Lexical Summary summathétés: Fellow disciple, fellow student Original Word: συμμαθητής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fellow disciple. From a compound of sun and manthano; a co-learner (of Christianity) -- fellow disciple. see GREEK sun see GREEK manthano NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a comp. of sun and mathétés Definition a fellow disciple NASB Translation fellow disciples (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4827: συμμαθητήςσυμμαθητής (T WH συνμαθητης (cf. ἀπό, II. at the end)), συμμαθητου, ὁ, a fellow-disciple: John 11:16 (Plato, Euthyd., p. 272 c.; Aesop fab. 48). (Phrynichus says that σύν is not prefixed to πολίτης, δημότης, φυλέτης, and the like, but only to those nouns which denote an association which is πρόσκαιρος i. e. temporary, as συενφηβος, συνθιασώτης, συμπότης. The Latin also observes the same distinction and sayscommilito meus, but notconcivis, butcivis meus; see Phryn. ed. Lob., p. 471; (cf. p. 172; Winer's 25).) Topical Lexicon Concept of Corporate Discipleship The term behind Strong’s 4827 portrays learners who share not only the same Teacher but also one another’s journey. It stresses partnership over individualism and frames discipleship as a shared vocation. Biblical Usage John 11:16—“Then Thomas, called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with Him.’ ” By choosing a compound word that means “co-disciples,” John underscores the mutual bond of the Twelve as they consider following Jesus back to Judea. Thomas is not speaking privately; he rallies companions to courageous, costly loyalty. Theological Insights 1. Solidarity in Obedience: Thomas’s exhortation shows that faithfulness is strengthened in community (Philippians 1:27). Historical Background First-century rabbis gathered pupils who learned together. Jesus adopted this pattern yet transformed it: His followers study not merely His teaching but His person (John 15:15). The Johannine term would have resonated with readers acquainted with communal apprenticeship. Implications for Ministry • Small-group Bible study reflects the original setting of fellow disciples gathered around Christ. Related Scripture Themes Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24-25; John 13:35; Romans 12:4-5. Each passage echoes the spirit embedded in Strong’s 4827: disciples learning, loving, and—if required—laying down their lives together for their Lord. Forms and Transliterations συμμαθηταίς συμμαθηταῖς συνμαθηταις συνμαθηταῖς summathetais summathētais symmathetais symmathetaîs symmathētais symmathētaîsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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