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μαθήτρια

mathḗtria

G3102 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A female learner or pupil—one who engages in learning or adheres to the instruction of a teacher. Most commonly, a female follower or adherent, especially in the context of a movement or teaching community. In specific contexts, refers to a woman recognized as a committed pupil or follower of a significant instructor or master.

Semantic Range

female pupil, female learner, female follower, female adherent, a woman disciple, a woman committed to a teacher or teaching

Root / Etymology

Feminine form of μαθητής (mathētēs, 'disciple, learner') formed by the feminine ending -ια (-ia). μαθητής derives from the root 'μανθάνω' (manthanō), meaning 'to learn.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The term μαθήτρια is rare in Greek literature and occurs only in later Greek, including in Christian texts. In classical Greek, the masculine μαθητής was standard, with explicit feminine forms rarely attested. In the New Testament, μαθήτρια appears in contexts acknowledging female adherence to a teacher or movement, such as Acts 9:36 (referring to Tabitha of Joppa). The feminine form indicates a conscious identification of certain women as full participants among the followers or pupils linked to an instructor, paralleling male μαθηταί. English translations often render μαθήτρια as 'disciple' or 'female disciple,' but the term carries a direct sense of student or adherent, not limited to a strictly religious context. In the Hellenistic and Roman worlds, female participation as students or adherents was notable primarily in particular philosophical or religious communities.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

feminine from μαθητής; a female pupil:--disciple.

Root Family

μαθήτρια (mathētria) — to learn, to be a pupil, female learner, female follower

Root μαθη- to learn, to be a pupil

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3102-01 μαθήτρια mathetria N NOM F SG disciple female disciple female disciple 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3102-01 Acts 9:36 μαθήτρια mathetria N NOM F SG disciple female disciple female disciple
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