Bible Thesaurus: Teacher

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Thesaurus

Teacher (103 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TEACH; TEACHER; TEACHING. ... A teacher is one
who performs the function or fills the office of instruction. ...
/t/teacher.htm - 61k

Disciple (38 Occurrences)
... instruction from another; a scholar; a learner; especially, a follower who has learned
to believe in the truth of the doctrine of his teacher; an adherent in ...
/d/disciple.htm - 22k

Gamaliel (7 Occurrences)
... That he was well qualified for this task is attested by the fact that he was himself
a member of the Sanhedrin, a teacher of the law, and held in high honor ...
/g/gamaliel.htm - 13k

Moreh (3 Occurrences)
... An archer, teacher; fruitful. ... We might therefore read "hill of the teacher," the
height being associated with such a person who had his seat here. ...
/m/moreh.htm - 11k

Age-during (167 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Matthew 19:16 And lo, one having come near, said to him, 'Good teacher, what
good thing shall I do, that I may have life age-during?' (YLT). ...
/a/age-during.htm - 36k

Schoolmaster (3 Occurrences)
... As so used, the word does not mean teacher, but pedagogue (shortened into the modern
page), ie, one who was intrusted with the supervision of a family, taking ...
/s/schoolmaster.htm - 10k

Catechist
... kat'-e-kist, kate-ku'-men (katechizein "to resound," "to teach," "to instruct"):
A catechist is a teacher who instructs his pupils in the elements of his own ...
/c/catechist.htm - 12k

Catechumen
... kat'-e-kist, kate-ku'-men (katechizein "to resound," "to teach," "to instruct"):
A catechist is a teacher who instructs his pupils in the elements of his own ...
/c/catechumen.htm - 12k

Questioned (57 Occurrences)
... Luke 18:18 And a certain ruler questioned him, saying, 'Good teacher, what
having done -- shall I inherit life age-during?' (YLT NAS). ...
/q/questioned.htm - 22k

Rabbi (51 Occurrences)
... also to John (3:26). Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) Master; lord; teacher; -- a
Jewish title of respect or honor for a teacher or doctor of the law. Int. ...
/r/rabbi.htm - 22k

Bible Concordance

Teacher (103 Occurrences)

Matthew 8:19 A scribe came, and said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."
(WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 9:11 When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"
(WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 10:24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord.
(WEB WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 10:25 It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!
(WEB WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from you."
(WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 17:24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the didrachma?"
(WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 19:16 Behold, one came to him and said, "Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
(WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 22:16 They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no matter who you teach, for you aren't partial to anyone.
(WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 22:24 saying, "Teacher, Moses said,'If a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed for his brother.'
(WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 22:35 And one of them, a teacher of the law, put a question to him, testing him, and saying,
(BBE)

Matthew 22:36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?"
(WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 23:7 And words of respect in the market-places, and to be named by men, Teacher.
(BBE)

Matthew 23:8 But don't you be called'Rabbi,' for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers.
(WEB WEY ASV BBE NAS RSV)

Matthew 23:10 Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ.
(See NIV)

Matthew 26:18 He said, "Go into the city to a certain person, and tell him,'The Teacher says, "My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples."'"
(WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Mark 4:38 He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up, and told him, "Teacher, don't you care that we are dying?"
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Mark 5:35 While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler's house saying, "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?"
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Mark 9:17 One of the multitude answered, "Teacher, I brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit;
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Mark 9:38 John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone who doesn't follow us casting out demons in your name; and we forbade him, because he doesn't follow us."
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Mark 10:17 As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Mark 10:20 He said to him, "Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth."
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Mark 10:35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came near to him, saying, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we will ask."
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Mark 12:14 When they had come, they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and don't defer to anyone; for you aren't partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Mark 12:19 "Teacher, Moses wrote to us,'If a man's brother dies, and leaves a wife behind him, and leaves no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up offspring for his brother.'
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Mark 12:32 The scribe said to him, "Truly, teacher, you have said well that he is one, and there is none other but he,
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Mark 13:1 As he went out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Teacher, see what kind of stones and what kind of buildings!"
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Mark 14:14 and wherever he enters in, tell the master of the house,'The Teacher says, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"'
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 3:12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what must we do?"
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
(WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 7:40 Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." He said, "Teacher, say on."
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 8:49 While he still spoke, one from the ruler of the synagogue's house came, saying to him, "Your daughter is dead. Don't trouble the Teacher."
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 9:38 Behold, a man from the crowd called out, saying, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child.
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 10:25 Behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
(WEB ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 11:45 One of the lawyers answered him, "Teacher, in saying this you insult us also."
(WEB ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 12:13 One of the multitude said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 18:18 A certain ruler asked him, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 19:39 Some of the Pharisees from the multitude said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 20:21 They asked him, "Teacher, we know that you say and teach what is right, and aren't partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God.
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 20:28 They asked him, "Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man's brother dies having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should take the wife, and raise up children for his brother.
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 20:39 Some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you speak well."
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 21:7 They asked him, "Teacher, so when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are about to happen?"
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 22:11 Tell the master of the house,'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"'
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

