Lexical Summary kathégétés: Teacher, Leader, Guide Original Word: καθηγητής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance master, teacherFrom a compound of kata and hegeomai; a guide, i.e. (figuratively) a teacher -- master. see GREEK kata see GREEK hegeomai HELPS Word-studies 2519 kathēgētḗs (from 2596 /katá "down" and 2233 /hēgéomai, "to lead") – properly, a leader; someone bringing others "down the road of learning" by giving needed instruction; a master-teacher. (In Modern Greek this term refers to a "professor," Abbott-Smith.) [2519 (kathēgētḗs) is used of an educator-facilitator in Dionysius, Thucudides, Plato, Aristotle; cf. Abbott-Smith.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and hégeomai Definition a teacher NASB Translation leader (1), leaders (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2519: καθηγητήςκαθηγητής, καθηγητου, ὁ (καθηγέομαι to go before, lead); a. properly, a guide: Numen. quoted in Ath. 7, p. 313 d. b. a master, teacher: Matthew 23:8 R G, 10. (Dionysius Halicarnassus jud. de Thucydides 3, 4; several times in Plutarch (cf. Wetstein (1752) on Matthew, the passage cited.)) The term designates a person who leads others along a way—intellectually, morally, and spiritually. Its imagery joins two notions: knowledgeable direction and personal accompaniment. Scripture presents it as more than information transfer; it evokes a trusted mentor whose authority rests on demonstrated insight and proven path-finding. Occurrences in the New Testament Matthew 23:10 records both the singular and plural forms within a single verse: “Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Christ” (Berean Standard Bible). These are the only occurrences, but their placement in a discourse against religious pretension gives them enduring weight for understanding Christian leadership. Historical Background: Rabbinic Titles in First-Century Judea By the late Second Temple era, respected teachers bore honorifics such as Rabbi, Father, and Guide. These titles signaled status in a society where formal schooling took place chiefly in synagogue settings or with private tutors. While the honor owed to genuine scholarship was not condemned, titles easily became badges of self-exaltation, especially among Pharisaic circles that prized public recognition (Matthew 23:5–7). Jesus’ critique addresses this cultural climate, redirecting attention from human credentials to divine authority. Theological Significance 1. Sole Primacy of Christ: By reserving the designation for Himself, Jesus affirms His unique role as the ultimate revealer of God (John 1:18; Hebrews 1:2). All other teaching offices must remain derivative and accountable to Him. Relation to Christ’s Authority The description “one Instructor, the Christ” parallels “one Shepherd” (John 10:16) and “one Mediator” (1 Timothy 2:5). Each clause underscores exclusive sufficiency. Christ’s incarnation, atoning work, and resurrection qualify Him uniquely to interpret Scripture (Luke 24:27, 45) and to dispense the Spirit who guides into all truth (John 16:13). Implications for Christian Ministry and Discipleship • Every church teacher functions as a steward, not a proprietor, of revealed truth (1 Corinthians 4:1). Practical Lessons for the Contemporary Church 1. Evaluate leadership structures to ensure they magnify Christ and foster mutual edification. Related Biblical Concepts and Titles • Rabbi (John 1:38) – title of respect but secondary to Christ’s lordship. In sum, Strong’s Greek 2519 confronts every generation with a dual challenge: exalt Christ as the singular, decisive Guide, and practice leadership that faithfully reflects His humble, truth-bearing character. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 23:10 N-NMPGRK: μηδὲ κληθῆτε καθηγηταί ὅτι καθηγητὴς NAS: Do not be called leaders; for One KJV: Neither be ye called masters: for one INT: Neither be called leaders as [the] leader Matthew 23:10 N-NMS Strong's Greek 2519 |
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