72. agógé
Lexical Summary
agógé: Leading, guidance, conduct

Original Word: ἀγωγή
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: agógé
Pronunciation: ag-o-GAY
Phonetic Spelling: (ag-o-gay')
KJV: manner of life
NASB: conduct
Word Origin: [reduplicated from G71 (ἄγω - brought)]

1. a bringing up, i.e. mode of living

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
way of life

Reduplicated from ago; a bringing up, i.e. Mode of living -- manner of life.

see GREEK ago

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from agó
Definition
a carrying away, leading, guiding
NASB Translation
conduct (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 72: ἀγωγή

ἀγωγή, (ῆς, (from ἄγω, like ἐδωδή from ἔδω);

1. properly, a leading.

2. figuratively,

a. transitive, a conducting, training, education, discipline.

b. intransitive, the life led, way or course of life (a use which arose from the fuller expression ἀγωγή τοῦ βίου, in Polybius 4, 74, 1, 4; cf. German Lebensführung): 2 Timothy 3:10 (R. V. conduct) (Esther 2:20; 2 Macc. 4:16; ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγωγή, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 47, 6 [ET]; ἁγνή ἀγωγή, ibid. 48, 1 [ET]). Often in secular authors in all these senses.

Topical Lexicon
Concept and Essence

The term reflects a holistic pattern of living that results from deliberate training. It gathers up the ideas of education, formation, discipline, example, and lifestyle into a single word that depicts both inward shaping and outward conduct.

Biblical Occurrence

2 Timothy 3:10 stands as its lone appearance in the Greek New Testament: “You, however, have observed my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance” (Berean Standard Bible). In pairing “teaching” with “way of life,” Paul signals that doctrine and daily practice are inseparable in authentic ministry.

Pauline Model of Discipleship

1. Transparent example. Paul permits Timothy close access to see how truth works in ordinary decisions, suffering, and service (Acts 20:18-35; Philippians 4:9).
2. Integrated instruction. The apostle does not offer abstract lectures; his life embodies what he teaches (1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1).
3. Intergenerational transfer. Timothy is urged to reproduce the same pattern with “faithful men who will be qualified to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

Historical and Cultural Setting

In the Greco-Roman world, the word described the rigorous formation of youth, notably in Sparta where the “agōgē” fashioned citizens through discipline and communal example. Paul redeems the concept, presenting Christ-centered training that shapes character through Scripture, suffering, and the Spirit rather than martial prowess.

Ministry Significance

• Guards against mere intellectualism by tethering doctrine to visible obedience (James 1:22-25).
• Provides credibility before believers and skeptics alike (1 Thessalonians 1:5-6).
• Sustains perseverance under persecution; a well-formed life endures when verbal witness is silenced (2 Timothy 3:10-12).
• Serves as a living curriculum for emerging leaders (Titus 2:7-8).

Contemporary Application

Churches cultivate this “way of life” by:

1. Life-on-life mentoring that allows proximity and imitation.
2. Scripture-saturated rhythms of worship, service, and fellowship.
3. Accountability structures that measure growth not only in knowledge but in love and holiness.
4. Celebrating testimonies that highlight transformation rather than achievement.

Related Themes

Discipleship – Matthew 28:19-20

Example – Philippians 3:17

Training in Righteousness – 2 Timothy 3:16

Walking Worthy – Ephesians 4:1

See Also

Strong’s Greek 5158 (tropos, “manner”)

Strong’s Greek 3956 (pās, “all,” in connection with “all Scripture” in 2 Timothy 3:16)

Forms and Transliterations
αγωγη αγωγή ἀγωγῇ αγωγήν agoge agōgē agogêi agōgē̂i
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
2 Timothy 3:10 N-DFS
GRK: διδασκαλίᾳ τῇ ἀγωγῇ τῇ προθέσει
NAS: my teaching, conduct, purpose,
KJV: doctrine, manner of life, purpose,
INT: teaching the conduct the purpose

Strong's Greek 72
1 Occurrence


ἀγωγῇ — 1 Occ.

71
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