Lexical Summary (Not Used): (Not Used) (Not Used)Part of Speech: Transliteration: (Not Used) (Not Used) Topical Lexicon Root Meaning and Semantic Range Strong’s Greek 3256 belongs to the same word-family as μανθάνω (manthanō, “to learn,” Strong’s 3129). While 3256 itself is not used in the extant Greek New Testament manuscripts, the cognate forms that are employed throughout Scripture establish a clear thematic thread: learning that issues in obedient discipleship. In classical Greek the root group could describe acquiring factual information, mastering a craft, or entering the personal tutelage of a master. The Septuagint often uses the root for learning God’s statutes (for example, Psalm 119:73), preparing the way for its fuller New Testament expression. Old Testament Foundations Israel’s covenant life revolved around learning God’s revealed will. “Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe Your commandments” (Psalm 119:66). The prophetic cry consistently calls the people to “hear,” “consider,” and “learn” (Isaiah 1:17), binding moral conduct to the reception of divine instruction. This background supplies the theological soil in which New Testament discipleship terminology takes root. Intertestamental and Greco-Roman Background By the first century the root group carried two complementary ideas in the wider culture: academic learning in the philosophical schools and apprenticeship under a living mentor. Hellenistic Judaism fused both, viewing Torah study as a life-encompassing apprenticeship to God. When the early church adopted the language, it automatically conveyed rigorous instruction joined to personal allegiance—an ideal perfectly suited to the Messiah’s call. New Testament Parallels Though Strong’s 3256 itself is absent, its cognates appear frequently: These passages reveal four hallmark features: 1. Learning centers on the person of Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:29). Theology of Learning and Discipleship Scripture does not treat “learning” as neutral cognition. True learning springs from revelation, is authenticated by obedience, and culminates in conformity to Christ. The Great Commission’s “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19) extends the Old Testament mandate to a global horizon. Believers become both learners and teachers, forming a community in which “the word of Christ” dwells richly (Colossians 3:16) and equips saints for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Practical Ministry Implications 1. Expository teaching remains central; the church is a school of Christ. Historical Church Usage Early church writers referred to themselves as “disciples” long after the apostolic age, emphasizing continuity with the New Testament pattern. Catechetical schools in Alexandria and elsewhere treated baptismal candidates as learners in moral and doctrinal formation. The Protestant Reformers revived this focus, insisting that Scripture be taught in the vernacular so every believer could become a direct pupil of the Word. Related Words and Concepts • γνώσις (gnōsis, knowledge) – stresses content; learning stresses process. Summary Strong’s Greek 3256, though itself not attested in the New Testament text, belongs to a family of words that shape the Bible’s vision of learning as relational, transformative discipleship. Rooted in Old Testament covenant pedagogy, consummated in Christ’s call, and embodied in the church’s ongoing teaching ministry, this concept summons every believer to sit at the feet of the true Teacher and to lead others to do the same. Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance μελῶν — 2 Occ.μέλος — 5 Occ. Μελχὶ — 2 Occ. Μελχισεδέκ — 8 Occ. ἔμελεν — 2 Occ. μέλει — 7 Occ. μελέτω — 1 Occ. μεμβράνας — 1 Occ. μέμφεται — 1 Occ. μεμφόμενος — 1 Occ. μὲν — 182 Occ. Μενοῦν — 1 Occ. μενοῦνγε — 2 Occ. μέντοι — 8 Occ. ἐμείναμεν — 2 Occ. ἔμειναν — 2 Occ. ἔμεινεν — 10 Occ. ἔμενεν — 3 Occ. ἔμενον — 1 Occ. μεῖναι — 6 Occ. |
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