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G3100 · Greek · New Testament
μαθητεύω
matheteuo
Verb
to make a disciple, to be a disciple, to teach

Definition

Matheteuo (μαθητεύω) means to make a disciple, to become a disciple, or to teach. It appears 4 times in the New Testament. Its most important occurrence is Matthew 28:19 — the Great Commission: 'Go and make disciples [matheteusate] of all nations.' This is the central command of the risen Christ to His church.

Usage & Theological Significance

Matthew 28:19 is the theological fulcrum of matheteuo. In Greek, 'go' is a participle ('going'), while 'make disciples' is the main imperative — the core command. Baptizing and teaching are the two participles that describe how disciple-making happens. The Great Commission is not primarily about going but about making disciples through the twin practices of baptism (initiation) and teaching (formation). Matthew 13:52 uses matheteuo for a 'scribe instructed [matheteutheis] in the kingdom of heaven' — one who brings out of his treasure new and old. Acts 14:21 records Paul and Barnabas 'making many disciples' — matheteusantes — in the cities of the first missionary journey.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples [matheteusate] of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 27:57 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple [matheteuo] of Jesus.
Acts 14:21 They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples [matheteusantes]. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch.
Matthew 13:52 He said to them, 'Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple [matheteutheis] in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house...'
John 8:31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples [mathetai].'

Related Words

External Resources

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