The Greek word nouthesía, represented by G3559, refers to admonition. Its base definition means "calling attention to," which by implication signifies a mild rebuke or warning. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, highlighting its specific role in instruction and correction.
In scripture, G3559 is used in contexts of instruction, correction, and warning. It is a key component of raising children, who are to be brought up in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord" Ephesians 6:4. The term is also applied to church discipline, where a heretic is to be rejected after a first and second admonition Titus 3:10. Finally, it describes the purpose of recorded historical events, which are "written for our admonition" to serve as instructive examples 1 Corinthians 10:11.
Several related Greek words help clarify the meaning and application of G3559:
- G3809 paideía (nurture): Defined as "tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction," this word is used alongside G3559 in the instruction to bring up children in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord" Ephesians 6:4.
- G3868 paraitéomai (reject): This term describes the action to be taken when admonition is ignored, meaning "to beg off, i.e. deprecate, decline, shun." It is used in the instruction to reject a heretic after a first and second admonition Titus 3:10.
- G5179 týpos (ensamples): Meaning "a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning)," this word is linked to admonition through historical precedent. Past events are described as ensamples that were written for our admonition 1 Corinthians 10:11.
The theological weight of G3559 lies in its role as a tool for guidance and correction within the community of believers.
- Familial and Church Discipline: Admonition is a prescribed method for instruction within the family, as fathers are to bring up their children with the admonition of the Lord Ephesians 6:4. It is also a formal step in church discipline before a heretical person is to be rejected Titus 3:10.
- Divine Instruction: The standard for this correction is not human opinion but is explicitly "of the Lord" G2962, indicating that true admonition aligns with God's will and authority Ephesians 6:4.
- Historical Warning: Scripture itself serves as a form of admonition. The events recorded in the Old Testament are presented as ensamples G5179 that were "written for our admonition" 1 Corinthians 10:11, providing warnings and instruction for future generations.
In summary, G3559 defines a specific type of corrective instruction rooted in mild rebuke and warning. It is not a harsh punishment but a "calling attention to" an issue for the purpose of guidance. Its application spans from the intimate setting of the family to the formal discipline of the church and the broad lessons of scriptural history. Ultimately, nouthesía is presented as a vital, divinely-sourced tool for shaping righteous behavior and learning from the past.
TRV