Lexical Summary mathéteuó: To make a disciple, to teach, to instruct. Original Word: μαθητεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance disciple, instruct, teach. From mathetes; intransitively, to become a pupil; transitively, to disciple, i.e. Enrol as scholar -- be disciple, instruct, teach. see GREEK mathetes HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3100 mathēteúō (from 3101 /mathētḗs, "disciple") – to disciple, i.e. helping someone to progressively learn the Word of God to become a matured, growing disciple (literally, "a learner," a true Christ-follower); to train (develop) in the truths of Scripture and the lifestyle required, i.e. helping a believer learn to be a disciple of Christ in belief and practice. See 3101 (mathētēs). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom mathétés Definition to be a disciple, to make a disciple NASB Translation become a disciple (2), made...disciples (1), make disciples (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3100: μαθητεύωμαθητεύω: 1 aorist ἐμαθήτευσα; 1 aorist passive ἐμαθητευθην; (μαθητής); 1. intransitive, τίνι, to be the disciple of one; to follow his precepts and instruction: Matthew 27:57 R G WH marginal reading, cf. John 19:38 (so Plutarch, mor., pp. 832 b. (vit. Antiph. 1), 837 c. (vit. Isocrates 10); Jamblichus, vit. Pythag c. 23). 2. transitive (cf. Winers Grammar, p. 23 and § 38, 1; (Buttmann, § 131, 4)) to make a disciple; to teach, instruct: τινα, Matthew 28:19; Acts 14:21; passive with a dative of the person whose disciple one is made, Matthew 27:57 L T Tr WH text; μαθητευθείς εἰς τήν βασιλείαν τῶν οὐρανοῦ (see γραμματεύς, 3), Matthew 13:52 Rec., where long since the more correct reading τῇ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν was adopted, but without changing the sense; (yet Lachmann inserts ἐν). Topical Lexicon Root Idea and Conceptual Background The verb behind Strong’s 3100 describes the intentional, relational process by which a learner is brought under the influence of a master-teacher so as to adopt his teaching, lifestyle, and mission. It moves beyond classroom instruction to a covenantal allegiance that re-orders priorities (Luke 14:26-27) and re-shapes conduct (John 8:31). In the Gospel record, the act is inseparably tied to faith in Jesus Christ, baptism, and ongoing obedience (Matthew 28:19-20). Occurrences in the New Testament • Matthew 13:52 — Jesus likens “every scribe who has been discipled for the kingdom of heaven” to a householder unveiling “new treasures as well as old.” The verb underscores how kingdom instruction transforms even a trained Torah scholar, equipping him to interpret both the Hebrew Scriptures and Christ’s revelation in harmonious continuity. • Matthew 27:57 — Joseph of Arimathea “had also become a disciple of Jesus.” Here the aorist passive suggests a completed transition: a respected Sanhedrin member now stands publicly with the crucified Messiah. The usage highlights that genuine discipleship can emerge from unexpected quarters and entails costly allegiance (cf. John 19:38). • Matthew 28:19 — “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The lone imperative in the Great Commission is the verb of Strong’s 3100. Evangelism, baptism, and lifelong obedience flow from—and serve—the discipling mandate. The scope (“all nations”) reveals the universal intent of the gospel, fulfilling Genesis 12:3. • Acts 14:21 — Paul and Barnabas “preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples.” The verse couples proclamation with discipling, indicating that apostolic strategy never ended with professions of faith but aimed at establishing stable, instructed communities (Acts 14:22-23). Discipleship in First-Century Culture In Judaism, disciples attached themselves to rabbis (e.g., Acts 22:3) and learned by imitation. Greco-Roman philosophers likewise gathered pupils. Jesus honors the form yet radicalizes the content: He calls disciples to Himself (Matthew 4:19) rather than merely to His Torah exposition, and He demands supreme loyalty even above family ties (Matthew 10:37). Theological Significance 1. Christ-Centered Allegiance: Discipleship is directed to the person of Jesus, validating His divine authority (John 20:28). Historical Trajectory in Church Practice Early catechesis (Didache 1-6) echoed the Great Commission by pairing baptism with moral instruction. Patristic writers (e.g., Irenaeus, Against Heresies 4.14.2) framed church life as the ongoing discipling of the nations. The Reformation reclaimed Bible exposition as the primary means of forming disciples, while modern missionary movements (e.g., William Carey) rested explicitly on Matthew 28:19. Throughout, the verb accents relational transmission—minister to person, generation to generation. Implications for Contemporary Ministry • Goal: Churches measure health not merely by attendance but by the reproduction of mature, obedient followers of Christ. Interrelated Terms and Concepts μαθητής (disciple) — the noun counterpart, over 260 uses, depicting the learner. διδάσκω (teach) — often paired with Strong’s 3100, emphasizing content delivery within the discipling relationship. πίστις (faith) and ὑπακοή (obedience) — inner trust and outward submission form the warp and woof of lived discipleship. Summary Strong’s 3100 conveys the comprehensive call to shape lives in conformity with Jesus Christ, rooted in His redemptive work and propelled by His authority. From the first century to the present, it anchors Christian mission, binds together gospel proclamation and pastoral nurture, and summons every believer into the unbroken chain of making—and being made—disciples. Forms and Transliterations εμαθητευθη ἐμαθητεύθη εμαθήτευσε μαθητευθεις μαθητευθείς μαθητευθεὶς μαθητευσαντες μαθητεύσαντες μαθητευσατε μαθητεύσατε ematheteuthe ematheteúthe emathēteuthē emathēteúthē matheteusantes matheteúsantes mathēteusantes mathēteúsantes matheteusate matheteúsate mathēteusate mathēteúsate matheteutheis matheteutheìs mathēteutheis mathēteutheìsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 13:52 V-APP-NMSGRK: πᾶς γραμματεὺς μαθητευθεὶς τῇ βασιλείᾳ NAS: scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom KJV: scribe [which is] instructed unto INT: every scribe having discipled into the kingdom Matthew 27:57 V-AIP-3S Matthew 28:19 V-AMA-2P Acts 14:21 V-APA-NMP Strong's Greek 3100 |