νουθετέω (noutheteō)
noutheteō
to admonish
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb noutheteō describes the act of bringing someone to a right understanding through warning and counsel. Its root combines the word for "mind" with a term meaning "to place," suggesting the deliberate act of putting truth into another’s consciousness. This is not merely scolding, but a thoughtful engagement aimed at correction and growth.
In the New Testament, it appears eight times, often in pastoral letters where leaders are instructed to care for believers deeply. Paul uses it when urging the Thessalonians to respect those who guide them (1 Thessalonians 5:12) and when describing his own ministry of warning everyone with all wisdom (Colossians 1:28). The tone is serious yet constructive, focusing on restoring the mind rather than punishing behavior.
Translators typically render this word as "admonish" or "warn," capturing its dual nature of gentle exhortation and firm correction. Unlike simple advice, noutheteō implies a responsibility to speak truth when needed, ensuring that faith remains grounded in sound understanding rather than error.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word noutheteō invites us into a practice of honest, loving care. It combines the ideas of mind and placement, suggesting we intentionally help others see truth clearly. This is not about harsh criticism or simple advice, but about guiding someone back to sound understanding when they have drifted.
In daily life, this looks like speaking up with tears and wisdom, as Paul did for the Thessalonians (1 Thess 5:14). It means treating those who need correction as brothers and sisters, not enemies. By sharing truth gently, we help each other grow in faith and stability.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- admonishing4×
- to admonish.1×
- do admonish [him]1×
- do admonish1×
- admonishing [you].1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νουθετοῦντες2×
- νουθετεῖτε2×
- νουθετῶν.1×
- νουθετῶν1×
- νουθετοῦντας1×
- νουθετεῖν.¶1×
Key Verses
-
I Thessalonians 5:14
We exhort you, brothers: Admonish the disorderly; encourage the faint-hearted; support the weak; be patient toward all.
This verse defines the scope of admonition by pairing it with encouragement and support for different types of believers.
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II Thessalonians 3:15
Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
It establishes the relational boundary that correction must never sever the bond of brotherhood.
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Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
This occurrence places mutual admonition within the context of worship and the rich dwelling of Christ's word.