νομοδιδάσκαλος (nomodidaskalos)
nomodidaskalos
teacher of the law
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun nomodidaskalos identifies a "teacher of the law," specifically one who instructs others in the Mosaic Law. This compound word combines nomos, meaning law, with didaskalos, meaning teacher. In the New Testament, it appears only three times: describing Jesus in Luke 5:17, Gamaliel in Acts 5:34, and a misguided figure in 1 Timothy 1:7.
While often synonymous with grammateus (scribe), this term emphasizes the active role of instruction rather than just textual expertise. The sources note that it was used for those who went about as champions and interpreters of the Law. In Luke’s account, Jesus is called a nomodidaskalos, highlighting his authority to interpret Scripture. Conversely, Paul uses the word in 1 Timothy to describe someone who applies the Law without understanding its true purpose.
The term underscores the importance of accurate teaching within Jewish and early Christian communities. It reflects a respect for legal tradition while also warning against misusing that knowledge. The three occurrences show how this role could be honored or criticized depending on whether the teacher led people toward truth or confusion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nomodidaskalos describes someone who teaches the Law. It combines 'law' and 'teacher'. In Luke 5:17, Jesus is called this title. This shows He had authority to explain Scripture. His teaching brought healing and truth to those listening.
Yet not all teachers used this role well. Paul warns in 1 Timothy 1:7 about those who want the title but lack understanding. They speak confidently without knowing what they mean. This reminds us that knowledge must lead to wisdom, not just pride.
We can learn from both examples. True teaching points people to God's truth. It does not rely on empty titles or human rules. May we seek to understand Scripture deeply and share it with humility and care for others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- teachers of the law1×
- teachers of the Law,1×
- a teacher of the law1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νομοδιδάσκαλος1×
- νομοδιδάσκαλοι,1×
- νομοδιδάσκαλοι1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 5:17
On one of those days, he was teaching; and there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by who had come out of every village of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was with him to heal them.
This verse uniquely applies the title to Jesus, linking His teaching authority directly with the power of the Lord to heal.
-
Acts 5:34
But one stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people, and commanded to put the apostles out for a little while.
Here Gamaliel is identified by this term, showing how respected legal teachers could still exercise wisdom and restraint in council.
-
I Timothy 1:7
desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say nor about what they strongly affirm.
Paul uses the word to critique those who desire the status of teacher but lack true understanding of what they affirm.