John 1:38 Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), "where are you staying?"
(WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

John 3:2 The same came to him by night, and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him."
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

John 3:10 Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and don't understand these things?
(WEB WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

John 7:31 But from among the crowd a large number believed in Him. "When the Christ comes," they said, "will He perform more miracles than this teacher has performed?"
(WEY)

John 7:35 So the Jews said among themselves, To what place is he going where we will not see him? will he go to the Jews living among the Greeks and become the teacher of the Greeks?
(BBE)

John 8:4 they told him, "Teacher, we found this woman in adultery, in the very act.
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

John 9:34 Their answer was: You came to birth through sin; do you make yourself our teacher? And they put him out of the Synagogue.
(BBE)

John 10:41 Large numbers of people also came to Him. Their report was, "John did not work any miracle, but all that John said about this Teacher was true."
(WEY)

John 11:28 When she had said this, she went away, and called Mary, her sister, secretly, saying, "The Teacher is here, and is calling you."
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

John 13:13 You call me,'Teacher' and'Lord.' You say so correctly, for so I am.
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

John 13:14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
(WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will be your teacher in all things and will put you in mind of everything I have said to you.
(BBE)

John 15:22 If I had not come and been their teacher they would have had no sin: but now they have no reason to give for their sin.
(BBE)

John 20:16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him, " Rabboni!" which is to say, " Teacher
(WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 5:34 But one stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people, and commanded to put the apostles out for a little while.
(WEB WEY DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 2:20 a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babies, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 12:8 The teacher must do the same in his teaching; and he who exhorts others, in his exhortation. He who gives should be liberal; he who is in authority should be energetic and alert; and he who succours the afflicted should do it cheerfully.
(WEY)

1 Corinthians 2:16 For who has knowledge of the mind of the Lord, so as to be his teacher? But we have the mind of Christ.
(BBE)

1 Corinthians 4:6 In writing this much, brethren, with special reference to Apollos and myself, I have done so for your sakes, in order to teach you by our example what those words mean, which say, "Nothing beyond what is written!" --so that you may cease to take sides in boastful rivalry, for one teacher against another.
(WEY)

1 Corinthians 4:17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you. Spiritually he is my dearly-loved and faithful child. He will remind you of my habits as a Christian teacher--the manner in which I teach everywhere in every Church.
(WEY)

Galatians 6:6 But let him who gets teaching in the word give a part in all good things to his teacher.
(BBE)

1 Timothy 2:7 to which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth in Christ, not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
(WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Timothy 2:12 In my opinion it is right for a woman not to be a teacher, or to have rule over a man, but to be quiet.
(BBE)

1 Timothy 3:2 The Bishop, then, is to be a man of good name, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, serious-minded, having respect for order, opening his house freely to guests, a ready teacher;
(BBE RSV)

1 Timothy 6:3 So teach and exhort. If any one is a teacher of any other kind of doctrine, and refuses assent to wholesome instructions--those of our Lord Jesus Christ--and the teaching that harmonizes with true godliness,
(WEY)

2 Timothy 1:11 For this, I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Timothy 2:24 and a bondservant of the Lord must not quarrel, but must be inoffensive towards all men, a skilful teacher, and patient under wrongs.
(WEY RSV)

2 Timothy 3:14 But you must cling to the things which you have learnt and have been taught to believe, knowing who your teachers were,
(Root in WEY BBE)

2 Timothy 4:2 proclaim God's message, be zealous in season and out of season; convince, rebuke, encourage, with the utmost patience as a teacher.
(WEY)

1 John 2:27 As for you, the Spirit which he gave you is still in you, and you have no need of any teacher; but as his Spirit gives you teaching about all things, and is true and not false, so keep your hearts in him, through the teaching which he has given you.
(BBE)

2 John 1:7 Because a number of false teachers have gone out into the world, who do not give witness that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Such a one is a false teacher and Antichrist.
(Root in BBE)

2 Kings 17:28 So one of the priests whom they had taken away as a prisoner from Samaria came back, and, living in Beth-el, became their teacher in the worship of the Lord.
(BBE)

