συμμαθητής (G4827) — Greek Lexicon

συμμαθητής

symmathētḗs

G4827 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

One who learns together with another; a co-learner. In context, specifically denotes someone who, alongside others, is engaged in following and learning from a teacher. In New Testament usage, refers particularly to a person who is a disciple together with another disciple, emphasizing their shared instruction and fellowship in discipleship.

Semantic Range

co-learner, fellow student, fellow disciple, one who learns together with another

Root / Etymology

Compound of the preposition σύν (with, together with) and the verb μανθάνω (to learn). The term literally means 'one who learns with [another].'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The term συμμαθητής appears rarely in extant Greek literature, with its primary NT occurrence in John 11:16, where Thomas is referred to as a 'fellow-disciple' of the other μαθηταί of Jesus. The construction underscores shared experience and common commitment among learners. While classical Greek employs μαθητής broadly for 'student, disciple,' the prefix σύν intensifies the collective aspect. In non-religious Greek, μαθητής might denote any pupil of a teacher, but συμμαθητής only emerges when stressing their fellow status. The English tradition of translating as 'fellow disciple' is appropriate but may obscure the emphasis on the dynamic of learning together, not merely shared following. The word does not carry distinct religious overtones; rather, such associations come from its context in the New Testament.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a compound of σύν and μανθάνω; a co-learner (of Christianity):--fellow disciple.

Root Family

συμμαθητής (symmathētēs) — to learn, to be instructed, co-learner, fellow disciple

Root μαθη- to learn, to be instructed

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G4827-01`	συνμαθηταῖς	sunmathetais	`N DAT M PL`	fellow disciples	to fellow learners	fellow learners	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G4827-01`	John 11:16	συνμαθηταῖς	sunmathetais	`N DAT M PL`	fellow disciples	to fellow learners	fellow learners

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