Lexical Summary paideia: Discipline, instruction, training, education Original Word: παιδεία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chastening, chastisement, instruction, nurture. From paideuo; tutorage, i.e. Education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction -- chastening, chastisement, instruction, nurture. see GREEK paideuo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3809 paideía (from 3811 /paideúō, see there) – properly, instruction that trains someone to reach full development (maturity). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom paideuó Definition the rearing of a child, training, discipline NASB Translation discipline (5), training (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3809: παιδείαπαιδεία (Tdf. παιδία; (see Iota)), παιδείας, ἡ, (παιδεύω), the Sept. for מוּסָר; 1. the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment): Ephesians 6:4 (cf. Winers Grammar, 388 (363) note); (in Greek writings from Aeschylus on, it includes also the care and training of the body.) (See especially Trench, Synonyms, § xxxii.; cf. Jowett's Plato, index under the word Education). 2. "whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, especially by correcting mistakes and curbing the passions "; hence, a. instruction which aims at the increase of virtue: 2 Timothy 3:16. b. according to Biblical usage chastisement, chastening (of the evils with which God visits men for their amendment): Hebrews 12:5 (Proverbs 3:11), The word occurs six times in the New Testament, spanning household instruction (Ephesians 6:4), pastoral counsel (2 Timothy 3:16), and a concentrated exposition on divine discipline (Hebrews 12:5–11). In every setting it points to the formative process by which character, faith, and obedience are shaped through purposeful training that may include corrective measures. Divine Discipline as Filial Training Hebrews 12 presents the fullest theology of paideia, merging Old Testament wisdom (Proverbs 3:11–12) with Christ-centered exhortation. Believers experience hardship “as discipline; God is treating you as sons” (Hebrews 12:7). The passage insists that chastening is neither punitive wrath nor arbitrary affliction; it is love-driven training designed to produce “the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11). The Father’s intent is restoration and maturity, not mere retribution. This filial framing safeguards assurance: “If you are without discipline… then you are illegitimate children” (Hebrews 12:8). Discipline therefore becomes an evidence of adoption. Parental Responsibility Paideia moves from heaven to home in Ephesians 6:4. Earthly fathers model the divine pattern when they “bring [children] up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord”. The verse balances nurture and authority, warning against exasperation while insisting on intentional formation. The aim is not behavior modification alone but gospel-centered apprenticeship that roots children in Christ. Neglect or harshness undercuts this mandate; deliberate, Scripture-based cultivation fulfills it. Scriptural Formation and the Word of God Paul roots the authority of paideia in Scripture itself: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Word supplies the content and criterion for all Christian discipline, ensuring that instruction remains theological rather than merely moralistic. The goal is competence and readiness “for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17). Historical Background In the Greco-Roman world, παιδεία referred to classical education that shaped citizens for civic virtue. Early Christians appropriated the term but redirected its focus from civic ideals to kingdom holiness. The Septuagint often translates Hebrew musar (“discipline” or “instruction”) with paideia, linking New Testament usage to the covenantal framework of Deuteronomy and Proverbs where Yahweh disciplines His people for their good (Deuteronomy 8:5; Proverbs 3:11–12). Practical Ministry Implications • Discipleship: Paideia calls churches to integrate corrective and formative elements, ensuring that believers grow in doctrine, character, and mission. Relation to Old Testament Musar Both musar and paideia emphasize covenant fidelity formed through instruction and discipline. The continuity underscores the pedagogical nature of God’s dealings across the Testaments: He teaches by words and by works, by law and by love, by exhortation and by experience. Christological Fulfillment Jesus, though sinless, “learned obedience from what He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8), embodying perfect responsiveness to the Father’s paideia. Through union with Christ, believers participate in His sonship and are shaped into His likeness. Thus divine discipline is not opposed to grace; it is grace in action. Eschatological Perspective Paideia is temporary and purposeful, aimed at preparing saints for glory: “God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). The process will culminate when faith becomes sight and the need for corrective discipline ceases, yet its fruit—righteous character—endures eternally. Englishman's Concordance Ephesians 6:4 N-DFSGRK: αὐτὰ ἐν παιδείᾳ καὶ νουθεσίᾳ NAS: but bring them up in the discipline and instruction KJV: up in the nurture and admonition INT: them in [the] discipline and admonition 2 Timothy 3:16 N-AFS Hebrews 12:5 N-GFS Hebrews 12:7 N-AFS Hebrews 12:8 N-GFS Hebrews 12:11 N-NFS Strong's Greek 3809 |
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