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διδάσκαλος

didáskalos

G1320 noun

SILEX Entry

Root διδασκ- to teach, to instruct

Definition

One who imparts knowledge, a teacher, instructor. In Hellenistic and Jewish contexts, refers specifically to someone who teaches or expounds upon religious, ethical, or philosophical material, but can also designate any skilled instructor. In the New Testament, frequently used for recognized authorities in religious or scriptural interpretation, including Jesus and other respected teachers. Usage context determines whether the word carries a neutral, respectful, or honorific sense.

Semantic Range

teacher, instructor, master (in teaching context), religious teacher (in Judean or Israelite context), expounder of law or tradition, respected authority on instruction

Root / Etymology

From the verbal root διδάσκω ('to teach'), with the suffix -αλος denoting agent or occupation. The form διδάσκαλος thus means 'one who teaches.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, διδάσκαλος referred broadly to any instructor, including those teaching arts, crafts, or philosophy. In Hellenistic writing and the Septuagint, the word is used for those providing instruction in wisdom, law, or tradition. By the time of the New Testament, διδάσκαλος is closely associated with authorities in religious or scriptural education and interpretation—such as Moses (John 3:10), the Pharisees, or Jesus—who address questions about law, ethics, or doctrine. While Christian tradition often translates the term as 'teacher' or 'master,' the frequent rendering of Jesus as 'Master' in older English Bibles (e.g., KJV) reflects a sense of elevated respect, but the Greek itself is more functionally descriptive. The term is distinct from ῥαββί (rabbi), though in some passages they overlap in meaning. In civil or philosophical spheres, διδάσκαλος was not inherently a religious title, but context in the New Testament and late Second Temple literature typically associates it with religious authority.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from διδάσκω; an instructor (genitive case or specially):--doctor, master, teacher.

Root Family

διδάσκαλος (didaskalos) — teacher, instructor, one who imparts knowledge

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G1320-01 Διδάσκαλε didaskale N VOC M SG Teacher Teacher 31
G1320-04 διδάσκαλος didaskalos N NOM M SG Teacher teacher 14
G1320-03 διδάσκαλον didaskalon N ACC M SG Teacher teacher 6
G1320-02 διδάσκαλοι didaskaloi N NOM M PL teachers teachers 4
G1320-05 διδασκάλους didaskalous N ACC M PL teachers teachers 3

Occurrences in Scripture

58 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G1320-01 Matthew 8:19 Διδάσκαλε didaskale N VOC M SG Teacher
G1320-04 Matthew 9:11 διδάσκαλος didaskalos N NOM M SG teacher
G1320-03 Matthew 10:24 διδάσκαλον didaskalon N ACC M SG teacher
G1320-04 Matthew 10:25 διδάσκαλος didaskalos N NOM M SG teacher
G1320-01 Matthew 12:38 Διδάσκαλε didaskale N VOC M SG Teacher
G1320-04 Matthew 17:24 διδάσκαλος didaskalos N NOM M SG teacher
G1320-01 Matthew 19:16 Διδάσκαλε didaskale N VOC M SG Teacher
G1320-01 Matthew 22:16 Διδάσκαλε didaskale N VOC M SG Teacher
G1320-01 Matthew 22:24 Διδάσκαλε didaskale N VOC M SG Teacher
G1320-01 Matthew 22:36 Διδάσκαλε didaskale N VOC M SG Teacher
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