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μαθητεύω

mathēteúō

G3100 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To make someone a μαθητής (disciple, learner), that is, to engage another as a committed student or follower; to train, instruct, or guide in the manner of a disciplined apprenticeship. Intransitively, to be or act as a μαθητής, to engage in active discipleship or learning from a master. The term encompasses both the act of instructing or training others within a structured relationship and the process of becoming a dedicated follower, particularly in a context of moral, ethical, or philosophical teaching. In Hellenistic and early Christian usage especially, it frequently implies induction into a way of life and ongoing mentorship beyond mere intellectual instruction.

Semantic Range

to make into a disciple; to recruit or train followers; to instruct in a life of discipleship; to be or become a committed disciple; to engage in apprenticeship; to foster discipleship; to enroll as a pupil

Root / Etymology

From the noun μαθητής (disciple, learner, pupil) with the productive verbal suffix -εύω, denoting the action of making or rendering into the characteristic of the noun. Thus, μαθητεύω means 'to make a disciple' or 'to become/be a disciple', derived from the base root μαθητ- relating to learning or being a follower.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, the verb μαθητεύω is rare or unattested, with the more common term to indicate 'to learn' being μανθάνω. The formation μαθητεύω arises in Hellenistic Greek and becomes particularly prominent in Jewish and Christian Greek literature. In the Septuagint and Second Temple literature, the concept of discipleship is often tied to ethical teaching and wisdom traditions. In the New Testament, especially in the Gospels and Acts, μαθητεύω can mean both (a) to make or enroll disciples (transitive use), as in Matthew 28:19 ('make disciples of all nations'), and (b) to become or be a disciple (intransitive use), i.e., to follow a master as a committed adherent. The English translations 'make disciples' or 'disciple', and sometimes 'teach', only partially capture the rich meaning, as the word implies more than instruction: it is about fostering an ongoing teacher-student relationship and induction into a way of life. The term is distinct from διδάσκω ('to teach'), as the latter emphasizes imparting information or instruction, whereas μαθητεύω focuses on transformative learning within a community or direct relationship.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from μαθητής; intransitively, to become a pupil; transitively, to disciple, i.e. enrol as scholar:--be disciple, instruct, teach.

Root Family

μαθητεύω (mathēteuō) — to learn, to be a disciple, to make a disciple, to follow as a student

Root μαθητ- to learn, to be a disciple, to make a disciple, to follow as a student

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3100-02 μαθητεύσαντες matheteusantes V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL had discipled having made disciples having made disciples 1
G3100-03 μαθητεύσατε matheteusate V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL make disciples Make disciples make disciples 1
G3100-04 μαθητευθεὶς matheteutheis V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M SG instructed having been made a disciple having been made a disciple 1
G3100-01 ἐμαθητεύθη ematheteuthe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG had become a disciple was made a disciple was made a disciple 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3100-04 Matthew 13:52 μαθητευθεὶς matheteutheis V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M SG instructed having been made a disciple having been made a disciple
G3100-01 Matthew 27:57 ἐμαθητεύθη ematheteuthe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG had become a disciple was made a disciple was made a disciple
G3100-03 Matthew 28:19 μαθητεύσατε matheteusate V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL make disciples Make disciples make disciples
G3100-02 Acts 14:21 μαθητεύσαντες matheteusantes V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL had discipled having made disciples having made disciples
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