Lexical Summary nouthesia: Admonition, instruction, warning Original Word: νουθεσία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance admonition. From nous and a derivative of tithemi; calling attention to, i.e. (by implication) mild rebuke or warning -- admonition. see GREEK nous see GREEK tithemi HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3559 nouthesía(a feminine noun derived from 3560 /nouthetéō) – properly, setting (placing) the mind through God-inspired warning ("admonition"). 3559 /nouthesía ("warning through teaching") improves a person's reasoning so they can reach God's solution – i.e. by going through His thought-process. See 3560 (nouthetéō). [Ro 12:1-3 likewise emphasizes the importance of receiving God's thoughts in the renewed mind, through faith, to reach God's solutions.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom noutheteó Definition admonition NASB Translation instruction (2), warning (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3559: νουθεσίανουθεσία, νουθεσιας, ἡ (νουθετέω, which see); admonition, exhortation: Wis. 16:6; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Titus 3:10; κυρίου, such as belongs to the Lord (Christ) or proceeds from him, Ephesians 6:4 (cf. Winers Grammar, 189 (178)). (Aristophanes ran. 1009; Diodorus 15, 7; besides in Philo, Josephus, and other recent writings for νουθέτησις and νουθετια, forms more common in the earlier writings cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 512; (Winers Grammar, 24).) (Cf. Trench, § xxxii.) Topical Lexicon Concept and Scope Within the apostolic writings νουθεσία denotes purposeful verbal engagement aimed at shaping the mind and will toward Christ-honoring obedience. It is neither bare information nor harsh censure, but a grace-filled intervention that corrects, warns, and guides. Because the term blends the ideas of “mind” and “placing,” it envisions truth being set into the inner person so that conduct aligns with the gospel. Occurrences and Immediate Settings • Ephesians 6:4 places νουθεσία in the home: “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord”. Parental speech is to impress the Lord’s ways on children, balancing nurture and warning. Old Testament Roots Though the Greek term is New Testament, its ethos is foreshadowed in Proverbs, where fatherly counsel, prophetic rebuke, and covenant warnings intertwine (for example, Proverbs 1:8; 3:11-12). The Septuagint often renders Hebrew words for chastening or instruction with cognates of νουθεσία, preparing Jewish and Gentile readers alike for Paul’s usage. Place in Pauline Discipleship Paul consistently pairs νουθεσία with didachē (teaching) or paideia (discipline), showing that admonition is not optional but co-essential with positive instruction. Colossians 1:28, though employing the cognate verb, encapsulates the pattern: “We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” The goal is maturity, and the means combine pastoral warmth with sober warning. Parental Ministry Ephesians 6:4 frames νουθεσία as a covenantal duty. Fathers are prohibited from exasperation; instead they cultivate hearts through consistent, Scripture-saturated dialogue. The verse guards against authoritarian severity on one hand and neglect on the other. Effective admonition is patient, personal, and anchored in “the Lord,” ensuring that Christ—rather than parental preference—sets the agenda. Congregational Accountability In Titus 3:10 the Ephesian model of family life widens to the church family. The elders administer admonition that is: 1. Sequential (“first and second”) Church discipline therefore begins with νουθεσία and ends with removal only when admonition is scorned. Scripture as Perpetual Admonition 1 Corinthians 10:11 affirms that the written Word itself admonishes every generation. Historical narratives are divinely intended “warnings,” so preaching that unveils these patterns continues the apostolic task of νουθεσία. Believers who heed the Bible’s case studies avoid repeating ancient rebellions. Historical Reflection • Early Fathers: Clement of Rome exhorted fractious Corinthians with language reminiscent of νουθεσία, echoing Pauline precedent. Practical Dimensions 1. Content: Grounded in clear biblical truth, not personal opinion. Relationship to Other Ministries Admonition complements encouragement (paraklēsis) by addressing what is wrong, while encouragement fortifies what is right. Both operate under the larger canopy of teaching. An assembly devoid of νουθεσία drifts into moral indifference; one dominated by it without encouragement descends into discouragement. Healthy ministry balances the two. Christological Horizon The supreme model of admonition is Christ, who warns complacent churches in Revelation 2–3 and corrects disciples along the way (Luke 24:25-27). His rebukes are always paired with promises of fellowship and reward, revealing that true admonition is an expression of love (Revelation 3:19). Summary Strong’s Greek 3559 identifies a vital instrument of grace by which God shapes His people through corrective, warning, and guiding speech. Whether in the living room, the pulpit, or the elder’s counsel, νουθεσία serves the grand purpose of presenting every believer mature in Christ, safeguarding the church from error, and ensuring that the written Word continues to speak with present authority. Forms and Transliterations νουθεσια νουθεσία νουθεσίᾳ νουθεσιαν νουθεσίαν nouthesia nouthesíāi nouthesian nouthesíanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 10:11 N-AFSGRK: δὲ πρὸς νουθεσίαν ἡμῶν εἰς NAS: and they were written for our instruction, upon whom KJV: for our admonition, upon whom INT: moreover for admonition of us on Ephesians 6:4 N-DFS Titus 3:10 N-AFS Strong's Greek 3559 |
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