1 Chronicles 25:8 They cast lots for their offices, all alike, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 22:3 He went in the ways of the family of Ahab, for his mother was his teacher in evil-doing.
(BBE)

Ezra 7:6 this Ezra went up from Babylon: and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which Yahweh, the God of Israel, had given; and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of Yahweh his God on him.
(See NIV)

Ezra 7:11 Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the words of the commandments of Yahweh, and of his statutes to Israel:
(See NIV)

Ezra 7:12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect and so forth.
(See NIV)

Ezra 7:21 I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done with all diligence,
(See NIV)

Nehemiah 9:20 And you gave your good spirit to be their teacher, and did not keep back your manna from their mouths, and gave them water when they had need of it.
(BBE)

Job 36:22 Behold, God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him?
(WEB JPS ASV YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 25:5 Be my guide and teacher in the true way; for you are the God of my salvation; I am waiting for your word all the day.
(BBE)

Psalms 25:8 Good and upright is the Lord: so he will be the teacher of sinners in the way.
(BBE)

Psalms 25:12 If a man has the fear of the Lord, the Lord will be his teacher in the way of his pleasure.
(BBE)

Psalms 34:11 Come, children, give attention to me; I will be your teacher in the fear of the Lord.
(BBE)

Psalms 71:17 O God, you have been my teacher from the time when I was young; and I have been talking of your works of wonder even till now.
(BBE)

Psalms 84:10 For good 'is' a day in Thy courts, O Teacher! I have chosen rather to be at the threshold, In the house of my God, Than to dwell in tents of wickedness.
(YLT)

Psalms 119:102 My heart has not been turned away from your decisions; for you have been my teacher.
(BBE)

Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise man is the teacher of his mouth, and gives increased learning to his lips.
(BBE)

Ecclesiastes 1:2 All is to no purpose, said the Preacher, all the ways of man are to no purpose.
(See NIV)

Ecclesiastes 7:27 Look! this I have seen, said the Preacher, taking one thing after another to get the true account,
(See NIV)

Ecclesiastes 7:28 (that still my soul had sought, and I had not found), One man, a teacher, I have found, and a woman among all these I have not found.
(YLT)

Ecclesiastes 12:8 All things are to no purpose, says the Preacher, all is to no purpose.
(See NIV)

Song of Songs 8:2 I would take you by the hand into my mother's house, and she would be my teacher. I would give you drink of spiced wine, drink of the pomegranate.
(BBE)

Isaiah 9:15 Elder, and accepted of face, he 'is' the head, Prophet, teacher of falsehood, he 'is' the tail.
(YLT)

Isaiah 28:26 For his God is his teacher, giving him the knowledge of these things.
(BBE)

Isaiah 30:20 Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your teachers won't be hidden anymore, but your eyes will see your teachers;
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 40:13 By whom has the spirit of the Lord been guided, or who has been his teacher?
(BBE)

Jeremiah 32:33 And they have been turning their backs and not their faces to me: and though I was their teacher, getting up early and teaching them, their ears were not open to teaching.
(BBE)

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (n.) One who teaches or instructs; one whose business or occupation is to instruct others; an instructor; a tutor.

2. (n.) One who instructs others in religion; a preacher; a minister of the gospel; sometimes, one who preaches without regular ordination.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

TEACH; TEACHER; TEACHING

tech, tech'-er, tech'-ing:

I. OLD TESTAMENT TERMS

1. Discipline

2. Law

3. Discernment

4. Wisdom

5. Knowledge

6. Illumination

7. Vision

8. Inspiration

9. Nourishment

II. NEW TESTAMENT TERMS

1. Instruction

2. Acquisition

3. Presentation

4. Elucidation

5. Exposition

6. Authority

7. Care

8. Supervision

III. OLD TESTAMENT HISTORY

1. In the Home

2. In Public

IV. EXTRA-BIBLICAL TEACHING

V. NEW TESTAMENT HISTORY

1. Christ's Life

2. Apostolic Labors

3. General Considerations

A rich variety of words is employed in the Bible to describe the teaching process. The terms do not so much indicate an office and an official as a function and a service, although both ideas are often expressed or implied.

I. Old Testament Terms.

1. Discipline:

lamadh, "to beat": A very common word for "to teach"; it may have meant "to beat with a rod," "to chastise," and may have originally referred to the striking and goading of beasts by which they were curbed and trained. By a noble evolution the term came to describe the process of disciplining and training men in war, religion and life (Isaiah 2:3 Hosea 10:11 Micah 4:2). As teaching is both a condition and an accompaniment of disciplining, the word often means simply "to teach," "to inform" (2 Chronicles 17:7 Psalm 71:17 Proverbs 5:13). The glory of teaching was its harmony with the will of God, its source in God's authority, and its purpose to secure spiritual obedience (Deuteronomy 4:5, 14; Deuteronomy 31:12, 13).

