νουθεσία

From the study of Ephesians 6:4

Range of meaning

From nous (mind) + tithēmi (to put): literally "putting in mind." Counsel about avoiding wrong or improving conduct; admonition, warning, instruction (BDAG). Usually spoken, aimed at a person's understanding and will.

Against the English

KJV/YLT "admonition" is accurate but archaic, and can sound like scolding. BSB/ESV/NIV/WEB "instruction" is clearer but loses the note of warning and correction. A good paraphrase would be "counsel and warning."

Used elsewhere in the period

NT: 1 Cor 10:11 (Israel's history "written for our nouthesia"); Titus 3:10 (warning a divisive person). LXX Wisdom of Solomon 16:6 ("troubled for a short time as a warning"). The related verb noutheteō is used of pastoral warning (Acts 20:31; Col 1:28; 3:16). R. C. Trench distinguished paideia as training by action and discipline and nouthesia as training by word.

From the study of 1 Corinthians 10:11

Range of meaning

Made from νοῦς ('mind') and τίθημι ('put'): 'putting in mind'. It covers admonition, warning, and correction given by someone with responsibility for the hearer, such as a father or teacher. It always carries a note of correcting someone, not just passing on information.

Against the English

KJV and WEB 'admonition' and BSB and NIV 'warnings' keep the corrective edge. ESV 'instruction' is softer and could suggest neutral teaching.

Used elsewhere in the period

Wisdom 16:6 uses it of the bronze serpent episode, the same story Paul cites in 10:9, as a short trouble 'for admonition'. In Eph 6:4 children are raised 'in the discipline and νουθεσία of the Lord', and Titus 3:10 speaks of a first and second admonition. Josephus and Philo use it for corrective rebuke.

From the study of Titus 3:10

Range of meaning

Formed from nous ('mind') and tithēmi ('put'), it means 'putting in mind'. Its senses run from instruction and warning to correction, always with the aim of changing how the person thinks and acts. It is firmer than advice but personal and remedial, not punishment.

Against the English

'Admonition' (KJV, BSB, YLT) is accurate but sounds old-fashioned and formal. 'Warning' (WEB, NASB, NIV, ESV) is clearer but can sound like a threat. The Greek means a corrective word spoken to someone's mind and conscience.

Used elsewhere in the period

Elsewhere in the New Testament: 1 Corinthians 10:11 (Scripture written 'for our admonition') and Ephesians 6:4 (the 'discipline and instruction' of the Lord a father gives his children). The verb noutheteō appears in Romans 15:14, Colossians 1:28, 1 Thessalonians 5:12 and 5:14 ('warn the unruly'), and 2 Thessalonians 3:15 ('do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother'). In the Greek Old Testament: Wisdom 16:6. Josephus, Antiquities 3.311.