ὁδηγέω (G3594) — Greek Lexicon

ὁδηγέω

hodēgéō

G3594 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To lead or guide along a way or path, both in a literal sense (e.g., to conduct someone or a group along a road or toward a destination) and a figurative sense (to give guidance, direct, or instruct, often morally, intellectually, or spiritually). In some contexts, specifically to instruct or give direction with authority.

Semantic Range

to lead along a road, to act as a guide, to direct or instruct, to give moral or intellectual guidance, to conduct spiritually

Root / Etymology

From ὁδηγός (hodēgos, 'guide, leader'), which is from ὁδός (hodós, 'way, road, path') + ἄγω (ágō, 'to lead, bring').

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ὁδηγέω primarily denotes leading or guiding someone along a physical route, such as a guide or conductor on a journey. The verb is relatively rare in classical literature but appears in some Koine sources, including the Septuagint, where it often translates Hebrew terms for leading or guiding, especially in the context of Yahweh as the one who leads or guides Israel/Judeans. In the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 15:14; Luke 6:39), it frequently appears in figurative contexts to describe moral, spiritual, or intellectual guidance, sometimes with the implication of authority or responsibility (as in the imagery of the 'blind leading the blind'). English translations typically render the term as 'guide' or 'lead,' which generally captures its main senses, but the original term emphasizes the action of conducting or directing along a path—literal or conceptual. In Greek outside biblical literature, usages can also include metaphorical senses such as instructing in arts, wisdom, or ways of living.

Translation Consistency

primary "guide" 5 occurrences

Most P2 renderings use “guide,” and this verb naturally covers both literal leading and the common figurative senses (directing, instructing, giving moral or spiritual direction). It is simple, idiomatic English and fits the typical New Testament usage for ὁδηγέω across contexts.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ὁδηγός; to show the way (literally or figuratively (teach)):--guide, lead.

Root Family

ὁδηγέω (hodēgéō) — to lead, to guide, to conduct

Root ὁδηγ- to lead, to guide, to conduct

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3594-03`	ὁδηγήσει	odegesei	`V FUT ACT IND 3P SG`	guide	will guide	will guide	3
`G3594-02`	ὁδηγεῖν	odegein	`V PRS ACT INF`	to guide	to guide along the way	to guide along the way	1
`G3594-01`	ὁδηγῇ	odege	`V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P SG`	leads	may he guide	should guide	1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3594-01`	Matthew 15:14	ὁδηγῇ	odege	`V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P SG`	leads	may he guide	should guide
`G3594-02`	Luke 6:39	ὁδηγεῖν	odegein	`V PRS ACT INF`	to guide	to guide along the way	to guide along the way
`G3594-03`	John 16:13	ὁδηγήσει	odegesei	`V FUT ACT IND 3P SG`	he will guide	will guide	will guide
`G3594-03`	Acts 8:31	ὁδηγήσει	odegesei	`V FUT ACT IND 3P SG`	guide	will guide	will guide
`G3594-03`	Revelation 7:17	ὁδηγήσει	odegesei	`V FUT ACT IND 3P SG`	will lead	will guide	will guide

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