2. Law:

yarah, "to cast": The teaching idea from which the law was derived is expressed by a verb which means "to throw," "to cast as an arrow or lot." It is also used of thrusting the hand forth to point out or show clearly (Genesis 46:28 Exodus 15:25). The original idea is easily changed into an educational conception, since the teacher puts forth new ideas and facts as a sower casts seed into the ground. But the process of teaching was not considered external and mechanical but internal and vital (Exodus 35:34, 35 2 Chronicles 6:27). The nominal form is the usual word for law, human and divine, general and specific (Deuteronomy 4:8 Psalm 19:8 Proverbs 1:8). The following are suggestive phrases: "the book of the law" (Deuteronomy 28:61 2 Kings 22:8); "the book of the law of Moses" (Joshua 8:31 2 Kings 14:6); "the book of the law of God" (Joshua 24:26); "the book of the law of Yahweh" (2 Chronicles 17:9). Thus even in the days of Joshua there was in the possession of the religious teachers a book of the Law of the Lord as given by Moses. This recorded revelation and legislation continued to be the divine norm and ultimate authority for priest, king and people (2 Chronicles 23:11 Nehemiah 8:1-3).

3. Discernment:

bin, "to separate": The word meaning "to separate," "to distinguish," is often used in a causative sense to signify "to teach." The idea of teaching was not an aggregation of facts bodily transferred like merchandise. Real learning followed genuine teaching. This word suggests a sound psychological basis for a good pedagogy. The function of teaching might be exercised with reference to the solution of difficult problems, the interpretation of God's will, or the manner of a godly life (Daniel 8:16, 26 Nehemiah 8:7-9 Psalm 119:34).

4. Wisdom:

sakhal, "to be wise": The verb from which the various nominal forms for "wisdom" are derived means "to look at," "to behold," "to view," and in the causative stem describes the process by which one is enabled to see for himself what had never before entered his physical or intellectual field of consciousness. The noun indicates a wise person or sage whose mission is to instruct others in the ways of the Lord (Proverbs 16:23; Proverbs 21:11; and often in the Wisdom literature). In Daniel 12:3 we read: "They that are wise (margin, "the teachers") shall shine as the brightness of the firmament."

5. Knowledge:

yadha', "to see" (compare oida): This verb literally means "to see" and consequently "to perceive," "to know," "to come to know," and "cause to know or teach." It describes the act of knowing as both progressive and completed. The causative conception signifies achievement in the sphere of instruction. It is used of the interpretation and application by Moses of the principles of the law of God (Exodus 18:16, 20), of the elucidation of life's problems by the sages (Proverbs 9:9; Proverbs 22:19), and of constant Providential guidance in the way of life (Psalm 16:11).

6. Illumination:

zahar, "to shine": This verbal root signifies "to shine," and when applied to the intellectual sphere indicates the function of teaching to be one of illumination. Ignorance is darkness, knowledge is light. Moses was to teach the people statutes and laws, or to enlighten them on the principles and precepts of God's revelation (Exodus 18:20). The service rendered by the teachers-priests, Levites and fathers-sent forth by Jehoshaphat, was one of illumination in the twofold sense of instruction and admonition (2 Chronicles 19:8-10).

7. Vision:

ra'-ah, "to see": The literal meaning of this verb is "to see," and the nominal form is the ancient name for prophet or authoritative teacher who was expected to have a clear vision of spiritual realities, the will of God, the need of man and the way of life (1 Samuel 9:9 1 Chronicles 9:22 2 Chronicles 16:7 Isaiah 30:10).

8. Inspiration;

nabha', "to boil up": The most significant word for "prophet" is derived from the verb which means "to boil up or forth like a fountain," and consequently to pour forth words under the impelling power of the Spirit of God. The Hebrews used the passive forms of the verb because they considered the thoughts and words of the prophets due not to personal ability but to divine influence. The utterances of the prophets were characterized by instruction, admonition, persuasion and prediction (Deuteronomy 18:15-22 Ezekiel 33:1-20).

