μανθάνω (manthanō)
manthanō
to learn
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 24 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb manthanō describes the process of gaining knowledge, whether through direct inquiry or repeated practice. In the New Testament it covers a wide spectrum of learning: acquiring facts, understanding spiritual truths, and even forming habits. This versatility allows it to describe everything from a student studying scripture to someone picking up a new skill through experience.
A key distinction appears in how the word handles the source of information. It can mean learning "from" a person or thing, as when Jesus invites his followers to learn from him (Matthew 11:29), or learning "about" a subject, such as Paul instructing Timothy to continue in what he has learned (2 Timothy 3:14). The sources also note its use for learning by habit, seen in Philippians 4:11 where Paul says he has learned to be content in any situation.
The word often carries a sense of active engagement rather than passive reception. In Acts 23:27, it is used in the sense of ascertaining facts, showing its practical application in gathering information. Translators typically render it simply as "learn," though this basic English term sometimes misses the nuance of deepening understanding or adopting a new way of life that the Greek implies.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Learning is not just an academic exercise; it is a posture of the heart that invites God into our daily lives. When Jesus invites us to learn from Him, He offers a path marked by gentleness rather than rigid demands. This kind of learning transforms how we view ourselves and others, replacing judgment with mercy as we grow in understanding.
We see this active engagement when Paul speaks of learning contentment regardless of our circumstances. It is a practical wisdom that steadies us through change. By staying rooted in the truth we have received, we find peace that anchors our souls against the shifting winds of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 24 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do learn4×
- to learn3×
- you have learned2×
- should learn2×
- having learned2×
- have learned2×
- you may learn1×
- you learned [them],1×
- you learned1×
- they should learn1×
- they learn1×
- may learn1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐμάθετε4×
- μάθετε4×
- μαθεῖν3×
- μανθανέτωσαν2×
- μαθὼν2×
- ἔμαθον1×
- ἔμαθες,1×
- ἔμαθες1×
- ἔμαθεν1×
- μάθητε1×
- μεμαθηκώς;¶1×
- μανθάνωσιν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 11:29
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.
This verse highlights learning as a relational act of taking on Jesus' gentle and humble character rather than merely acquiring information.
-
Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.
Paul demonstrates that learning can be a practical skill, specifically the ability to remain content in any situation through spiritual discipline.
-
Hebrews 5:8
though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered.
This unique occurrence shows that even Jesus learned obedience through suffering, emphasizing that true understanding often comes through experience.
-
II Timothy 3:14
But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.
Paul encourages Timothy to remain in what he has already learned, stressing the importance of continuity and assurance in one's faith foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word manthanō mean?
How is learning described in Matthew 11:29?
Does manthanō only refer to intellectual study?
Every Occurrence (24 verses across 15 books)
Matthew 3 verses
But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but…
Matthew 11:29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 24:32“Now from the fig tree learn this parable: When its branch has now become tender and produces its leaves, you know that…