### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun παράδοσις (parádosis, `{{G3862}}`) is derived from the verb παραδίδωμι (paradídomi, `{{G3860}}`), meaning "to hand over," "to transmit," or "to deliver." At its core, παράδοσις signifies the act of transmission or, more commonly, the *thing* transmitted. Its semantic range in the New Testament is notably broad and context-dependent, encompassing:
1. **The act of handing down:** The process by which something is passed from one person or generation to another.
2. **That which is handed down:** This can refer to a precept, doctrine, custom, or body of teaching.
3. **Specifically, Jewish traditionary law:** This is a prominent usage, referring to the unwritten (and later codified) customs and interpretations that developed alongside the Mosaic Law, often elevated to a status equal to or even above the written commandments.
4. **Authoritative apostolic teaching:** In a positive sense, it denotes the divinely revealed truth and practices transmitted by the apostles to the early church.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of παράδοσις in the New Testament reveals a significant theological tension, particularly concerning its source and authority.
**Negative Connotations: Human Traditions**
Most frequently, παράδοσις is used by Jesus and Paul to critique human traditions that either contradict or supplant divine revelation.
* In the Gospels, Jesus directly confronts the Pharisees concerning their "tradition of the elders" ([[Matthew 15:2]], [[Mark 7:3]]). He condemns how these human precepts, such as ceremonial handwashing ([[Mark 7:5]]) or the Corban vow ([[Matthew 15:5-6]], [[Mark 7:11-13]]), effectively nullify God's commandments. His strong rebuke in [[Mark 7:8-9]] ("You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men... You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!") underscores the danger of elevating human customs above divine will.
* Paul, reflecting on his pre-conversion life, acknowledges his former zeal for "the traditions of my fathers" ([[Galatians 1:14]]), indicating a deep immersion in Jewish legalistic customs.
* In [[Colossians 2:8]], Paul warns believers against being captivated by "philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." Here, human tradition is presented as a dangerous alternative to truth found in Christ.
**Positive Connotations: Apostolic Teaching**
Less frequently, but significantly, παράδοσις is used by Paul in a positive sense to refer to the authoritative teachings and practices transmitted by the apostles.
* In [[1 Corinthians 11:2]], Paul commends the Corinthians for remembering him and for "holding fast to the traditions just as I delivered them to you." This refers to the instruction he had given them regarding proper conduct in worship and church order.
* Most explicitly, in [[2 Thessalonians 2:15]], Paul exhorts the believers to "stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by letter." This refers to the body of revealed truth concerning eschatology and Christian living that the Thessalonians had received directly from the apostles.
* Similarly, in [[2 Thessalonians 3:6]], Paul commands the church to "keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us." Here, "tradition" refers to the practical, ethical instructions given by the apostles regarding diligence and responsible living.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **παραδίδωμι (paradídomi, `{{G3860}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to hand over," "to deliver," or "to transmit." This verb highlights the active process behind the noun.
* **Νόμος (Nomos, `{{G3551}}`):** Law. Often contrasted with human traditions, especially in Jesus's critiques, where human tradition is shown to nullify God's Law.
* **ἐντολή (entolē, `{{G1785}}`):** Commandment. Used interchangeably with "Law" in the context of divine precepts that human traditions often undermine.
* **διδαχή (didachē, `{{G1319}}`):** Teaching or doctrine. This term can overlap with the positive sense of παράδοσις, referring to the content of instruction.
* **ἔθος (ethos, `{{G1485}}`):** Custom or habit. Similar to tradition but often referring to established social or religious practices.
* **εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion, `{{G2098}}`):** Gospel. The ultimate divine "tradition" handed down by God through Christ and the apostles.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παράδοσις is profound, primarily revolving around the issue of authority and the nature of divine revelation versus human invention.
1. **Critique of Human Authority:** Jesus's sharp condemnation of "the tradition of the elders" serves as a foundational critique of any system that elevates human interpretations, customs, or laws above the clear and authoritative Word of God. This highlights the danger of legalism, externalism, and hypocrisy when religious practice becomes detached from genuine obedience and love for God. It underscores the principle that human traditions, no matter how ancient or well-intentioned, must always be subservient to divine truth.
2. **Affirmation of Apostolic Authority:** Conversely, Paul's positive use of παράδοσις underscores the vital importance of the faithful transmission of the apostolic message. The "traditions" he refers to are not arbitrary human inventions but the divinely inspired teachings and practices that form the bedrock of Christian faith and life. This concept is crucial for understanding the early church's reliance on the apostles' direct instruction as the authoritative interpretation of Christ's life, death, and resurrection, and as the guide for Christian conduct. It points to the concept of the "deposit of faith" that was entrusted to the church.
3. **Discerning Truth:** The dual usage of παράδοσις compels believers to exercise discernment. It calls for a constant evaluation of beliefs and practices to ensure they align with the original, divinely revealed truth delivered by the apostles, rather than being mere human constructs or cultural accretions that might obscure or even contradict God's will.
### Summary
The Greek word παράδοσις (parádosis, `{{G3862}}`) fundamentally denotes "transmission" or "that which is transmitted." In the New Testament, its usage is bifurcated, carrying both negative and positive connotations. On one hand, it frequently refers to human traditions, particularly those within Judaism, which Jesus and Paul condemn for nullifying God's commandments or for being empty human constructs that distract from Christ. On the other hand, Paul employs παράδοσις positively to refer to the authoritative, divinely inspired teachings and practices that he and the other apostles delivered to the early church, which believers are exhorted to uphold. Thus, παράδοσις serves as a critical theological marker, emphasizing the supremacy of divine revelation over human invention and highlighting the foundational importance of faithful adherence to apostolic teaching.
TRV