ὁδηγέω (hodēgeō)
hodēgeō
to guide
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hodēgeō means to lead someone along a path, functioning as the active agent who shows the way. In the Gospels, it describes physical guidance, such as when Jesus warns that a blind person cannot lead another blind person without both falling into a pit (Matthew 15:14; Luke 6:39). The image is literal and immediate, emphasizing the responsibility of those in front to ensure the safety of those following.
However, the word also shifts into a metaphorical sense of instruction and spiritual direction. In Acts 8:31, the Ethiopian eunuch asks Philip to explain the text he is reading, using a term that implies being guided toward understanding rather than just movement. Similarly, John 16:13 describes the Holy Spirit guiding believers into all truth. Here, the "path" is moral and theological clarity, showing how the concept of leading transitions from physical travel to intellectual and spiritual formation.
Its root combines hodós (way or road) with agein (to lead), creating a compound that tightly links direction with destination. While translators often use simple words like "guide" or "lead," the Greek carries the weight of a shepherd-like care, where the leader’s role is to prevent error and ensure the group reaches its intended goal safely.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hodēgeō paints a picture of someone walking ahead to show the way, ensuring those behind do not stumble. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this image to warn against spiritual blindness, reminding us that true guidance requires clear sight and genuine understanding. When leaders lack wisdom, they risk leading others into error, which highlights the importance of seeking direction from sources that are grounded in truth rather than human opinion.
For your daily walk, this concept offers comfort because it reminds you that you do not have to navigate life’s complexities alone. The promise in John 16:13 assures believers that the Holy Spirit actively guides into all truth, providing clarity when confusion arises. This divine guidance is not just about knowing facts but about being led toward a deeper relationship with God and a clearer understanding of His will.
Whether facing difficult decisions or seeking spiritual growth, you can trust that God provides the necessary direction. The assurance of being led by the Spirit means that even when the path seems unclear, you are held in care. This promise invites you to rest in the knowledge that your Guide is faithful and attentive to your needs.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will guide1×
- to lead?1×
- they shall lead,1×
- He will lead1×
- He will guide1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὁδηγήσει3×
- ὁδηγῇ,1×
- ὁδηγεῖν;1×
Key Verses
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John 16:13
However, when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming.
This verse establishes the Holy Spirit as the divine agent who guides believers into all truth, shifting the concept from physical travel to spiritual and intellectual clarity.
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Matthew 15:14
Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
Jesus uses this term to warn that blind leaders cannot safely guide others, emphasizing the critical need for true spiritual sight in those who instruct.
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Luke 6:39
He spoke a parable to them. “Can the blind guide the blind? Won’t they both fall into a pit?
In this parable, the word highlights the danger of following misguided teachers, illustrating that error multiplies when direction lacks wisdom.
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Acts 8:31
He said, “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” He begged Philip to come up and sit with him.
The Ethiopian eunuch’s request for explanation shows how guidance is often needed to understand Scripture, moving from mere reading to true comprehension.