νουθεσία (nouthesia)
nouthesia
admonition
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun nouthesia refers to a heartfelt act of warning, counsel, or admonition. It describes the process of bringing someone’s mind into alignment with truth through earnest instruction. In the New Testament, this term appears in three key passages: 1 Corinthians 10:11, Ephesians 6:4, and Titus 3:10.
Its meaning goes beyond simple correction; it implies a caring engagement that seeks to guide behavior through understanding. Paul uses it when instructing fathers on how to raise their children (Ephesians 6:4), suggesting that parental guidance should be rooted in thoughtful counsel rather than mere authority. Similarly, in Titus 3:10, he advises avoiding a divisive person after giving them a nouthesia, indicating that this form of correction is an opportunity for restoration before exclusion becomes necessary.
The word combines the idea of "mind" with "saying," highlighting its focus on changing how someone thinks so their actions follow suit. This makes it particularly relevant in contexts where relationships need healing or alignment with biblical principles. Translators often render it as "admonition" or "warning," but these terms may not fully capture the relational depth intended by the original language.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word nouthesia combines ideas of mind and speaking, pointing to guidance that seeks understanding rather than just compliance. When Paul mentions this in his letters, he describes a process where truth is shared with care, aiming to align our thoughts with God’s will. This approach values the heart behind the correction, making it a tool for restoration rather than condemnation.
In Ephesians 6:4, fathers are told to raise children using this kind of instruction, avoiding anger while offering steady counsel. Similarly, Titus 3:10 suggests giving a person a chance to respond before cutting ties, showing that patience and clear communication can heal divisions. These examples remind us that true guidance respects the dignity of those we speak with.
For your daily life, this means approaching conflicts or mistakes with gentleness and clarity. Instead of reacting with frustration, try to share truth in a way that invites reflection. This method builds trust and helps others see how God’s wisdom applies to their specific situations, fostering growth through love rather than fear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- admonition3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νουθεσίαν2×
- νουθεσίᾳ1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 10:11
Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come.
Paul uses this term to explain that historical events were recorded specifically to provide moral guidance for believers facing similar challenges.
-
Ephesians 6:4
You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
The word appears in the context of parenting, emphasizing that instruction should be rooted in the Lord’s discipline rather than harsh authority.
-
Titus 3:10
Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning,
It describes a formal warning given to a divisive person, highlighting its role as a final opportunity for reconciliation before separation.