ἑτεροδιδασκαλέω
heterodidaskaléō
G2085 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To teach divergent doctrine; to instruct in teachings or ideas that differ from an established or accepted body of instruction. In New Testament usage, particularly refers to the act of imparting doctrine that is contrary to the received apostolic or communal teaching. In wider Koine Greek, the core sense is to teach otherwise or to expound a different set of teachings than those recognized as authoritative within a given community.
Semantic Range
to teach a different doctrine, to impart divergent instruction, to propagate teachings at variance with an accepted standard; to instruct otherwise
Root / Etymology
Compound of ἕτερος (other, another of a different kind) and διδασκαλέω (to teach, instruct), itself derived from διδάσκω (to teach). Thus, ἑτεροδιδασκαλέω literally means 'to teach differently' or 'to teach something else.' No evidence for this compound in pre-Koine usage; its formation likely reflects the need for precision regarding doctrinal deviation in early Christian communities.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἑτεροδιδασκαλέω is a rare verb, attested only in early Christian texts, notably the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1:3; 6:3). It was coined to describe the act of propagating teachings at variance with what was regarded as the legitimate instruction handed down within the emerging movement. The term emphasizes not generic teaching, but a specific deviation from a recognized doctrinal standard. In its context, this standard is apostolic teaching rather than later ecclesiastical dogma; thus, its focus is historical, not anachronistically theological. English translations typically render the term 'teach false doctrine,' 'teach other doctrine,' or 'teach differently,' but these may obscure the precise connotation of 'deviation from a norm within an instructed community.' No known usage outside Christian texts in antiquity; the word is constructed via a pattern seen in other compounds (e.g., ἑτερόγλωσσος, 'speaking another language'). The verb reflects a concern for doctrinal boundaries specific to post-Second Temple Judean and early Christ-following communities, where identity was often drawn in terms of correct teaching (orthodoxy) versus deviation (heterodoxy).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἕτερος and διδάσκαλος; to instruct differently:--teach other doctrine(-wise).
Root Family
διδασκαλ- (heterodidaskaléō) — to teach, instruct, expound doctrine
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2085-01 |
ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖ | eterodidaskalei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
teaches a different doctrine | he teaches divergent doctrine | he teaches divergent doctrine | 1 |
G2085-02 |
ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖν | eterodidaskalein | V PRS ACT INF |
to teach different doctrine | to teach divergent doctrine | to teach divergent doctrine | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2085-02 |
1 Timothy 1:3 | ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖν | eterodidaskalein | V PRS ACT INF |
to teach different doctrine | to teach divergent doctrine | to teach divergent doctrine |
G2085-01 |
1 Timothy 6:3 | ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖ | eterodidaskalei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
teaches a different doctrine | he teaches divergent doctrine | he teaches divergent doctrine |