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G1317 · Greek · New Testament
διδακτικός
Didaktikos
Adjective
Apt to Teach / Skilled in Teaching / Teacherly

Definition

The Greek adjective didaktikos (διδακτικός) means apt to teach, able to teach skillfully, or having teaching ability. It appears twice in the New Testament as a qualification for church leadership: in 1 Timothy 3:2 (a bishop/overseer must be didaktikos) and in 2 Timothy 2:24 ('the Lord's servant must be... able to teach, patiently enduring evil'). The word designates not just the possession of knowledge but the ability to communicate it effectively to others.

Usage & Theological Significance

Didaktikos is one of the clearest qualifications for elder/overseer ministry in the Pastoral Epistles. It sets the teacher-elder apart from the elder who only manages (1 Timothy 5:17 distinguishes those who 'labor in preaching and teaching'). Being didaktikos requires three things: knowing the truth, being able to convey it clearly, and correcting opponents with patience (2 Timothy 2:24–25). Paul connects didaktikos with gentleness and patience, not just intellectual competence. Jesus was the supreme didaktikos — the disciples called Him 'Teacher' (Rabbi) more than any other title, and the crowds were amazed that 'He taught them as one who had authority' (Matthew 7:29). The goal of didaktikos teaching is not information transfer but transformation of the hearer.

Key Bible Verses

1 Timothy 3:2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach... able to teach (didaktikos).
2 Timothy 2:24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach (didaktikos), patiently enduring evil.
2 Timothy 2:25 Correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.
Matthew 7:29 For he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
Titus 1:9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine.

Related Words

External Resources

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