### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μαθητεύω (mathēteúō, `{{G3100}}`) is derived directly from the noun μαθητής (mathētēs, `{{G3101}}`), meaning "disciple" or "learner." This etymological connection is foundational to understanding the verb's semantic range.
In its intransitive sense, μαθητεύω means "to become a disciple" or "to be a pupil." This usage emphasizes the individual's personal decision and commitment to enter into a learning relationship with a teacher, implying a submission to their instruction and way of life.
More frequently and significantly in the New Testament, μαθητεύω is used transitively, meaning "to make a disciple of," "to disciple," "to instruct," or "to enroll as a scholar." This active sense describes the process of guiding another person into a relationship of discipleship with Christ. It involves not only the imparting of knowledge but also the shaping of character, values, and actions, leading to a holistic transformation. The core idea is to bring someone into a state of committed learning and following.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb μαθητεύω appears four times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels, highlighting its critical role in Jesus' ministry and the early Church's mission.
* **[[Matthew 13:52]]**: "And He said to them, 'Therefore every scribe who has been *discipled* into the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings forth out of his treasure things new and old.'" Here, the perfect passive participle (μεμαθητευμένος) indicates a scribe who has thoroughly undergone the process of being taught and formed in the truths of the kingdom, embodying a deep understanding.
* **[[Matthew 27:57]]**: "When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also *become a disciple* of Jesus." This instance uses the intransitive aorist (ἐμαθήτευσε), describing Joseph's personal decision and status as a follower of Jesus, albeit a secret one until this moment of courage.
* **[[Matthew 28:19]]**: "Go therefore and *make disciples* of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." This is the pivotal "Great Commission," where the imperative aorist (μαθητεύσατε) commands believers to actively engage in the process of evangelism, teaching, and spiritual formation that leads others to become committed followers of Christ. The subsequent participles ("baptizing," "teaching") define the means by which disciples are made.
* **[[Acts 14:21]]**: "After they had preached the gospel to that city and had *made many disciples*, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch." Luke uses μαθητεύω (μαθητεύσαντες) to describe the successful outcome of Paul and Barnabas's missionary work. It signifies that their evangelistic efforts resulted in people not merely converting but becoming committed learners and followers of Christ.
These occurrences consistently point to the active process of becoming or making followers who are committed to the teachings and person of Jesus Christ, encompassing both initiation and ongoing formation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding μαθητεύω is rich, providing further insight into the nature of discipleship:
* **μαθητής (mathētēs, `{{G3101}}`)**: The noun from which μαθητεύω is derived, meaning "disciple," "learner," or "pupil." The verb describes the action of becoming or making such a person.
* **διδάσκω (didaskō, `{{G1321}}`)**: "To teach" or "to instruct." While διδάσκω focuses on the imparting of knowledge, μαθητεύω implies a broader, more holistic relationship of learning and following, often including the imitation of the teacher's life. Teaching is a vital component of making disciples, as seen in [[Matthew 28:19-20]].
* **ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō, `{{G190}}`)**: "To follow." This verb often describes the physical act of following Jesus, which in the Gospels symbolizes the commitment of discipleship, involving leaving everything to walk with Him (e.g., [[Matthew 4:19-22]]).
* **πιστεύω (pisteuō, `{{G4100}}`)**: "To believe" or "to trust." Belief is foundational to becoming a disciple, but discipleship extends beyond initial belief to ongoing commitment, obedience, and learning.
* **κηρύσσω (kērussō, `{{G2784}}`)**: "To preach" or "to proclaim." Preaching the gospel is the initial step in the process of making disciples, as it presents the message to be believed and followed.
* **ποιέω (poieō, `{{G4160}}`)**: "To do," "to make." In the Great Commission, μαθητεύσατε (make disciples) is the main verb, indicating an active, causative effort.
These related terms underscore that discipleship, as described by μαθητεύω, is a dynamic process involving proclamation, belief, teaching, following, and communal formation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μαθητεύω is profound, particularly in its imperative form in the Great Commission.
* **The Centrality of Discipleship:** The command to "make disciples" in [[Matthew 28:19]] elevates discipleship to the primary mission of the Church. It is not merely about gaining converts or expanding membership, but about transforming individuals into committed followers of Jesus who learn from Him, obey Him, and embody His teachings.
* **Holistic Transformation:** Discipleship, as implied by μαθητεύω, is not just intellectual assent but a comprehensive reorientation of life. It involves a change in allegiance, a commitment to Christ's teachings, and an imitation of His character. It impacts one's beliefs, values, and actions, leading to spiritual maturity.
* **Active Participation in God's Mission:** The transitive use of μαθητεύω underscores that making disciples is an active, intentional endeavor. It requires engagement in evangelism, teaching, mentoring, and nurturing new believers. This is the ongoing work of the Church until Christ's return.
* **The Nature of Christian Learning:** Unlike secular education which might focus solely on information transfer, Christian discipleship involves a relational learning with the Master, Jesus Christ. The learning is relational, transformative, and lifelong, aimed at conformity to Christ's image.
* **Universal Scope:** The command to "make disciples of *all the nations*" (πάντα τὰ ἔθνη) in [[Matthew 28:19]] signifies the universal scope of the gospel and the inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan. Discipleship is for everyone, everywhere, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries.
μαθητεύω thus encapsulates the very essence of the Christian life and the Church's calling: to be and to make followers of Jesus Christ.
### Summary
The Greek verb μαθητεύω (mathēteúō, `{{G3100}}`) signifies both "to become a disciple" and, more prominently, "to make a disciple." Derived from the word for "disciple," it denotes a committed, holistic learning relationship. Its most significant occurrence is in the Great Commission ([[Matthew 28:19]]), where Jesus commands His followers to actively "make disciples of all the nations." This involves not only evangelism and baptism but also ongoing teaching and formation, leading individuals to a lifelong commitment to Christ's teachings and way of life. Theologically, μαθητεύω highlights the Church's core mission: to transform individuals into devoted, obedient followers of Jesus, fostering their spiritual growth and participation in God's redemptive plan for the entire world.
TRV