John 3:2

An Exegetical Analysis of διδάσκαλος in John 3:2

This exegetical study of An Exegetical Analysis of διδάσκαλος in John 3:2 is based on a b-greek discussion from May 19, 1999. The initial query concerned the grammatical classification of the nominative noun διδάσκαλος in John 3:2, specifically within Nicodemus’ statement to Jesus, “ἀπὸ θεοῦ ἐλήλυθας διδάσκαλος.”

The central exegetical issue revolves around interpreting the precise syntactical function of διδάσκαλος in Nicodemus’ address to Jesus. Is it a simple predicate nominative, an adverbial nominative, or a nominative used for emphatic exclamation? The chosen interpretation significantly influences the understanding of Nicodemus’ confession and the nature of Jesus’ identity as a teacher sent from God, impacting how Nicodemus perceives Jesus’ authority and origin.

John 3:2 (Nestle 1904):
οὗτος ἦλθεν πρὸς αὐτὸν νυκτὸς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, Ῥαββί, οἴδαμεν ὅτι ἀπὸ θεοῦ ἐλήλυθας διδάσκαλος· οὐδεὶς γὰρ δύναται ταῦτα τὰ σημεῖα ποιεῖν ἃ σὺ ποιεῖς, ἐὰν μὴ ᾖ ὁ θεὸς μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ.

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• There are no significant textual differences in the phrase “ἀπὸ θεοῦ ἐλήλυθας διδάσκαλος” between Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010. The wording and spelling of the key terms remain consistent.

Textual criticism (NA28) indicates no textual variants for διδάσκαλος or the surrounding words in John 3:2 that would impact its grammatical function or meaning. Lexical notes from KITTEL (TDNT, Vol. II, pp. 159ff) highlight that διδάσκαλος primarily denotes “teacher” or “master.” In the New Testament, it frequently refers to Jewish rabbis, John the Baptist, and, most notably, Jesus himself, often implying a recognized authority in instruction. BDAG defines διδάσκαλος as “one who teaches, a teacher, instructor,” and confirms its widespread application to Jesus as a title of respect and recognition (e.g., Jn 1:38; 3:2, 10; 8:4; 13:13-14). Nicodemus’ use of this term here thus affirms Jesus’ perceived role as an authoritative religious instructor, whose divine authentication is evident through his signs.

Translation Variants

The grammatical analysis of διδάσκαλος in John 3:2 presents several interpretive possibilities:

• Predicate Nominative: This is a strong grammatical possibility, suggesting that διδάσκαλος functions as a predicate nominative describing the capacity or role in which Jesus has “come from God.” It agrees in case with the implicit subject σύ of the perfect verb ἐλήλυθας (you have come). Carl W. Conrad’s initial suggestion of an “adverbial” predicate aligns with this, implying “You have come from God as a teacher.” Rhetorically, this emphasizes Jesus’ recognized function and the source of his teaching authority.

• Nominative of Exclamation: Jim West proposes an interpretation of διδάσκαλος as a nominative of exclamation, used to “stress a thought with great distinctness.” This reading suggests Nicodemus is expressing strong conviction or even astonishment at Jesus’ status as a teacher divinely sent. Such a nominative would convey a heightened emotional or rhetorical emphasis, akin to “You really are a teacher, sent from God!” This interpretation relies on perceiving an exclamatory tone in Nicodemus’ address, highlighting his amazement or solemn confession.

• Appositional Nominative: While less likely given the word order and standard use with verbs of motion, one could conceive of διδάσκαλος functioning in apposition to the implicit subject, implying “You, a teacher, have come from God.” However, the predicate nominative construction with ἔρχομαι/ἔρχομαι ἀπό is more common for expressing role or purpose in coming, making the predicate nominative a more grammatically sound option than a simple apposition.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The most robust grammatical analysis favors interpreting διδάσκαλος as a predicate nominative, describing the role or capacity in which Jesus has come. This interpretation is supported by common Greek syntax for verbs of coming or appearing. However, the context of Nicodemus’ nocturnal visit and his acknowledgment of Jesus’ signs allow for a rhetorical nuance that could imbue the statement with a sense of awe or profound recognition, echoing elements of an exclamatory nominative. The following translation suggestions attempt to capture these nuances:

1. “We know that you have come from God as a teacher.”
   This translation emphasizes Jesus’ capacity or role established by his divine origin, reflecting a straightforward predicate nominative.
2. “We know that you are a teacher who has come from God.”
   This rephrasing similarly highlights Jesus’ identity as a divinely sent instructor, maintaining the predicate function while slightly adjusting the emphasis.
3. “We know that you truly are a teacher sent from God!”
   This rendering incorporates the possible exclamatory or emphatic tone, suggesting Nicodemus’ profound conviction and perhaps a degree of awe, without violating the predicate nominative’s underlying grammatical structure.