9. Nourishment:

ra`ah, "to feed a flock": The name "shepherd," so precious in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, comes from a verb meaning "to feed," hence, to protect and care for out of a sense of devotion, ownership and responsibility. It is employed with reference to civil rulers in their positions of trust (2 Samuel 5:2 Jeremiah 23:2); with reference to teachers of virtue and wisdom (Proverbs 10:21 Ecclesiastes 12:11); and preeminently with reference to God as the great Shepherd of His chosen people (Psalm 23:1 Hosea 4:16). Ezekiel 34 presents an arraignment of the unfaithful shepherds or civil rulers; Psalm 23 reveals Yahweh as the Shepherd of true believers, and John 10 shows how religious teachers are shepherds under Jesus the Good Shepherd.

II. New Testament Terms.

Further light is thrown upon religious teaching in Bible times by a brief view of the leading educational terms found in the New Testament.

1. Instruction:

didasko, "to teach": The usual word for "teach" in the New Testament signifies either to hold a discourse with others in order to instruct them, or to deliver a didactic discourse where there may not be direct personal and verbal participation. In the former sense it describes the interlocutory method, the interplay of the ideas and words between pupils and teachers, and in the latter use it refers to the more formal monologues designed especially to give information (Matthew 4:23 Matthew 5-7; Matthew 13:36 John 6:59 1 Corinthians 4:17 1 Timothy 2:12). A teacher is one who performs the function or fills the office of instruction. Ability and fitness for the work are required (Romans 2:20 Hebrews 5:12). The title refers to Jewish teachers (John 1:38), to John the Baptist (Luke 3:12), to Jesus (John 3:2; John 8:4, and often), to Paul (1 Timothy 2:7 2 Timothy 1:11), and to instructors in the early church (Acts 13:1 Romans 12:7 1 Corinthians 12:28). Teaching, like preaching, was an integral part of the work of an apostle (Matthew 28:19 Mark 16:15 Ephesians 4:1).

2. Acquisition:

manthano, "to learn": The central thought of teaching is causing one to learn. Teaching and learning are not scholastic but dynamic, and imply personal relationship and activity in the acquisition of knowledge (Matthew 11:29; Matthew 28:19 Acts 14:21). There were three concentric circles of disciples in the time of our Lord: learners, pupils, superficial followers, the multitude (John 6:66); the body of believers who accepted Jesus as their Master (Matthew 10:42); and the Twelve Disciples whom Jesus also called apostles (Matthew 10:2).

3. Presentation:

paratithemi, "to place beside": The presentative idea involved in the teaching process is intimately associated with the principle of adaptation. When it is stated that Christ put forth parables unto the people, the sacred writer employs the figure of placing alongside of, or near one, hence, before him in an accessible position. The food or teaching should be sound, or hygienic, and adapted to the capacity and development of the recipient (Matthew 13:24 Mark 8:6 Acts 16:34 1 Corinthians 10:27 2 Timothy 4:3 Hebrews 5:12-14).

4. Elucidation:

diermeneuo, "to interpret": In the walk to Emmaus, Christ explained to the perplexed disciples the Old Testament Scriptures in reference to Himself. The work of interpreter is to make truth clear and to effect the edification of the hearer (Luke 24:27 1 Corinthians 12:30; 1 Corinthians 14:5, 13, 17).

5. Exposition:

ektithemi, "to place out": The verb literally means "to set or place out," and signifies to bring out the latent and secret ideas of a literary passage or a system of thought and life. Thus Peter interpreted his vision, Aquila and Priscilla unfolded truth to Apollos, and Paul expounded the gospel in Rome (Acts 11:4; Acts 18:26; Acts 28:23). True teaching is an educational exposition.

6. Authority:

prophetes, "one who speaks for": A prophet was a man who spoke forth a message from God to the people. He might deal with past failures and achievements, present privileges and responsibilities, or future doom and glory. He received his message and authority from God (Deuteronomy 18:15-22 Isaiah 6). The word refers to Old Testament teachers (Matthew 5:12), to John the Baptist (Matthew 21:26), to Jesus the Messiah (Acts 3:25), and to special speakers in the Apostolic age (Matthew 10:41 Acts 13:1 1 Corinthians 14:29, 37).

7. Care:

poimen, "a shepherd": The word for shepherd signifies one who tends a flock, and by analogy a person who gives mental and spiritual nourishment, and guards and supports those under his care (Matthew 9:36 John 10:2, 16 1 Peter 2:25 Ephesians 4:11). Love is a fundamental prerequisite to the exercise of the shepherding function (John 21:15-18). The duties are to be discharged with great diligence and in humble recognition of the gifts and appointment of the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28).

8. Supervision:

episkopos, "an overseer": The bishop or overseer was to feed and protect the blood-bought church of God (Acts 20:28). Among the various qualifications of the religious overseers was an aptitude for teaching (1 Timothy 3:2 Titus 1:9). The Lord is pre-eminently shepherd and bishop (1 Peter 2:25).

