διδάσκαλος (didaskalos)
didaskalos
teacher
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 58 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun didaskalos simply means a teacher or instructor, derived from the verb for teaching. In the New Testament, it appears fifty-eight times and serves as a common title of address. People used it to speak respectfully to Jesus, John the Baptist, and other religious figures, much like saying "Master" or "Teacher" today.
While the word generally refers to anyone who instructs others in religious duties, its most significant usage is for Jesus. The Gospels frequently record people calling Him didaskalos, such as when a ruler asks Him about eternal life in Mark 10:17 or when Nicodemus approaches Him at night in John 3:2. This highlights His role as the primary source of divine instruction.
The term also extends to apostles and Christian leaders appointed to teach within the early church, as seen in Ephesians 4:11. Conversely, it can describe false teachers who lead people astray, noted in passages like 2 Timothy 4:3. The word captures both the authority of genuine instruction and the responsibility that comes with teaching God’s ways.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you read the New Testament, the word didaskalos appears often as a respectful title for Jesus. People used it to acknowledge His authority and wisdom. It is more than just a label; it shows that they recognized Him as the ultimate source of truth about God and how to live.
This word also reminds us of our own role in sharing faith. Christians are called to teach others, but always with humility. We follow the example of Jesus, who taught with love and clarity. Whether you are leading a small group or simply sharing your hope with a friend, this title encourages us to be faithful guides, pointing others toward Christ rather than ourselves.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 58 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Teacher,26×
- Teacher11×
- teacher5×
- teachers4×
- teachers,3×
- a teacher3×
- Teacher.2×
- a teacher;1×
- [are] teachers?1×
- Teacher?1×
- Teacher;1×
- Teacher —1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διδάσκαλε,26×
- διδάσκαλος12×
- διδάσκαλε4×
- διδάσκαλον3×
- διδάσκαλος·2×
- διδάσκαλοι2×
- διδασκάλους,2×
- διδάσκαλος,1×
- διδάσκαλον;¶1×
- διδάσκαλον.1×
- διδάσκαλοι;1×
- διδάσκαλοι,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 8:19
A scribe came and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
A scribe uses the title to express willingness to follow Jesus, showing that true teaching leads to discipleship.
-
Mark 10:17
As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
The rich young ruler addresses Jesus as 'Good Teacher,' highlighting his search for eternal life through divine instruction.
-
Matthew 23:8
But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi’, for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers.
Jesus redefines the role by telling His followers not to seek titles, since Christ alone is their true Teacher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word didaskalos mean?
Why do people call Jesus didaskalos in the Gospels?
Is didaskalos only used for Jesus?
Every Occurrence (58 verses across 12 books)
Matthew 12 verses
A scribe came and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
Matthew 9:11When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Matthew 10:24“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord.
Matthew 10:25It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the…
Matthew 12:38Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”
Matthew 17:24When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, “Doesn’t your teacher…
Matthew 19:16Behold, one came to him and said, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”
Matthew 22:16They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach…
Matthew 22:24saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up…
Matthew 22:36“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?”
Matthew 23:8But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi’, for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers.
Matthew 26:18He said, “Go into the city to a certain person, and tell him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand. I will keep the…