Word Study for G3129 (μανθάνω)

manthánō /man-than'-o/ Ask about this word

Rootprolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, , is used as an alternate in certain tenses

Meaningto learn (in any way)

KJV usagelearn, understand.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of manthánō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word manthánō, represented by G3129, means to learn or understand. Appearing 31 times across 24 unique verses, it describes a process of gaining knowledge that can be intellectual, experiential, or practical. It is not simply about acquiring data, but about a learning that leads to a change in understanding or behavior.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G3129 is used in various contexts to illustrate the nature of learning. It can refer to understanding a concept, such as when Jesus commands the Pharisees to "learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy" Matthew 9:13. It often involves a direct teacher, as when Jesus invites his followers to "learn of me" Matthew 11:29 or when Paul reminds the Colossians of what they "learned of Epaphras" Colossians 1:7. The process can also be experiential, as Christ "learned he obedience by the things which he suffered" Hebrews 5:8. This learning can be positive, such as learning contentment Philippians 4:11, or negative, such as when some "learn to be idle" 1 Timothy 5:13.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the scope of what it means to learn:

G1097 ginṓskō: This word means to "know" absolutely. It often represents the goal or result of learning. For example, Jesus instructs his disciples to learn G3129 a parable from the fig tree so that they may know G1097 that summer is near Matthew 24:32.
G1322 didachḗ: This refers to instruction or doctrine, the content that is learned. Paul urges the Roman believers to mark and avoid those who cause divisions contrary to the doctrine G1322 which they had learned G3129 Romans 16:17.
G5218 hypakoḗ: Meaning obedience or compliance, this term highlights a key outcome of true spiritual learning. It is exemplified by Christ, who learned G3129 obedience G5218 through what he endured Hebrews 5:8.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G3129 is significant, framing discipleship as a lifelong learning process.

Learning from a Divine Source: True spiritual understanding comes from God. All who have "heard, and hath learned of the Father" will come to Christ John 6:45. Paul frames the entire Christian life as having "learned Christ" Ephesians 4:20.
Learning Through Action and Experience: The concept extends beyond theory to practice. Believers are exhorted to learn G3129 to maintain good works Titus 3:14 and show piety at home 1 Timothy 5:4.
The Goal of Transformation: Learning is not an end in itself. Paul warns of those who are "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" 2 Timothy 3:7. Authentic learning, in contrast, is proven by being "assured of" the truth and continuing in it 2 Timothy 3:14.

Summary

In summary, G3129 defines a dynamic and foundational element of the believer's journey. It encompasses the instruction received from Christ and his apostles, the wisdom gained through life's trials, and the practical application of truth. This type of learning is not merely academic but is intended to produce contentment, obedience, and fruitful works, demonstrating a genuine transformation of the heart and mind.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 25 occurrences, inflected in 14 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

2nd Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Plural 4×
2nd Aorist Active Indicative 2nd Plural 4×
2nd Aorist Active Infinitive 3×
2nd Aorist Active Indicative 2nd Singular 2×
2nd Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
Present Active Imperative 3rd Plural 2×
2nd Aorist Active Indicative 1st Singular 1×
2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
2nd Aorist Active Subjunctive 2nd Plural 1×
Perfect Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
Present Active Imperative 3rd Singular 1×
Present Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×

+ 2 rarer forms

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
1st: First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect: A completed act whose results continue.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Imperative: A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive: Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive: The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 24 verses across 15 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Matthew, 1 Corinthians, and 1 Timothy (3 verses each); never once in the other 12.

Matthew

Mark

John

Acts

Romans

1 Corinthians

Galatians

Ephesians

Philippians

Colossians

1 Timothy

2 Timothy

Titus

Hebrews

Revelation

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.