III. Old Testament History.

1. In the Home:

In the Jewish home the teaching of the law of the Lord was primarily incumbent upon the parents. The teaching was to be diligent, the conversation religious, and the atmosphere wholesome (Deuteronomy 6:7-9).

2. In Public:

Provision was also made for public instruction the law of God (Deuteronomy 31:12, 13). This is a compact summary of early Hebrew teaching in regard to the extent of patronage, the substance of instruction, and the purpose of the process. Samuel the judge and prophet recognized that his duty was fundamentally to pray, to God for his people and to teach the nation "the good and the right way" (1 Samuel 12:23). The glory and prosperity of Judah under Jehoshaphat were due in large measure to the emphasis he laid upon religious instruction as the basis of national character and stability. His peripatetic Bible school faculty consisted of five princes, nine Levites and two priests who effected a moral and religious transformation, for "they taught in Judah, having the book of the law of Yahweh with them" (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). The most striking illustration we have of public religious instruction in the Old Testament is found in Ne 8. Ezra the priest and scribe was superintendent, and had an ample corps of teachers to instruct the multitude of men, women and children eager to hear. Prayer created a devotional atmosphere. The reading was distinct, the interpretation correct and intelligible. There was real teaching because the people were made to understand and obey the law. In Nehemiah 9 and 10 we have recorded the spiritual, ceremonial, social and civic effects of ancient religious instruction.

IV. Extra-Biblical Teaching.

The captivity gave mighty impulse to teaching. In far-away Babylon the Jews, deprived of the privilege and inspiration of the temple, established the synagogue as an institutional center of worship and instruction. During the latter part of the inter-Biblical period, religious teaching was carried on in the synagogue and attendance was compulsory, education in the Law being considered the fundmental element of national security (Deutsch, Literary Remains, 23; Edersheim, Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, I, 230). The Bible text alone was taught those from 5 to 10 years of age, the first lessons being taken from Leviticus (Taylor, Sayings of the Jewish Fathers, 111). From 10 to 15 years of age the pupil was taught the substance of the Mishna or unwritten tradition, and accorded the privilege of entering into the discussions of the Mishna which constitute the Gemara (Edersheim, op. cit., I, 232). Selections of Scriptures like the shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) were made for study, and lesson helps were adapted to the capacity of the pupils (Ginsburg, article "Education" in Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature). The significance of the teaching idea among the Jews is indicated by numerous expressions for school (article "Education," Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature) and the prevalence of the synagogues, there being perhaps 480 in Jerusalem in the time of Christ (Hor. Heb. I, 78). The pupil was not expected to be a passive hearer but an active participant (Ab., vi0.6; Taylor, Sayings of the Jewish Fathers, 115). Great emphasis was laid upon audible repetition and exact memory, yet the teacher was culpable if the pupil failed to understand the prescribed lesson (Hamburger, RE, II, 672, 674). The pupil was regarded as the child of his teacher (Sanhedhrin 19), which is a familiar idea in the New Testament. The faithful teacher was considered destined to occupy a high seat among the ancients (Daniel 12:3). The scribes were secretaries or copyists of the sacred Law, and would thus acquire at least an accurate verbal knowledge of its contents. Quite naturally they would become religious teachers (Nehemiah 8:4). Hence, also their prominence in the New Testament.

LITERATURE.

Article "Torah," Jewish Encyclopedia (compare the articles "Talmud'' and "Education"); Trumbull, Yale Lectures on the Sunday-School, 3-40; Hamburger. SeeHauck-Herzog, Realencyklopadie fur protestantische Theologie und Kirche.

V. New Testament History.

1. Christ's Life:

In the New Testament we find that Jesus is pre-eminently the teacher, though He was also preacher and healer (Matthew 4:23). His Sermon on the Mount was matchless teaching. He opened His mouth and "taught" (Matthew 5:2). The titles "teacher," "master," "rabbi" all indicate the most prominent function of His active ministry. Even at the age of 12 years He revealed His wisdom and affinity in the midst of the rabbis or Jewish teachers of the Law in the temple (Luke 2:41 f). In the power of the Spirit He taught so that all recognized His authority (Luke 4:14, 15 Matthew 7:29). He explained to the disciples in private what He taught the people in public (Matthew 13:36). His principles and methods of teaching constitute the standard by which all true pedagogy is measured, and the ideal toward which all subsequent teachers have toiled with only partial success (Matthew 7:28, 29 John 1:49; John 3:2; John 6:46). In the Commission as recorded in Matthew 28:18, 19, 20 we have the work of Christianity presented in educational terms. We find the supreme authority (28:18), the comprehensive content-the evangelistic, the ceremonial, the educational, the practical (28:19 and 20a), and the inspiring promise (28:20b).

