As noted earlier in another blog entry, there is some question about the meaning of διδακτικός (didaktikos) and whether the adjective functions with an active or passive sense (i.e., qualified to teach versus teachable). To this point, the Latin Vulgate renders 1 Timothy 3:2: Oportet ergo episcopum irreprehensibilem esse, unius uxoris virum, sobrium, prudentem, ornatum, pudicum, hospitalem, doctorem.
This translation would imply that Paul uses didaktikos in an active sense because the Vg contains the rendering, doctorem. On the other hand, this same Bible translates 2 Timothy 2:24, Servum autem Domini non oportet litigare: sed mansuetum esse ad omnes, docibilem, patientem, which appears to yield a passive sense.
While it's true that Lewis-Short (A Latin Dictionary) defines docibilis as "that learns easily, teachable," there is another "late" meaning listed for this adjective and the dictionary apparently applies this sense to 2 Tim. 2:24: that definition is "apt."
Merriam-Webster defines the adnomimal word "apt" in the following ways: "unusually fitted or qualified" and "suited to a purpose." Other definitions are given but the point I'm trying to make is that if "apt" fits 2 Tim. 2:24, then it too could be active rather than passive.
Louw-Nida:
Thursday, May 04, 2023
Brief Note About Didaktikos
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3 comments:
Some interpret like this - 2 Timothy 2:24 God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool,
Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But a Servant of our Lord ought not to fight, but to be humble toward every person, instructive and long-suffering,
International Standard Version
A servant of the Lord must not argue. Instead, he must be kind to everyone, teachable, willing to suffer wrong
Cambridge Greek Lexicon seems to remain on the fence although BDAG and Louw-Nida appear to support the active sense. It's difficult to say for sure but as we discussed earlier, an overseer not only needs to teach effectively, clearly, etc., but he himself should be teachable and meek.
This is one of the things I see in Hebrew. Dual meanings that can be simultaneous.
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