The term "disciple" in the New Testament is typically translated from the Greek word mathētēs (μαθητής), meaning "learner" or "follower,”
In Aramaic, the language Jesus would have used, there isn’t a single, universally agreed-upon term for "disciple" directly attested in historical records of his speech. However, scholars suggest he might have used a term like talmid (תלמיד) in Hebrew or its Aramaic equivalent, talmida or a similar construction, which means "student" or "learner." This aligns with the Jewish tradition of a rabbi (teacher) having talmidim (students) who learn and follow their teachings.
In Hebrew, talmid (singular) or talmidim (plural) refers to a student or apprentice, often in a spiritual or intellectual context.
The Syriac Peshitta, an early Aramaic translation of the New Testament, uses talmida for mathētēs, reinforcing its likelihood as the term Jesus used.
Possible Aramaic Terms for "Disciples"
- Talmida (תלמידא or similar)
- Explanation: This is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew talmid (תלמיד), meaning "student," "learner," or "disciple." In Jewish tradition, a rabbi’s followers were called talmidim (plural), emphasizing their role as learners of spiritual and ethical teachings. Given Jesus’ role as a teacher (often addressed as "Rabbi" in the Gospels, e.g., John 1:38), talmida (singular) or talmide (plural) is the most likely term he used.
- Context: This term was common in Jewish educational settings, where students studied under a master. It aligns with how Jesus’ disciples were depicted as learning his teachings (e.g., Matthew 5:1-2).
- Shamaya (שמעיא)
- Explanation: Derived from the Aramaic root shma (to hear or obey), this term could imply "one who hears" or "follower." It’s less common but possible, as it reflects the idea of disciples as those who listen to and follow the teacher’s guidance.
- Context: This term might have been used in a broader sense to describe those who heeded Jesus’ call, such as in Mark 1:16-20, where the fishermen "follow" him.
- Limud (לימוד)
- Explanation: From the Aramaic/Hebrew root for "learning" or "study," limud could be used to describe a learner or follower in a scholarly sense. While less specific than talmida, it’s a plausible alternative, emphasizing the act of learning from Jesus.
- Context: This term might apply in contexts where Jesus emphasized teaching, such as the Sermon on the Mount.
- R’chima (רחימא)
- Explanation: Derived from the Aramaic root rachem (to love or cherish), this term could mean "beloved" or "friend," reflecting a more intimate relationship. In John 15:15, Jesus calls his disciples "friends" (Greek philoi), which might suggest an Aramaic term like r’chima for those closest to him.
- Context: This could apply to the inner circle of disciples (e.g., Peter, James, John) in moments of personal connection.
- Haver (חבר) or Aramaic Equivalent
- Explanation: In Hebrew, haver means "friend" or "companion" and was used in Jewish contexts for associates or colleagues in study (e.g., among Pharisees or rabbis). An Aramaic equivalent, possibly habra, might have been used to denote the camaraderie among Jesus’ followers.
- Context: This term could reflect the communal aspect of the disciples’ relationship with Jesus, as seen in their shared travels (e.g., Mark 6:7).
- Q’riva (קריבא)
- Explanation: From the Aramaic root qarav (to draw near), this could mean "one who is near" or "close follower." It’s less common but possible, given the emphasis on disciples being called to stay close to Jesus (e.g., Mark 3:14, "to be with him").
- Context: This term might emphasize physical and spiritual proximity to Jesus.
- Generic Terms or Descriptions
- Jesus might have used descriptive phrases rather than a single term, such as "my followers" (m’talmidai or a similar construction), "those who follow me" (d’ateh acharai), or "my brothers" (achai), as seen in Matthew 12:49-50, where he refers to his disciples as his "mother and brothers." These would be less formal but contextually appropriate in Aramaic.
Take up your cross and follow
And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. - Matthew 10:38
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. - Matthew 16:24
And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. - Mark 8:34 34 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. - Luke 9:23
Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. - Luke 14:27 27
It means take responsibility for everything in your life, for everything you have created, for all your past “sins” or mistakes - and walk the path