Lexical Summary hodégeó: To lead, to guide, to show the way Original Word: ὁδηγέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance guide, lead. From hodegos; to show the way (literally or figuratively (teach)) -- guide, lead. see GREEK hodegos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hodégos Definition to lead, guide, teach NASB Translation guide (3), guides (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3594: ὁδηγέωὁδηγέω, ὁδήγω; future ὁδηγήσω; 1 aorist subjunctive 3 person singular ὁδηγήσῃ; (ὁδηγός, which see); the Sept. chiefly for נָחָה, also for הִדְרִיך, הולִיך, etc.; a. properly, to be a guide, lead on one's way, to guide: τινα, Matthew 15:14; Luke 6:39; τινα ἐπί τί, Revelation 7:17; (Aeschylus, Euripides, Diodorus, Alciphron, Babrius, others). b. tropically, to be a guide or teacher; to give guidance to: τινα, Acts 8:31 (Plutarch, mor. 954 b.); εἰς τήν ἀλήθειαν, John 16:13 (R G L Tr WH text (see below)) (ὁδήγησόν με ἐπί τήν ἀλήθειαν σου καί δίδαξόν με, Psalm 24:5 The verb translated “to guide, to lead” gathers within itself the imagery of a traveler in unfamiliar country. Whether the one led is helplessly blind, spiritually hungry, intellectually uninformed, or eternally hopeful, the action always assumes two parties—one competent, one needy. Within the New Testament, the term is never neutral; it either exposes the bankruptcy of false leadership or celebrates the gracious initiative of God. Principal Witnesses in Scripture Matthew 15:14 and Luke 6:39 frame the term in the negative: religious leaders who claim insight but actually plunge followers into deeper darkness. Acts 8:31 reveals a seeker who knows his limits and welcomes help. John 16:13 and Revelation 7:17 unveil the unerring ministry of the Spirit and the Lamb, whose care secures the believer’s present walk and ultimate destiny. Contrast Between Blind Guidance and True Guidance 1. Blind Leaders (Matthew 15:14; Luke 6:39) Israel’s learned teachers possessed the Law yet missed its fulfillment in Christ. Their guidance was self-referential, marked by tradition rather than revelation. In both passages the pit is literal enough in daily life but figurative for judgment. The lesson endures: spiritual influence divorced from submission to God inevitably harms both guide and guided. 2. Human Dependence (Acts 8:31) The Ethiopian official represents the honest inquirer. Confronted by Isaiah’s prophecy, he confesses, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” His humility illustrates that God often mediates truth through faithful servants. Philip, sent by the Spirit, embodies sound guidance—word-centered, Christ-centered, Spirit-directed. 3. Spirit-Led Truth (John 16:13) As the evening of His arrest approached, Jesus steadied His disciples with the promise, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” The verse supplies the charter for apostolic doctrine and the ongoing illumination of the church. The Spirit does not innovate apart from Christ; He applies and unfolds the once-for-all revelation in perfect harmony with the Son and the Father. 4. Eschatological Shepherding (Revelation 7:17) At the consummation, “The Lamb in the center of the throne … will lead them to springs of living water.” Guidance here is eternal, tender, and pastoral. The same Christ who called disciples beside Galilean shores completes His care in glory, moving redeemed multitudes from tribulation to refreshment, from tears to joy. Theological Threads • Christological Center. Every positive instance of guidance either flows from Christ directly (Revelation 7:17) or through His appointed servants (Acts 8:31) or through His promised Spirit (John 16:13). He is the Shepherd-Guide foretold in Psalms 23 and fulfilled in the Gospel accounts. • Pneumatology. John 16:13 anchors the Spirit’s ministry in guidance rather than novelty. He speaks what He hears, thereby safeguarding continuity between Jesus’ earthly teaching and the apostolic witness recorded in Scripture. • Ecclesiology. Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian illustrates the missionary impulse: God positions believers along the roads of life to interpret Scripture and point hearers to Christ. The church’s teaching office, therefore, is not optional but essential. • Eschatology. Revelation 7:17 lifts guidance beyond time. Believers are not merely shown the way; they are escorted by the Lamb Himself into the everlasting rest. Implications for Ministry Today 1. Test the Guide by the Word. The admonition against blind guides remains urgent. Leaders must themselves be led by Scripture, lest charisma replace conviction. 2. Embrace Dependence. The Ethiopian’s question commends teachability. Discipleship flourishes where seekers admit need and mentors serve Scripture’s intent rather than personal agenda. 3. Rely on the Spirit’s Illumination. Study, prayer, and proclamation should proceed with conscious dependence upon the Spirit who guides into “all truth,” ensuring relevance without distortion. 4. Shepherd Toward the Fountain. Ministry aims not at mere information but at the Lamb-centered hope portraited in Revelation—springs of living water and tears wiped away. Historical Reflections Early church fathers cited John 16:13 to defend the formation of the New Testament canon, arguing that the same Spirit who inspired the writings also guided the church to recognize them. Reformers later appealed to the passage to affirm the perspicuity and sufficiency of Scripture when interpreted under the Spirit’s illumination. Summary Strong’s Greek 3594 captures the gracious initiative of God in leading His people, the peril of misguided leadership, and the believer’s call to humble dependence. From Christ’s warning about blind guides, through the Spirit’s present instruction, to the Lamb’s final shepherding, Scripture unfolds one seamless narrative: God Himself faithfully guides those who will follow. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 15:14 V-PSA-3SGRK: τυφλὸν ἐὰν ὁδηγῇ ἀμφότεροι εἰς NAS: a blind man guides a blind man, KJV: if the blind lead the blind, both INT: blind if lead both into Luke 6:39 V-PNA John 16:13 V-FIA-3S Acts 8:31 V-FIA-3S Revelation 7:17 V-FIA-3S Strong's Greek 3594 |
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