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disciple

DISCIPLE. This term occurs in the OT as the rendering of Heb. limmud, one "instructed," (Is. 8:16; 50:4); rendered "taught" in (54:13).

In the NT it is the rendering of the Gk. mathetes, "learner," and occurs frequently.

The meaning applies to one who professes to have learned certain principles from another and maintains them on that other's authority. It is applied principally to the followers of Jesus (<Mt 5:1; 8:21>; etc.); sometimes to those of John the Baptist <9:14> and of the Pharisees <22:16>.

It is used in a special manner to indicate the twelve (10:1; 11:1; 20:17).