2. Apostolic Labors:

The emphasis laid upon teaching in the Apostolic age is a natural consequence of the need of the people and the commands of Jesus. The practice of the apostles is quite uniform. They preached or proclaimed, but they also expounded. In Jerusalem the converts continued in the apostles' teaching (Acts 2:42); and daily in the temple and in the homes of the people the teaching was correlated with preaching (Acts 5:42). In Antioch, the center of foreign missionary operations, Paul, Silas, Barnabas and many others taught the word of the Lord (Acts 15:35). In Thessalonica, Paul and Silas for three weeks reasoned with the people out of the Scriptures, opening up the sacred secrets and proving to all candid minds that Jesus was the Messiah (Acts 17:1-3). In Berea, instruction in the synagogue was followed by private study, and as a result many believed in the Lord (Acts 17:10-15). In Athens, Paul discussed and explained the things of the kingdom of God, both in the synagogue 3 times a week and in the market daily (Acts 17:16 f). In Corinth, Paul having been denied the use of the synagogue taught the word of the Lord for a year and a half in the house of Justus, and thus laid the foundation for a great church (Acts 18:1-11). In Ephesus, Paul taught for 2 years in the school of Tyrannus, disputing and persuading the people concerning the kingdom of God (Acts 19:8-10). In Rome, Paul expounded the word, testified to its truth, and persuaded men to accept the gospel (Acts 28:23). His method of work in Rome under trying limitations is described as cordially receiving the people and preaching the kingdom of God, and "teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 28:30, 31).

3. General Considerations:

The office of teacher is fundamentally related to the creation of a missionary atmosphere (Acts 13:1). Religious teaching is necessary to the development of Christian character and the highest efficiency in service (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28, 29 Ephesians 4:11, 12). The qualification of the pastor is vitally connected with the teaching function of the church. He is to hold the truth, or to be orthodox (Titus 1:9), to apply the truth, or to be practical (Titus 1:9), to study the truth, or to be informed (1 Timothy 4:13, 15), to teach the truth, or to be equipped or able and tactful (2 Timothy 2:2 1 Timothy 3:2), to live the truth, or to be faithful in all things (2 Timothy 2:2 1 Timothy 4:16). The teaching function of Christianity in the 2nd century became strictly official, thereby losing much of its elasticity. A popular manual for the guidance of religious teachers was styled the "Teaching of the Twelve" '(see DIDACHE). The writings of the Apostolic Fathers give valuable information in regard to the exercise of the gifts of teaching in the early centuries (Didache xiii0.2; xv. 1, 2; Barnabas 18; Ignatius to the Ephesians 31).

SeeCATECHIST; EDUCATION; SPIRITUAL GIFTS.

Byron H. Dement

Greek

2567. kalodidaskalos -- a teacher of good
... a teacher of good. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: kalodidaskalos Phonetic
Spelling: (kal-od-id-as'-kal-os) Short Definition: a teacher of that which ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2567.htm - 7k

3547. nomodidaskalos -- a teacher of the law
... a teacher of the law. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: nomodidaskalos
Phonetic Spelling: (nom-od-id-as'-kal-os) Short Definition: a teacher and ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3547.htm - 8k

5572. pseudodidaskalos -- a false teacher
... a false teacher. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: pseudodidaskalos
Phonetic Spelling: (psyoo-dod-id-as'-kal-os) Short Definition: a false ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5572.htm - 6k

2519. kathegetes -- a teacher
... a teacher. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kathegetes Phonetic
Spelling: (kath-ayg-ay-tace') Short Definition: a leader, teacher, guide ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2519.htm - 7k

4461. rhabbi -- my master, my teacher
... my master, my teacher. Part of Speech: Hebrew Form (Indclinable) Transliteration:
rhabbi Phonetic Spelling: (hrab-bee') Short Definition: Rabbi, my master ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4461.htm - 7k

1703. empaiktes -- a mocker, ie by impl. a false teacher
... a false teacher. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: empaiktes Phonetic
Spelling: (emp-aheek-tace') Short Definition: a mocker Definition: a mocker ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1703.htm - 6k

3810. paideutes -- a teacher, one who disciplines
... a teacher, one who disciplines. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration:
paideutes Phonetic Spelling: (pahee-dyoo-tace') Short Definition: an instructor ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3810.htm - 6k

