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καθηγητής

kathēgētḗs

G2519 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

One who leads or guides, especially in intellectual, moral, or instructional matters; in particular, a teacher, instructor, or mentor. Primary sense is 'guide'—one who leads others by providing direction, counsel, or instruction. In extended usage, denotes someone with acknowledged authority to teach or interpret knowledge, especially in educational, philosophical, or communal settings. The term may also be used honorifically for a distinguished teacher or authority.

Semantic Range

leader, guide, instructor, teacher, mentor, authority, master (of instruction)

Root / Etymology

From κατά (kata, 'down' or 'according to') and ἡγέομαι (hēgeomai, 'to lead', 'to consider'). The compound suggests one who leads from above, or directs and instructs others.

Historical & Contextual Notes

καθηγητής appears rarely in extant Greek literature, with attested use primarily in later Hellenistic, Roman, and patristic periods. In classical and early Hellenistic usage, related words (e.g., διδάσκαλος, ἡγεμών) were more common for 'teacher' or 'leader.' By the time of the New Testament, καθηγητής had acquired the sense of a respected or authoritative teacher, sometimes juxtaposed against other teaching titles (e.g., διδάσκαλος). In Matthew 23:8, Jesus contrasts this term with forms of address used for religious authorities, emphasizing humility and avoidance of honorific titles. Standard English translations render it as 'teacher,' 'master,' or 'instructor,' but the connotations may include both intellectual and moral guidance. Unlike διδάσκαλος (used more broadly for teacher), καθηγητής suggests someone who directly leads or mentors a group, perhaps with greater social or institutional standing.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a compound of κατά and ἡγέομαι; a guide, i.e. (figuratively) a teacher:--master.

Root Family

καθηγητής (kathēgētēs) — to lead, to guide, to instruct

Root καθ-ηγε- to lead, to guide, to consider

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2519-02 καθηγητὴς kathegetes N NOM M SG Leader guiding instructor guiding instructor 2
G2519-01 Καθηγηταί kathegetai N NOM M PL leaders guiding teachers guiding teachers 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2519-02 Matthew 23:8 καθηγητὴς kathegetes N NOM M SG teacher guiding instructor guiding instructor
G2519-01 Matthew 23:10 Καθηγηταί kathegetai N NOM M PL leaders guiding teachers guiding teachers
G2519-02 Matthew 23:10 καθηγητὴς kathegetes N NOM M SG Leader guiding instructor guiding instructor
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