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G3809 · Greek · New Testament
παιδεία
paideia
Noun, feminine
discipline, training, instruction

Definition

The whole process of raising and educating a child — instruction, correction, and discipline together. Hebrews 12 uses paideia to reframe suffering as God's fatherly training rather than punishment or abandonment.

Usage & Theological Significance

Greek culture saw paideia as the formation of character through education and discipline. The NT adopts this: God's discipline is purposeful formation, not random hardship. No discipline seems pleasant at the time (Heb 12:11).

Key Bible Verses

Hebrews 12:11 For the moment all discipline [paideia] seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Ephesians 6:4 Bring your children up in the discipline [paideia] and instruction of the Lord.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is...profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training [paideia] in righteousness.

Word Study

2 Timothy 3:16 identifies Scripture as the instrument of God's paideia — four overlapping functions all aimed at forming righteousness. The goal of all divine discipline is the character of Christ.

Related Words

External Resources

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