4462. rhabbouni -- my master, my teacher
... my master, my teacher. Part of Speech: Aramaic Transliterated Word (Indeclinable)
Transliteration: rhabbouni Phonetic Spelling: (hrab-bon-ee') Short Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4462.htm - 7k

1059. Gamaliel -- Gamaliel, a renowned teacher of the law
... Gamaliel, a renowned teacher of the law. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable
Transliteration: Gamaliel Phonetic Spelling: (gam-al-ee-ale') Short Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1059.htm - 6k

5211. Humenaios -- Hymenaeus, a heretical teacher at Ephesus
... Hymenaeus, a heretical teacher at Ephesus. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Humenaios Phonetic Spelling: (hoo-men-ah'-yos) Short Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5211.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

4175b. moreh -- a teacher
... a teacher. Transliteration: moreh Short Definition: Teacher. Word Origin from yarah
Definition a teacher NASB Word Usage teacher (1), Teacher (2), teachers (1). ...
/hebrew/4175b.htm - 5k

3887. luts -- ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a ...
... a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede -- ambassador, have in
derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker, scorn(-er, -ful), teacher. ...
/hebrew/3887.htm - 6k

4175. mowreh -- (early) rain
... early rain From yarah; an archer; also teacher or teaching; also the early rain
(see yowreh) -- (early) rain. see HEBREW yarah. see HEBREW yowreh. 4174, 4175 ...
/hebrew/4175.htm - 5k

4397. malak -- a messenger
... From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically,
of God, ie An angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher) -- ambassador, angel ...
/hebrew/4397.htm - 6k

3948. leqach -- a learning, teaching
... From laqach; properly, something received, ie (mentally) instruction (whether on
the part of the teacher or hearer); also (in an active and sinister sense ...
/hebrew/3948.htm - 6k

995. bin -- to discern
... 2), prudent (4), regard (1), show (1), show regard (2), show understanding (1),
show...regard (1), skilled (1), skillful (4), taught (2), teacher (1), teachers ...
/hebrew/995.htm - 7k

3384. yarah -- to throw, shoot
... 1), laid (1), point (1), points (1), rain (1), set (1), shoot (10), shot (3), shot
through (1), showed (1), taught (3), teach (27), teacher (2), teaches (2 ...
/hebrew/3384.htm - 6k

Library

Teacher or Saviour?
... TEACHER OR SAVIOUR? 'The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him,
Rabbi, we know that Thou art a Teacher come from God: for ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/teacher or saviour.htm

The Teacher Spirit
... THE TEACHER SPIRIT. 'These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present
with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the teacher spirit.htm

The Great Teacher
... THE GREAT TEACHER. ... The speaker in the book of Job was thinking of this Great
Teacher when he asked""Who teacheth like him?" Job 36:22. ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/the great teacher.htm

The Teacher with Authority
... Part III. The Minister II The Teacher with Authority. 230. To his
contemporaries Jesus was primarily a teacher. The name by which ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/ii the teacher with authority.htm

Christ the Great Teacher.
... PART III."SELECTIONS. NEW TESTAMENT VIEWS OF CHRIST. VI."CHRIST THE GREAT TEACHER. ...
Jesus was the world's great teacher, and yet He was never taught. ...
/.../vi christ the great teacher.htm

Our Prayer Teacher.
... The "How" of Method Our Prayer Teacher. The fourth suggestion is this: Let
the Spirit teach you how to pray. The more you pray the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/our prayer teacher.htm

Like Teacher, Like Scholar
... LIKE TEACHER, LIKE SCHOLAR. ... As long as he is a scholar, the best that can happen
to him, and that will not often happen, is to be on the level of his teacher. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/like teacher like scholar.htm

Paul, the Teacher of Prayer
... XII. PAUL, THE TEACHER OF PRAYER. Fletcher of Madeley, a great teacher of a century
and a half ago, used to lecture to the young theological students. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xii paul the teacher of.htm

The Patient Teacher, and the Slow Scholars
... THE PATIENT TEACHER, AND THE SLOW SCHOLARS. ... Let us look at these questions as suggesting
to us two things"the grieved Teacher and the slow scholars. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the patient teacher and the.htm

Such a Teacher as is Here Described May...
... Book 4 Chapter 61. Such a teacher as is here described may� 61. Such a teacher
as is here described may, to secure compliance, speak ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 61 such a teacher.htm

Subtopics

Teacher

Related Terms

Disciple (38 Occurrences)

Gamaliel (7 Occurrences)

Moreh (3 Occurrences)

Age-during (167 Occurrences)

Schoolmaster (3 Occurrences)

Catechist

Catechumen

Questioned (57 Occurrences)

Rabbi (51 Occurrences)