παιδεύω

paideúō /pahee-dyoo'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom παῖς
Meaningto train up a child, i.e. educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment)
KJV usagechasten(-ise), instruct, learn, teach.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word paideúō, represented by G3811, carries a dual meaning of education and disciplinary action. Its base definition is "to train up a child, i.e. educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment)". Appearing 15 times in 13 unique verses, it encompasses a spectrum from gentle instruction to corrective chastening.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G3811 is applied in both educational and disciplinary contexts. It describes the intellectual and cultural training of key figures, such as Moses who was "learned" G3811 in all the wisdom of the Egyptians Acts 7:22 and Paul who was "taught" G3811 according to the law Acts 22:3. Conversely, it signifies corrective punishment, as when Pilate declares he will "chastise" G3811 Jesus before releasing him Luke 23:16. The Lord himself "chasteneth" G3811 those He loves, a process distinct from the condemnation of the world (Hebrews 12:6, 1 Corinthians 11:32).

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the scope and purpose of G3811:

  • G3809 paideía (chastening, instruction, nurture): As the noun form, it refers to the tutelage or disciplinary correction itself, which believers are called to endure as a sign of sonship Hebrews 12:7.
  • G1651 elénchō (rebuke, reprove): This word for verbal admonishment is directly paired with G3811 to show a fuller picture of God's corrective action: "I rebuke G1651 and chasten G3811" Revelation 3:19.
  • G3146 mastigóō (to scourge): Used alongside G3811, this term points to a more severe form of discipline, highlighting the seriousness of God's fatherly training: "whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth G3811, and scourgeth G3146 every son whom he receiveth" Hebrews 12:6.
  • G3340 metanoéō (repent): This represents the desired outcome of being chastened. After the Lord chastens, the call is to "be zealous therefore, and repent G3340" Revelation 3:19.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G3811 is significant, defining aspects of God's character and His relationship with believers.

  • Discipline as Divine Love: Far from being a sign of rejection, chastening is presented as a direct expression of God's fatherly love and a mark of legitimate sonship Hebrews 12:6-7.
  • Purpose of Holiness: The ultimate goal of divine discipline is not merely to punish, but to produce spiritual profit and holiness in the believer Hebrews 12:10. It is a form of teaching that instructs us to deny G720 ungodliness G763 Titus 2:12.
  • Corrective Learning: Discipline serves a didactic purpose. In some cases, individuals are subjected to it "that they may learn G3811 not to blaspheme G987" 1 Timothy 1:20, showing its function is to lead to repentance G3341 and a change of behavior 2 Timothy 2:25.

Summary

In summary, G3811 is a multifaceted term that moves beyond simple punishment. It bridges the concepts of education, instruction, and corrective discipline. Whether describing the training of Moses or the chastening of a believer, paideúō consistently points to a purposeful process designed to shape an individual for a specific end—ultimately, for relationship with God and participation in His holiness.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 13 occurrences, inflected in 11 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Subjunctive 3rd Plural 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Present Active Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Feminine 1×
  • Present Passive Indicative 1st Plural 1×
  • Present Passive Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 13 verses across 9 books. Most frequent in Hebrews (3 verses).

2
Luke
2
Acts
1
1 Corinthians
1
2 Corinthians
1
1 Timothy
1
2 Timothy
1
Titus
3
Hebrews
1
Revelation

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