The Greek word didaktós, represented by G1318, means to be instructed or to have something communicated by teaching. Its base definition is taught or that which teacheth. It is a rare term, appearing only 3 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, but it carries significant weight in its contexts.
In its biblical usage, G1318 draws a sharp distinction between the source and nature of teaching. In John's Gospel, it is used to quote a prophecy: "they shall be all taught of God" John 6:45. This context links being divinely instructed directly with learning from the Father and coming to Christ. In 1 Corinthians, the word is used twice to contrast the words that "man's wisdom teacheth" with those that "the Holy Ghost teacheth" 1 Corinthians 2:13, emphasizing the unique and superior nature of spiritual instruction.
Several related words help clarify the concept of divinely sourced instruction:
- G3129 manthánō (to learn): This is the direct counterpart to being taught. It appears in the same verse as G1318, highlighting that one who is taught of God has "heard, and hath learned of the Father" John 6:45.
- G2980 laléō (to speak): This word describes the act of uttering words. It is used to describe the apostles' method of communication, who speak not with words taught by man's wisdom, but with those taught by the Spirit 1 Corinthians 2:13.
- G4678 sophía (wisdom): This term is explicitly contrasted with divine teaching. The things taught by the Holy Ghost are set apart from words that "man's wisdom teacheth" 1 Corinthians 2:13.
The theological importance of G1318 centers on the origin of true knowledge.
- Divine vs. Human Source: The word is principally used to distinguish between two kinds of teaching: that which comes from "man's wisdom" and that which is taught by the Holy Ghost 1 Corinthians 2:13.
- A Prophetic Fulfillment: Being "taught of God" is presented as a fulfillment of what was "written in the prophets," serving as a sign of those who genuinely learn from the Father and come to Jesus John 6:45.
- The Means of Spiritual Understanding: The instruction of the Holy Ghost is the necessary means for "comparing spiritual things with spiritual," a task that cannot be accomplished through teaching derived from human wisdom 1 Corinthians 2:13.
In summary, G1318 is a precise term that, while used infrequently, is critical for understanding the biblical doctrine of revelation. It establishes that true spiritual insight is not achieved through human intellect or wisdom, but is a direct result of being taught by God and the Holy Ghost. It affirms that a personal, divine instruction is the foundation for a true relationship with the Father through Christ.
TRV