to teach") – a teacher, an instructor acknowledged for their mastery in their field of learning; in Scripture, a Bible teacher, competent in theology. See 1319 (didaskalia). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom didaskó Definition an instructor NASB Translation Teacher (41), teacher (10), teachers (8). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1320: διδάσκαλοςδιδάσκαλος, διδασκαλου, ὁ (διδάσκω), a teacher; in the N. T. one who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man: 1. of one who is fitted to teach, or thinks himself so: Hebrews 5:12; Romans 2:20. 2. of the teachers of the Jewish religion: Luke 2:46; John 3:10; hence, the Hebrew רַב is rendered in Greek διδάσκαλος: John 1:38 ( 3. of those who by their great power as teachers drew crowds about them; a. of John the Baptist: Luke 3:12. b. of Jesus: John 1:38 ( 4. by preeminence used of Jesus by himself, as the one who showed men the way of salvation: Matthew 23:8 L T Tr WH. 5. of the apostles: ὁ διδάσκαλος τῶν ἐθνῶν, of Paul, 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11. 6. of those who in the religious assemblies of Christians undertake the work of teaching, with the special assistance of the Holy Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11; Acts 13:1, cf. James 3:1. 7. of false teachers among Christians: 2 Timothy 4:3. (Homer (h. Merc. 556), Aeschylus, others) Didaskalos designates one who instructs with authority in matters of faith, morals, and Scripture. In first-century Judea it corresponded to the Hebrew “rabbi,” yet the New Testament expands the idea beyond rabbinic circles to embrace the unique authority of Jesus Christ and the Spirit-gifted role of teachers in the Church. Jesus as the Supreme Teacher From the outset of the Gospels the word serves chiefly as a title for Jesus. Crowds, seekers, disciples, adversaries, and even demons acknowledge Him with “Teacher” (for example, Matthew 8:19; Mark 10:17; Luke 20:21). His teaching is distinguished by: • Authority: “He was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes” (Matthew 7:29). When opponents address Him as Teacher (Matthew 22:16; Luke 11:45), their hypocrisy only underscores the authenticity of His instruction. Discipleship Under the Teacher The didaskalos–mathetes (teacher–disciple) relationship frames Christian discipleship. Jesus insists, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). The goal is conformity to Christ’s character and doctrine, not mere accumulation of information. Teachers within Israel While Jesus alone fulfills the role flawlessly, other teachers appear in the Gospel narrative: • Jewish religious authorities—Nicodemus, called “the teacher of Israel” (John 3:10), illustrates the limitations of traditional instruction absent spiritual rebirth. These contrasts elevate the necessity of truth-anchored teaching. The Spiritual Gift and Office of Teaching Post-resurrection usage broadens to the ecclesial setting. God “appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers” (1 Corinthians 12:28). The Antioch church lists teachers alongside prophets (Acts 13:1), showing that doctrinal instruction stands at the heart of missionary advance. Ephesians 4:11 links pastors and teachers, implying shepherding through doctrinal care. Paul repeatedly applies the title to himself (1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11), highlighting: • A commission—“a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” Qualifications and Accountability Scripture attaches sobering weight to the role. “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1). Hebrews laments believers who “ought to be teachers” yet still need elementary truths (Hebrews 5:12). Thus, spiritual maturity precedes public instruction. True and False Teachers End-time warnings sharpen the contrast: • True teachers impart “sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2). Didaskalos therefore carries both honor and hazard; fidelity to apostolic truth is the dividing line. Authority of the One Teacher Matthew 23:8 crystallizes the theology of teaching: “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.” All human teaching is derivative; Christ alone is the ultimate source. Authentic Christian teachers lead others to submit to His words, never to their own. Eschatological Dimension Jesus foretells a time when deceptive teachers will proliferate (Matthew 24:11). Vigilant discernment anchored in Scripture is thus integral to perseverance. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Ground teaching in the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). Summary Strong’s 1320 encapsulates a calling that reaches its apex in Jesus Christ and continues through Spirit-enabled servants who faithfully expound Scripture. The health of the Church in every generation rises or falls with the integrity of its teachers. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 8:19 N-VMSGRK: εἶπεν αὐτῷ Διδάσκαλε ἀκολουθήσω σοι NAS: and said to Him, Teacher, I will follow KJV: unto him, Master, I will follow INT: said to him Teacher I will follow you Matthew 9:11 N-NMS Matthew 10:24 N-AMS Matthew 10:25 N-NMS Matthew 12:38 N-VMS Matthew 17:24 N-NMS Matthew 19:16 N-VMS Matthew 22:16 N-VMS Matthew 22:24 N-VMS Matthew 22:36 N-VMS Matthew 23:8 N-NMS Matthew 26:18 N-NMS Mark 4:38 N-VMS Mark 5:35 N-AMS Mark 9:17 N-VMS Mark 9:38 N-VMS Mark 10:17 N-VMS Mark 10:20 N-VMS Mark 10:35 N-VMS Mark 12:14 N-VMS Mark 12:19 N-VMS Mark 12:32 N-VMS Mark 13:1 N-VMS Mark 14:14 N-NMS Luke 2:46 N-GMP Strong's Greek 1320 |
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