Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the concept of a "student" is closely related to the idea of a disciple, learner, or follower. The term "student" itself is not explicitly used in most English translations of the Bible, but the principles and practices of learning, teaching, and discipleship are deeply embedded in the biblical narrative.
Old Testament ContextThe Old Testament places a strong emphasis on the importance of learning and instruction, particularly in the context of the family and religious community. The Hebrew word "lamad," often translated as "to learn" or "to teach," underscores the importance of education in the Jewish tradition.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 highlights the role of parents as teachers: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
The wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, frequently addresses the value of seeking knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 1:5 states, "Let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel." This reflects the biblical view that being a student of wisdom is a lifelong pursuit.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of a student is most clearly seen in the role of a disciple. The Greek word "mathetes," meaning "disciple" or "learner," is used extensively to describe the followers of Jesus. Jesus Himself was often referred to as "Rabbi," meaning "teacher," and His disciples were His students. In
Matthew 11:29 , Jesus invites people to learn from Him: "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
The Great Commission in
Matthew 28:19-20 further emphasizes the role of teaching in the Christian faith: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." Here, the process of making disciples involves teaching, indicating that all believers are called to be both students and teachers of the faith.
Role of the Holy SpiritThe New Testament also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit as a teacher and guide for believers. In
John 14:26 , Jesus promises, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." This underscores the belief that spiritual learning is not solely an intellectual pursuit but is also guided by divine revelation.
Application in the Christian LifeFor Christians, being a student is an ongoing process of spiritual growth and maturity. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (
Romans 12:2), indicating that learning and growth are integral to the Christian life. The early church devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching (
Acts 2:42), setting a precedent for the importance of doctrinal instruction and communal learning.
In summary, while the term "student" may not be explicitly used, the Bible presents a rich tapestry of learning and discipleship, emphasizing the importance of being a lifelong learner in the pursuit of wisdom, understanding, and spiritual maturity.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A person engaged in study; one who is devoted to learning; a learner; a pupil; a scholar; especially, one who attends a school, or who seeks knowledge from professional teachers or from books; as, the students of an academy, a college, or a university; a medical student; a hard student.
2. (n.) One who studies or examines in any manner; an attentive and systematic observer; as, a student of human nature, or of physical nature.
Greek
5378. Philologos -- "student, scholar," Philologus, a Christian... Philologos. 5379 . "
student... Word Origin from philos and logos Definition "
student,
scholar," Philologus, a Christian NASB Word Usage Philologus (1). Philologus
...Library
The CarthageStudent
... SAINT AUGUSTIN III THE CARTHAGESTUDENT. However strong were... his studies.
Necessarily he was obliged to be astudent who worked. With...
But when theStudent of the Holy Scriptures...
... Book 2 Chapter 62. But when thestudent of the Holy Scriptures? 62. But
when thestudent of the Holy Scriptures, prepared in the...
Letter viii . --To aStudent of the Classics.
... VI."Letters. Letters . Letter VIII ."To aStudent of the Classics. When
I was looking for some suitable and proper exordium, I...
To theStudent
... TO THESTUDENT. The experienced public speaker acquires through long practise
hundreds of phrases which he uses over and over again....
Nature'sStudent. August 3.
... Nature'sStudent. August 3. The perfect naturalist must be of a reverent
turn of mind"giving Nature credit for an inexhaustible...
Book Three the Story of hisStudent Days in Carthage, his...
... The Confessions of Saint Augustine BOOK THREE The story of hisstudent
days in Carthage, his discovery of Cicero's Hortensius?...
College Voluntary Study Courses
... The general outline for this curriculum has been prepared by the Committee on Voluntary
Study of the Council of North AmericanStudent Movements, representing...
The Three Elements of a Complete Life
... Thestudent turns up every word in his Latin, instead of consulting the translation.
The result is that honesty is translated into thestudent's being....
Lessons from the Angelus
... If astudent cons out every word in his latin instead of consulting a translation,
the result is that honesty is translated into his character; if he works out...
Account of a Conference Proposed to Me, but which I Refused.
... almost incessant applications for a friendly interview and conversation, if any
one thought it needful to pester me in that manner whenever astudent made use...
Thesaurus
Student (1 Occurrence)... school, or who seeks knowledge from professional teachers or from books; as, the
students of an academy, a college, or a university; a medical
student; a hard
...Text (5 Occurrences)
... the Greek text of the New Testament issued by Westcott and Hort as the "nearest
in its approach to the goal." Professor Alexander Souter'sstudent's edition of...
Sardis (3 Occurrences)
... sar'-dis (Sardeis): Sardis is of special interest to thestudent of Herodotus and
Xenophon, for there Artaphernes, the brother of Darius, lived, and from there...
Manuscripts
... the Greek text of the New Testament issued by Westcott and Hort as the "nearest
in its approach to the goal." Professor Alexander Souter'sstudent's edition of...
Arabic
... ar'-a-bik lan'-gwaj: For thestudent of the Bible the Arabic language is of interest,
first, as one of the members of the Semitic group of languages, to which...
Library
... Thestudent was therefore provided with grammars and dictionaries of the two languages,
as well as with reading-books and interlinear translates into Assyrian...
Malefactor (2 Occurrences)
... the Greek text of the New Testament issued by Westcott and Hort as the "nearest
in its approach to the goal." Professor Alexander Souter'sstudent's edition of...
Obadiah (21 Occurrences)
... some older prophecy. To the average Biblestudent all this minute analysis
of a brief prophecy must seem hypercritical. He will...
Sabbath (126 Occurrences)
... so few hints of a weekly Sabbath before Moses, who is comparatively a modern character,
that argumentation is almost excluded, and eachstudent will approach...
Kings (350 Occurrences)
... archives is still a question. 3. Kent's Scheme: Kent,Student's Old Testament
(II, chart, and pp. ix-xxvi), gives the following...
Resources
What does the Bible say about being a good student? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is See You at the Pole (SYATP)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the value of attending a Christian university? | GotQuestions.orgStudent: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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