Disciple — Meaning in the Bible
A learner or follower. In the Gospels Jesus' disciples follow him, learn from him and are sent out; the word includes more than the twelve.
What it means
A disciple is a student who follows a teacher. John the Baptist had disciples, and so did the Pharisees. Jesus called people to follow him and become his disciples. Mark 2:18Mark 1:16–20Luke 14:27
Jesus told his disciples to make disciples of all nations. In Acts believers are often simply called "the disciples". Matthew 28:19–20Acts 6:1Acts 11:26
Key passages
- Mark 1:16–20 — Jesus calls fishermen.
- Luke 6:13 — Twelve chosen from the disciples.
- Luke 14:25–33 — The cost of discipleship.
- John 13:34–35 — Known by their love.
- Matthew 28:18–20 — Make disciples.
Original language
μαθητής mathētēs
Greek · Strong’s G3101 · gloss: “disciple”
The Greek word mathetes, learner. Matthew 28:19
A Strong’s number is a reference identifier, not a complete definition: what a word means in a passage depends on its context. Lexical data: STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
For children
A disciple is a learner who follows a teacher. Peter and Andrew left their fishing nets to follow Jesus. Mark 1:16–18
Study further
- Mark 1:14–20 The first disciples.
- Luke 14:25–35 What it costs.
- Matthew 28:16–20 The great commission.