# Custodian ## Ignatius Catholic Study Bible *Custodian* ([[galatians-03#^galatians-03-24|Gal 3:24-25]]) - *Paidagōgos* (Gk.): a \"tutor\" or \"disciplinarian\" or \"guide\". The word is used twice in the NT, here and at [[1-corinthians-04#^1-corinthians-04-15|1 Cor 4:15]]. It refers to a household slave in Hellenistic society who was charged by a father to oversee the moral formation of his son. This tutelage normally lasted from the time the child was a minor until he reached maturity. The tutor would accompany the youth to and from school, supervise his daily activities, protect him from dangers, and administer discipline whenever necessary. Paul used this familiar custom to explain how the Mosaic Law served a similar function in Israel. It was an instructor and guide for the nation, yet one that was temporary and destined to pass away. The coming of Christ meant that Israel could now be freed from the supervision and restraints of the Mosaic Law to embrace the full inheritance awaiting it in the New Covenant ([[galatians-04#^galatians-04-4|Gal 4:4-7]]; CCC 708). ### Source [[09-galatians-commentary#^iawufl|Custodian — word study]]