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G72 · Greek · New Testament
ἀγωγή
agōgē
Noun, feminine
Way of life, conduct, manner of living

Definition

A way of leading or bringing up; hence, manner of life, conduct, upbringing

Full Definition

Agōgē (from agō, 'to lead') literally means 'a leading' and came to denote the manner in which one has been led — one's upbringing, education, or habitual way of life. It appears once in the NT (2 Timothy 3:10), where Paul reminds Timothy that he has 'closely followed' Paul's teaching, conduct (agōgē), purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance. The word emphasizes that Timothy has been an eyewitness of Paul's whole way of life, not just his doctrines.

Usage & Theological Significance

2 Timothy 3:10 is a powerful description of discipleship as apprenticeship. Timothy did not merely learn Paul's theology; he observed and followed Paul's agōgē — his lived conduct. This reflects the Jewish model of discipleship in which a student 'follows after' a rabbi, learning through imitation as much as instruction. Jesus called his disciples to 'follow me' (Matthew 4:19) — not merely to subscribe to a creed but to learn a pattern of life. Hebrews 13:7 makes this explicit: 'Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.'

Key Bible Verses

2 Timothy 3:10
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life (agōgē), my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance,
2 Timothy 3:14
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.
Hebrews 13:7
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
1 Corinthians 11:1
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Philippians 4:9
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

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