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μαθητής

mathētḗs

G3101 noun

SILEX Entry

Root μαθ- to learn, to acquire knowledge

Definition

One who learns from another, a student or follower; in various contexts, specifically a pupil closely associated with a teacher, often marked by commitment to both instruction and the way of life of the teacher. In philosophical, rhetorical, or religious schools, refers to an adherent who engages in learning and practices in accordance with a teacher's example or doctrine. In the New Testament, particularly, it denotes those who align themselves with the teachings and person of Jesus or another recognized leader.

Semantic Range

learner, pupil, student, follower, adherent to a teacher or movement, especially one engaging deeply with instruction and lifestyle; in the New Testament, specifically, one who aligns with the instruction and person of Jesus or another recognized leader

Root / Etymology

From the verb μανθάνω (to learn), μαθητής is a derivative form meaning 'learner' or 'one who learns.' The form involves the agentive suffix -τής, designating a person characterized by the action or state.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, μαθητής broadly referred to anyone engaged in learning, whether from a philosopher, artisan, or rhetorician. In the Hellenistic period and in the New Testament, the term takes on a more specific connotation of close association and commitment to a particular teacher. In the Gospels and Acts, μαθηταί refers almost exclusively to those who followed Jesus, forming a defined group of adherents distinguished from the general crowds. The term is also used for disciples of other figures (e.g., John the Baptizer). English translations often render μαθητής as 'disciple,' a term that can obscure the everyday sense of 'student' or 'learner' implied in contemporary Greek use. While in later Christian tradition 'disciple' acquires a technical or exclusive sense, the term itself in Koine Greek could refer to any follower dedicated to acquiring knowledge and practice from a recognized leader, not solely in religious contexts. Neither English 'student' nor 'disciple' captures the full relational and formative aspect of the Greek term, which presupposes both instruction and imitation. The earliest attestation of the word is in classical Greek, especially in pedagogical and philosophical settings; by the first century, it is widely attested in Jewish and Greco-Roman educational-religious environments.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from μανθάνω; a learner, i.e. pupil:--disciple.

Root Family

μαθητής (mathētēs) — learner, student, pupil, adherent

Word Forms

8 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G3101-01 μαθηταὶ mathetai N NOM M PL disciples learners 109
G3101-07 μαθητῶν matheton N GEN M PL disciples of learners 45
G3101-02 μαθηταῖς mathetais N DAT M PL disciples to learners 41
G3101-03 μαθητὰς mathetas N ACC M PL disciples learners 39
G3101-06 μαθητὴς mathetes N NOM M SG disciple learner-follower 20
G3101-05 μαθητὴν matheten N ACC M SG disciple a learner 3
G3101-04 μαθητῇ mathete N DAT M SG disciple Learn! 3
G3101-08 μαθητοῦ mathetou N GEN M SG of a learner 1

Occurrences in Scripture

261 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G3101-01 Matthew 5:1 μαθηταὶ mathetai N NOM M PL learners
G3101-07 Matthew 8:21 μαθητῶν matheton N GEN M PL of learners
G3101-01 Matthew 8:23 μαθηταὶ mathetai N NOM M PL learners
G3101-02 Matthew 9:10 μαθηταῖς mathetais N DAT M PL to learners
G3101-02 Matthew 9:11 μαθηταῖς mathetais N DAT M PL to learners
G3101-01 Matthew 9:14 μαθηταὶ mathetai N NOM M PL learners
G3101-01 Matthew 9:14 μαθηταί mathetai-2 N NOM M PL learners
G3101-01 Matthew 9:19 μαθηταὶ mathetai N NOM M PL learners
G3101-02 Matthew 9:37 μαθηταῖς mathetais N DAT M PL to learners
G3101-03 Matthew 10:1 μαθητὰς mathetas N ACC M PL learners
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