παράδοσις

an instruction, tradition

Definition

παράδοσις (paradosis) primarily means 'tradition' or 'handing down,' referring to teachings, customs, or practices transmitted from one generation to another. In the New Testament, it often denotes human religious traditions, especially those of the Jewish elders that sometimes conflicted with God's commandments, as seen in Jesus' critiques in Matthew 15:2-6 and Mark 7:3-13. In a positive sense, it can refer to authoritative Christian teachings passed down from the apostles, as implied in passages like 1 Corinthians 11:2 and 2 Thessalonians 2:15, where it signifies the core doctrines of the faith.

Biblical Usage

This word appears 13 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels (Matthew and Mark) where Jesus confronts the Pharisees about their 'traditions of the elders' that nullify God's word (e.g., Matthew 15:3, Mark 7:9). It is also used in Paul's letters to describe the teachings he delivered to the churches, such as in 1 Corinthians 11:2 and 2 Thessalonians 2:15, highlighting a contrast between human tradition and apostolic instruction.

Etymology

Derived from παρά (para, meaning 'beside' or 'alongside') and the root related to δίδωμι (didōmi, 'to give'), forming the idea of 'a giving over' or 'handing down.' It shares a root with words like δόσις (dosis, 'a giving') and conveys the process of transmission, whether of customs, teachings, or practices.

Semantic Range

παράδοσις is theologically significant as it highlights the tension between human religious traditions and divine revelation. Jesus' critiques (e.g., Mark 7:8) warn against elevating human customs above God's commands, a key theme in understanding the authority of Scripture. In Paul's writings, it underscores the importance of preserving sound apostolic teaching (2 Thessalonians 2:15), enriching Bible reading by emphasizing the need to discern between cultural practices and core Christian doctrine.

In first-century Judaism, 'tradition' (paradosis) often referred to the oral interpretations of the Torah developed by rabbis, known as the 'tradition of the elders.' These were highly respected but could become burdensome or contradictory to scriptural intent, as Jesus pointed out. This cultural backdrop helps modern readers understand the conflicts in the Gospels, where Jesus challenges practices like ceremonial washings (Mark 7:3-5) that had overshadowed deeper moral obligations.

διδασκαλία (didaskalia, G1319) — focuses more on teaching or instruction as content. νόμος (nomos, G3551) — refers specifically to law, often the Mosaic Law, rather than transmitted customs. ἔθος (ethos, G1485) — denotes custom or habit, with less emphasis on formal handing down.

Word Details

Scripture References