παράδοσις (paradosis)
paradosis
tradition
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun paradosis refers to something handed down or transmitted, whether by word of mouth or in writing. In the New Testament it specifically denotes a body of teaching or precepts passed from one generation to the next. This concept appears in contexts where religious leaders emphasize their inherited customs alongside written law.
Its meaning shifts depending on who is speaking. Jesus uses it critically in Mark 7:3 and Matthew 15:2 to describe human traditions that can overshadow divine commands. Paul, however, employs the same word positively in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 to encourage believers to hold fast to the apostolic teachings they received.
Etymologically, the word combines para ("beside") and didōmi ("to give"), literally meaning a handing over. This root highlights that tradition is not static but a living transmission of authority. The sources note that while Jewish leaders viewed their oral laws as equal to Scripture, early Christians distinguished between human rules and the core gospel message.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word paradosis describes something handed down from one generation to the next. It captures the reality that we do not inherit faith in a vacuum. We receive teachings, practices, and truths from those who came before us. This transmission is neutral in itself; it simply means receiving what was given.
Scripture warns us when human traditions replace divine commands. In Mark 7, Jesus critiques leaders who prioritize their own rules over God’s clear instructions. He shows that adding extra burdens can obscure the gospel. Yet Paul also encourages believers to hold fast to apostolic teachings in 2 Thessalonians 2:15. The key is discerning which traditions lead us closer to Christ and which distract us from Him.
Your faith journey involves learning from others while testing everything against Scripture. This balance keeps your heart grounded in truth rather than shifting cultural trends.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- tradition10×
- traditions.1×
- traditions1×
- teachings1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παράδοσιν9×
- παραδόσεις2×
- παραδόσεων.1×
- παραδόσει1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 7:8
“For you set aside the commandment of God, and hold tightly to the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and you do many other such things.”
Jesus explicitly contrasts human tradition with God’s commandment, showing how added rules can override divine instruction.
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I Corinthians 11:2
Now I praise you, brothers, that you remember me in all things, and hold firm the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.
Paul praises the Corinthian church for holding firm to his teachings, demonstrating the positive use of tradition as apostolic authority.
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Colossians 2:8
Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elemental spirits of the world, and not after Christ.
Paul warns against being captivated by human philosophy and empty deceit, highlighting the danger of traditions that do not center on Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does paradosis mean in the New Testament?
Is tradition always negative in the Bible?
How should Christians view church traditions today?
Every Occurrence (13 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 3 verses
“Why do your disciples disobey the tradition of the elders? For they don’t wash their hands when they eat bread.”
Matthew 15:3He answered them, “Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition?
Matthew 15:6he shall not honor his father or mother.’ You have made the commandment of God void because of your tradition.