διδάσκω (didaskō)
didaskō
to teach
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 91 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb didaskō means to teach, instruct, or impart knowledge. It appears 91 times in the New Testament, with a heavy concentration in the Gospels and Acts, where it describes Jesus’ public ministry and the apostles’ early preaching. The word covers both the act of teaching and the content taught, ranging from simple instruction to formal doctrinal explanation.
Its root connects to learning, suggesting that teaching is the process of causing someone else to learn. In Scripture, this often involves direct discourse, as seen when Jesus teaches in synagogues (Mark 1:22) or explains parables to his disciples (Mark 4:2). The sources note it can take various grammatical forms, such as teaching a person about a topic or teaching by doing something.
A key feature is its use for authoritative instruction. Unlike casual conversation, didaskō implies a teacher-student relationship where truth is conveyed. This is evident in passages like Matthew 5:2, where Jesus opens the Sermon on the Mount, or Acts 5:42, where the apostles teach daily in the temple. The word underscores the importance of clear, faithful transmission of divine message.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word didaskō carries a sense of weight and purpose. It is not merely sharing information but guiding someone toward understanding and action. When Jesus taught, people were astonished because his words held authority. They knew he was speaking truth that mattered for their lives. This kind of teaching invites us to listen closely and apply what we learn.
In our own walk, this reminds us that faith grows through instruction. We are not left to figure everything out alone. The Bible offers clear guidance, and the community of believers helps us understand it better. When we study Scripture, we join a long line of learners who seek to follow Christ more faithfully. This process builds trust in God’s wisdom.
Jesus promised to be with those who teach and learn his commands. This assurance gives comfort as we navigate life’s challenges. We can rely on his presence and the truth he has shared. Let us approach God’s word with open hearts, ready to grow and serve others with the love we receive.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 91 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- teaching29×
- to teach11×
- He was teaching9×
- taught3×
- will teach2×
- was teaching2×
- teaching;2×
- teaching.2×
- teaching,2×
- teach.2×
- do teach2×
- you were taught,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διδάσκων17×
- ἐδίδασκεν12×
- διδάσκειν12×
- διδάσκοντες9×
- διδάσκων,3×
- διδάσκεις3×
- διδάσκει3×
- ἐδίδασκεν.2×
- ἐδίδαξεν2×
- ἐδιδάχθητε,2×
- διδάσκεις.2×
- διδάξει2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:29
for he taught them with authority, and not like the scribes.
This verse highlights that Jesus taught with authority, unlike the scribes, showing his words carried divine power.
-
Mark 1:22
They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.
The crowd’s astonishment at his teaching reveals how his instruction impacted listeners deeply and uniquely.
-
Matthew 28:20
teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Here Jesus defines the scope of Christian teaching as observing all he commanded, linking knowledge to obedience.
-
Mark 4:2
He taught them many things in parables, and told them in his teaching,
Jesus used parables to teach complex spiritual truths in a way that was accessible yet required reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does didaskō mean in the New Testament?
How is Jesus’ teaching different from that of the scribes?
Why is teaching important in Christian life?
Every Occurrence (91 verses across 17 books)
Matthew 13 verses
Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing…
Matthew 5:2He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
Matthew 5:19Therefore, whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the…
Matthew 7:29for he taught them with authority, and not like the scribes.
Matthew 9:35Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the Good News of the…
Matthew 11:1When Jesus had finished directing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.
Matthew 13:54Coming into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this…
Matthew 15:9And they worship me in vain, teaching as doctrine rules made by men.’”
Matthew 21:23When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and…
Matthew 22:16They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach…
Matthew 26:55In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I…
Matthew 28:15So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until…
Matthew 28:20teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”…