διδακτικός
didaktikós
G1317 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Pertaining to teaching; apt or skilled in teaching, capable of instructing others. In specific contexts, describes a person (often a leader or overseer) who possesses the ability and disposition to teach effectively. The term can also encompass being instructive or likely to impart knowledge.
Semantic Range
apt to teach, capable of teaching, instructive, disposed to instruct, skilled in teaching, likely to impart knowledge
Root / Etymology
From the verb διδάσκω (to teach), via the adjective-forming suffix -ικός, which denotes relating to or characterized by; hence, 'related to teaching' or 'teaching-oriented'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, διδακτικός appears occasionally to denote the capacity or art of teaching, often applied to methods or persons considered effective in instruction. By the Hellenistic and especially the Koine period, the term is used rarely but with a focus on personal suitability or qualification for teaching, notably in moral or community leadership contexts. In the New Testament, notably in 1 Timothy 3:2 and 2 Timothy 2:24, διδακτικός characterizes a community leader (an overseer or elder) as 'able to teach'—emphasizing teaching as a necessary capability, not merely general instructiveness but specifically the practical ability (and willingness) to instruct and correct. While 'didactic' is the direct English derivative, in Koine the nuance is less about abstract method and more about personal qualification for a teaching role. Most English translations render the term as 'able to teach' or 'apt to teach,' which reflects the word's contextual use but may miss the broader sense of 'teaching-capable' or 'instructive.' The word's use is limited, highlighting its role as a technical qualification rather than a common attribute.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from διδακτός; instructive ("didactic"):--apt to teach.
Root Family
διδάσκω (didaktikós) — to teach, instruct
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1317-01 |
διδακτικόν | didaktikon | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
able to teach | skilled in teaching | able to teach | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1317-01 |
1 Timothy 3:2 | διδακτικόν | didaktikon | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
able to teach | skilled in teaching | skilled in teaching |
G1317-01 |
2 Timothy 2:24 | διδακτικόν | didaktikon | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
able to teach | skilled in teaching | able to teach |