Lexical Summary mathetria: Female disciple Original Word: μαθητρία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a female discipleFeminine from mathetes; a female pupil -- disciple. see GREEK mathetes HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3102 mathḗtria (a feminine noun) – a female disciple. See 3101 (mathētēs). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3102: μαθήτριαμαθήτρια, μαθητριας, ἡ (a feminine form of μαθητής; cf. ψάλτης, ψάλτρια, etc., in Alexander Buttmann (1873) Ausf. Spr. ii., p. 425), a female disciple; equivalent to a Christian woman: Acts 9:36. (Diodorus 2, 52; (Diogenes Laërtius 4, 2; 8, 42.) Topical Lexicon Word and Concept μαθήτρια denotes a female disciple—a committed learner and follower of Jesus Christ. Its single appearance in Acts 9:36 highlights both the inclusiveness of discipleship and the Spirit-empowered ministry exercised by women in the apostolic church. Biblical Usage Acts 9:36: “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with good deeds and acts of charity.” This verse presents the only explicit New Testament instance where the feminine form is employed, thereby underlining that women were recognized not merely as auxiliaries but as true disciples. Context within Acts Luke situates the account in Joppa, a strategic Mediterranean port (Acts 9:36-43). The narrative immediately precedes Peter’s vision and the gospel’s breakthrough to Gentiles (Acts 10). The raising of Tabitha prepares the reader for the widening mission by demonstrating the resurrection power of Christ already at work through the apostles. Profile of Tabitha (Dorcas) • Known for “good deeds and acts of charity,” particularly the provision of tunics and garments for widows (Acts 9:39). Women as Disciples in the Broader Canon Although μαθήτρια itself is unique to Acts 9:36, the Gospels and Acts repeatedly portray women in core discipleship roles: Ministry Significance 1. Validation of Female Service: The use of a distinct feminine term underscores the early church’s recognition of women’s covenantal standing and Spirit-gifted contribution (Acts 2:17-18). Historical and Cultural Insights Joppa’s mixed Jewish-Gentile population mirrors the church’s emerging diversity. Tabitha carries both Aramaic (Tabitha) and Greek (Dorcas) names, indicating cultural fluency and foreshadowing the gospel’s cross-cultural spread. Theological Themes • Resurrection Power: The same power that raised Jesus authenticates the apostolic message by raising a female disciple. Applications for the Contemporary Church • Affirm and equip female believers as full disciples, encouraging spiritual formation and ministry deployment. Related Topics for Study Discipleship (Matthew 28:19), Spiritual Gifts (Romans 12:6-8), The Role of Widows (1 Timothy 5:3-10), Resurrection Miracles (1 Kings 17:17-24; John 11). Forms and Transliterations μαθητρια μαθήτρια mathetria mathētria mathḗtriaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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