from ὁδηγός; to show the way (literally or figuratively (teach)):--guide, lead.
Transliteration:hodēgéō
Pronunciation:hod-ayg-eh'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G3594}}` hodēgéō is derived from the noun `{{G3595}}` hodēgos, which itself is a compound of `{{G3598}}` hodos ("way," "road") and `{{G71}}` agō ("to lead"). Thus, its core meaning is "to lead along a way," "to show the way," or "to guide." This can be understood in both a literal and a figurative sense. Literally, it refers to physically directing someone on a path. Figuratively, and more prominently in the New Testament, it signifies spiritual, moral, or intellectual guidance, instructing someone in the right course of action or understanding. The semantic range extends from merely pointing out a direction to actively accompanying and leading someone to a desired destination, whether physical or spiritual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G3594}}` hodēgéō appears three times in the New Testament, each instance highlighting its significant spiritual application:
1. **[[John 16:13]]**: "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come." Here, `{{G3594}}` hodēgéō describes the indispensable ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit's guidance is comprehensive ("into all the truth"), authoritative (derived from God, not self), and revelatory (declaring future things). This is not merely intellectual instruction but a profound spiritual leading that ensures believers apprehend and live by divine truth. It underscores the internal, transformative work of the Spirit in the lives of disciples.
2. **[[Acts 8:31]]**: "And he said, 'How can I, unless someone guides me?' And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him." This verse portrays the Ethiopian eunuch's humble request for interpretive guidance concerning the prophet Isaiah. The eunuch, though devout and literate, recognized his need for a human guide to unlock the meaning of the Scriptures. Philip, empowered by the Spirit, becomes the instrument through which this guidance is provided, leading the eunuch to understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. This instance illustrates the necessity of human teaching and spiritual mentorship in understanding divine revelation, serving as a conduit for God's truth.
3. **[[Revelation 7:17]]**: "For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." In this eschatological vision, `{{G3594}}` hodēgéō describes the ultimate role of the Lamb (Christ) as the divine Shepherd. He will personally lead the redeemed to the ultimate source of life and sustenance ("springs of living water"). This guidance is comforting, life-giving, and assures eternal provision and solace in the new heavens and new earth. It speaks to the faithful and enduring care of Christ for His people, leading them to their ultimate blessedness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate cognate is the noun `{{G3595}}` hodēgos, meaning "guide" or "leader," which appears in passages like [[Matthew 15:14]] and [[Luke 6:39]] (referring to "blind guides"). The root words, `{{G3598}}` hodos (way, road) and `{{G71}}` agō (to lead), reinforce the core idea of movement and direction.
Conceptually, `{{G3594}}` hodēgéō is closely related to:
* **Teaching and Instruction:** As seen in [[Acts 8:31]], guidance often involves explanation and clarification of truth.
* **Discipleship:** The process of being led by a teacher or master.
* **Shepherding:** The imagery of a shepherd leading sheep to pasture and water, as explicitly seen in [[Revelation 7:17]].
* **Divine Providence:** God's active involvement in directing the lives and paths of His people.
* **The Ministry of the Holy Spirit:** The Spirit's role as the primary divine guide into truth and righteousness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3594}}` hodēgéō is profound, highlighting God's active and benevolent role in guiding His people.
1. **Divine Initiative:** The primary agent of hodēgéō is consistently divine – the Holy Spirit ([[John 16:13]]) and the Lamb ([[Revelation 7:17]]). This underscores that true spiritual guidance originates with God, who knows the "way" of truth and life perfectly. Humanity's need for guidance is met by God's gracious provision.
2. **The Nature of Truth:** The guidance provided is not merely pragmatic direction but leading "into all the truth" ([[John 16:13]]). This suggests that truth is not a static concept to be merely apprehended intellectually, but a dynamic realm into which one is led, implying a journey of increasing understanding and conformity.
3. **Holistic Guidance:** The instances of hodēgéō demonstrate a comprehensive guidance that encompasses intellectual understanding ([[Acts 8:31]]), spiritual formation ([[John 16:13]]), and ultimate destiny ([[Revelation 7:17]]). God's guidance addresses the whole person – mind, spirit, and future.
4. **Dependence and Trust:** The word implicitly calls believers to a posture of dependence and trust. Just as a traveler relies on a guide or sheep on a shepherd, so too are believers called to trust in the divine guidance provided by the Spirit and Christ, especially when the path is unclear or challenging.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G3594}}` hodēgéō signifies "to guide" or "to lead along a way," encompassing both literal and, more significantly in the New Testament, figurative senses of spiritual, moral, and intellectual direction. Its key occurrences reveal the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in leading believers into all truth ([[John 16:13]]), the necessity of human instruments for understanding Scripture ([[Acts 8:31]]), and the ultimate, comforting guidance of the Lamb to eternal life ([[Revelation 7:17]]). Theologically, `{{G3594}}` hodēgéō underscores God's benevolent initiative in providing comprehensive divine guidance for His people, leading them to truth, life, and their ultimate blessedness, thereby fostering a posture of dependence and trust in His perfect leading.
TRV