Lexical Summary hodégos: Guide, leader Original Word: ὁδηγός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance guide, leader. From hodos and hegeomai; a conductor (literally or figuratively (teacher)) -- guide, leader. see GREEK hodos see GREEK hegeomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hodos and hégeomai Definition a leader, guide NASB Translation guide (2), guides (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3595: ὁδηγόςὁδηγός, ὁδηγοῦ, ὁ (ὁδός and ἡγέομαιt; cf. χορηγός), a leader of the way, a guide; a. properly: Acts 1:16 (Polybius 5, 5, 15; Plutarch, Alex. 27; 1 Macc. 4:2; 2 Macc. 5:15). b. in figurative and sententious discourse ὁδηγός τυφλῶν, i. e. like one who is literally so called, namely a teacher of the ignorant and unexperienced, Romans 2:19; plural, τυφλοί ... ὁδηγοί τυφλῶν, i. e. like blind guides in the literal sense, in that, while themselves destitute of a knowledge of the truth, they offer themselves to others as teachers, Matthew 15:14; Matthew 23:16, 24. Topical Lexicon Concept OverviewThe term describes one who leads the way, whether literally along a road or figuratively in teaching, counsel, or influence. In Scripture it is employed both positively and negatively, drawing attention to the critical role and solemn accountability of anyone who directs others in matters of faith and conduct. Old Testament Anticipation of God-Authorized Guidance Although the specific Greek term does not appear in the Septuagint, the idea of guidance permeates the Hebrew Scriptures. The LORD guides Israel by cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21), David prays, “Lead me in Your truth and teach me” (Psalm 25:5), and wisdom herself calls to the naive, “I will direct my words to you” (Proverbs 1:23). These antecedents prepare readers to understand human guides as either cooperating with, or opposing, God’s own shepherding of His people. New Testament Occurrences 1. Matthew 15:14 – Jesus dismisses Pharisaic teachers as “blind guides of the blind,” exposing religious authority divorced from true knowledge of God. Historical and Cultural Setting In the first-century Mediterranean world, travelers unfamiliar with dangerous, winding roads relied on trusted guides. By extension, rabbis served as guides for Scripture, and political revolutionaries sometimes acted as guides through Judea’s rugged terrain. The New Testament exploits these everyday realities to communicate spiritual truths: authority figures are expected to know the way; if not, they imperil everyone. Theological Insights Blindness versus sight: Every usage in the Gospels and Epistles revolves around true versus false perception. To guide correctly one must first see. Spiritual blindness arises from unbelief (John 12:40) and self-righteousness (John 9:41), whereas sight is granted by the revelatory work of Christ (John 9:25, 39). Accountability before God: In each context the guide is judged not only for personal steps but for the destiny of the led. Echoes of Ezekiel 34, where shepherds are indicted for feeding themselves, resound behind Jesus’ denunciations. Sovereignty and human agency: Acts 1:16 clarifies that even Judas’s treacherous “guidance” fulfilled Scripture. God’s purposes stand, yet moral responsibility for misguidance remains. Warnings and Admonitions Jesus’ triple use of “blind guides” (Matthew 15:14; 23:16; 23:24) issues an enduring caution: • Knowledge without repentance corrupts leadership. Paul extends the warning in Romans 2:19–24: possession of divine revelation does not equal compliance. Religious instructors must embody what they teach. Christ as the True Guide While the noun is never applied directly to Jesus, He embodies its ideal: “I am the way” (John 14:6) and “When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them” (John 10:4). The contrast with Pharisaic blindness is stark; Jesus sees perfectly, for He is Light (John 8:12). Christian leaders therefore guide only in so far as they follow Him (1 Corinthians 11:1). Guidance of the Holy Spirit Post-resurrection, the believer’s ultimate guide is the Spirit: “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). Thus the church is safeguarded from error, provided she listens. Human teachers serve as secondary agents under divine direction (Ephesians 4:11–13). Practical Ministry Applications Discipleship: Mentors must cultivate spiritual sight through Scripture, prayer, and obedience before leading others. Regular self-examination prevents blind spots. Teaching: Expositors are to handle the Word accurately, avoiding selective emphasis that strains trivialities and neglects foundational doctrines. Counseling: Biblical counselors serve as guides to the broken. Their credibility hinges on personal submission to God’s precepts. Evangelism: Believers point the lost toward Christ, not themselves. As Philip guided the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:31), evangelists interpret Scripture so hearers may see Jesus. Church governance: Elders are overseers, a guiding role vested with gravity (Hebrews 13:17). The Acts portrayal of Judas warns that positional authority without fidelity to Christ betrays the flock. Historical Examples in the Church • Early patristic writers such as Polycarp were revered as faithful guides because their teaching mirrored apostolic doctrine. Contemporary Relevance Digital media amplifies voices; believers must discern between sighted and blind guides. A teacher’s popularity cannot substitute for fidelity to the gospel. The narratives of Matthew and Acts call the modern church to vet influencers by their adherence to Christ’s revealed Word. Concluding Reflection The biblical portrait of the guide summons every Christian—especially those in leadership—to pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23). Only the one who sees God’s truth clearly may safely lead others along the narrow path that culminates in life eternal. Forms and Transliterations οδηγοι οδηγοί ὁδηγοί ὁδηγοὶ οδηγον οδηγόν ὁδηγὸν οδηγου οδηγού ὁδηγοῦ hodegoi hodegoí hodegoì hodēgoi hodēgoí hodēgoì hodegon hodegòn hodēgon hodēgòn hodegou hodegoû hodēgou hodēgoû odegoi odēgoi odegon odēgon odegou odēgouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 15:14 N-NMPGRK: τυφλοί εἰσιν ὁδηγοί τυφλῶν τυφλὸς NAS: they are blind guides of the blind. KJV: blind leaders of the blind. INT: blind they are guides blind Blind Matthew 23:16 N-VMP Matthew 23:24 N-VMP Acts 1:16 N-GMS Romans 2:19 N-AMS Strong's Greek 3595 |