Lexical Summary talmid: Disciple, student, learner Original Word: תַּלְמִיד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance scholar From lamad; a pupil -- scholar. see HEBREW lamad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom lamad Definition a scholar NASB Translation pupil (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs תַּלְמִיד noun [masculine] scholar (late; Late Hebrew) 1 Chronicles 25:8. לְמָה, לָמֶה, לָמָה, לָמָּה see מָה 4d. Topical Lexicon Scriptural SettingThe only occurrence of תַּלְמִיד (talmid, “pupil / disciple”) in the Hebrew Bible is found in the musical roster of 1 Chronicles 25:8, where the Levitical singers “cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil”. The setting is David’s organization of temple worship. In this context the word distinguishes those still in a learning phase from seasoned instructors, underscoring a deliberate structure of inter-generational training within the Levitical guilds. Theological Emphasis on Transmission 1. Discipleship as Covenant Stewardship 2. Unity of Worship and Instruction From Talmid to Disciple: Historical Trajectory While the Hebrew Bible uses talmid only once, the concept flourished: • Second Temple Judaism: “Scribes and their talmidim” became a formal mode of Torah transmission. This heritage forms the backdrop for the New Testament’s adoption of the Greek term mathētēs (“disciple”), describing followers of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19). The semantic bridge reinforces continuity between Old and New Covenant patterns of mentorship. Principles Illustrated by 1 Chronicles 25:8 1. Ordered Training Godly service is cultivated, not improvised. Skilled Levites did not merely pass down melodies—they apprenticed worshipers in both craft and character. 2. Equality of Access “Young and old alike” receive lots, showing that both generations are essential. Spiritual maturity does not cancel youthful participation; youthfulness does not preclude responsibility. 3. Divine Sovereignty in Assignment Lots were cast, a practice signifying that ultimate placement in ministry rests with the LORD (Proverbs 16:33). Implications for Contemporary Ministry • Intentional Mentoring: Churches should pattern leadership pipelines on the teacher-pupil model, pairing mature believers with emerging servants (2 Timothy 2:2). Key Related Scriptures Deuteronomy 4:10; Proverbs 1:5; Isaiah 8:16; Malachi 2:7; Luke 6:40; Acts 22:3; 1 Peter 5:5. Summary Although תַּלְמִיד appears only once, its solitary placement within the temple’s worship order encapsulates the biblical mandate for intentional, generational discipleship. From Levitical choirs to the Great Commission’s call to “make disciples,” the pattern is consistent: God raises teachers who reproduce themselves in pupils, ensuring the ongoing proclamation of His glory. Forms and Transliterations תַּלְמִֽיד׃ תלמיד׃ tal·mîḏ talMid talmîḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 25:8 HEB: מֵבִ֖ין עִם־ תַּלְמִֽיד׃ פ NAS: the teacher [as well] as the pupil. KJV: the teacher as the scholar. INT: the teacher accompanying as the pupil 1 Occurrence |
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