### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hodēgós**, represented by `{{G3595}}`, is defined as a **conductor** or, figuratively, a **teacher**, translating to **guide** or **leader**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily serving to identify individuals who lead or show the way, whether for good or ill.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3595}}` is used in both literal and figurative contexts, often with a critical tone. Literally, Judas Iscariot is identified as the **guide** who led the party that arrested Jesus [[Acts 1:16]]. Figuratively, the term is used by Jesus to condemn religious leaders he calls "blind **guides**" ([[Matthew 23:16]], [[Matthew 23:24]]) and "blind **leaders**" [[Matthew 15:14]]. In Romans, the term describes a person who is confident in their ability to be a **guide** to the blind and a light to those in darkness, highlighting a self-assuredness that is being scrutinized [[Romans 2:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of guidance and leadership:
* `{{G3594}}` **hodēgéō**: This verb, meaning **to show the way** or **teach**, is the action counterpart to `{{G3595}}`. It is used to describe the disastrous outcome when "the blind **lead** the blind" [[Matthew 15:14]] but also positively, as when the Spirit of truth will **guide** believers [[John 16:13]].
* `{{G5185}}` **typhlós**: Meaning **blind**, this word is frequently paired with `{{G3595}}` to emphasize the core problem of unqualified leadership. The repeated phrases "blind **guides**" [[Matthew 23:16]] and "a **guide** of the blind" [[Romans 2:19]] underscore the theme of spiritual sight being a prerequisite for true guidance.
* `{{G2455}}` **Ioúdas**: As **Judas**, he is the most prominent named example of a `{{G3595}}`. His identification as the **guide** to those who took Jesus [[Acts 1:16]] forever links the term to an act of betrayal and leading others toward a destructive goal.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3595}}` serves as a significant warning about leadership.
* **The Danger of Misguided Authority:** The term is primarily used to critique religious leaders who are spiritually **blind** `{{G5185}}`. Jesus condemns these "blind **guides**" for focusing on trivial matters while neglecting true righteousness, ultimately leading their followers to ruin ([[Matthew 15:14]], [[Matthew 23:24]]).
* **Leadership and Betrayal:** Judas is labeled a **guide** `{{G3595}}` in the context of his betrayal, showing that one's ability to lead can be used for wicked purposes. He physically guided the authorities to arrest Jesus, making his role as a "conductor" instrumental to the crucifixion [[Acts 1:16]].
* **Spiritual Blindness vs. True Guidance:** The word is central to the contrast between perceived and actual spiritual insight. A person may be confident they are a **guide** for the **blind** [[Romans 2:19]], but without true spiritual sight from God, they are merely another blind person leading others into a ditch [[Matthew 15:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3595}}` is more than a simple word for **leader**. While its base meaning is a conductor or **guide**, its biblical usage is overwhelmingly cautionary. It paints a vivid picture of the consequences of false teaching and misguided authority, seen most starkly in the "blind **guides**" condemned by Jesus and in the betrayal enacted by Judas. The term stands as a permanent scriptural warning about the profound responsibility of anyone who claims to lead others.
TRV