[Greek] μανθάνω (manthanō, [Latin] discere, [Latin] cogitare, [German] lernen, [German] studieren, [French] apprendre: to learn, to “do the math”, to educate, to receive instruction, to be apprised, to increase one’s knowledge, to ascertain; 31 scripture passages
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to learn, to understand, to be accustomed to, to know, to notice, and to receive direction, to question, and to direct one’s attention.
Sophocles’ Ajax 667: “I shall, first, know to yield to the gods, learn to revere. They are rulers so we must submit.”
Plato’s Meno 88b: “Things learnt and coordinated with aid of some are profitable, but without some are harmful.”
Aristophanes’ Clouds 876: “And yet Hyperbolus learned this a cost of a talent.”
Xenophon’s Memorabilia 1.2.17: “But I find that all teachers show their disciples how they themselves practice what they teach, and lead them on by argument.”
Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus 12: “We have come to learn as foreigners from the townsmen, and to bring to completion whatever we hear (from them).”
Aristophanes’ Plutus 19: “Aye, master, unless you tell me why we are following this unknown fellow, I will not be silent.”
Euripides’ Bacchae 1345: “You have learned it too late; you did not know it when you should have.”
Old Testament: This term essentially means to learn, to be trained, to teach, and to direct oneself to. The overriding sense of this term belongs in the cultic sphere. God is the object and goal of this term. Such objects include fear of God, the Law, scripture, wisdom, justice, and God’s will. Essentially, this term focuses on aspects of God and His will. The secular aspects of this term refer to learning a trade, getting information from something, and drawing knowledge from a book. The intellectual aspects of this term also focus on God.
The Wisdom of Ben Sira: Sirach comes from the Greek form of the author’s name. Ben Sira was a wise and experienced observer of life. This book Liber Ecclesiasticus (Church Book) addressed wisdom tradition, the law, the priesthood, divine worship, the individual, and the family. This book, written in the early 2nd century B.C., provided maxims in integrating faith and family issues in various subject matters. The Wisdom of Ben Sira has been recognized by the Catholic Church as inspired and canonized. The notion of taking a yoke upon upon one’s neck and seeking rest comes from Sir.51:23-30.
“Come aside to me, you untutored, and take up lodging in the house of instruction; how long will you deprive yourself of wisdom’s food, and how long endure such bitter thirst? I open my mouth and speak of her: gain wisdom for yourselves at not cost. Take her yoke upon your neck; that your mind may receive her teaching. For she is close to those who seek her, and the one who is in earnest finds her. See for yourselves! I have labored only a little, but have found much.” Sir 51:23-27
What is this house of instruction? This is essentially a metaphor for Ben Sira’s teaching.
Who are those who come this house (school) of instruction? The naïve, untutored, and foolish people come here.
What are these students seeking? Wisdom (praise of the Lord).
Why is wisdom personified as female? Finding wisdom was like finding a wife. Like a wife, wisdom brings wealth, blessings, and righteousness.
What is a yoke? A yoke is a harness used by oxen and other animals to ease the work of hauling a load. A yoke also means a designation of servitude and carrying a burden of a task or mission.
What does “acquire a little instruction and you will win silver and gold though her” mean? With a little hard work, one may attain great blessings.
New Testament: This term means to be taught, to understand, and to come to realize. Jesus’ role is not to provide information, but to awaken commitment to Him. The disciples are perceived more as followers (acolytes) learning, hearing, understanding, and ascertaining. Learning may come from following correct teachings or falling astray. This term is also illustrated by Jesus’ divine authority. Jesus learns obedience from the Father.
Scripture:
“The Jews were amazed and said, ‘How does He know scripture without having studied’?” Jn.7:15
Ordinarily children were taught to read and write by means of the scriptures. The Jews were very unsettled in seeing that Jesus already had a deep knowledge of scripture. They were also wondering how could He teach like a rabbi. Rabbis were customarily trained by other rabbis.
“I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who crate dissension and obstacles, in opposition to the teaching that you learned; avoid them.” Rom.16:7
Paul warns about self-seeking teachers. It would be a great loss if these teachers altered, diluted, or ruined the traditional doctrine and values.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.” Mt.11:29
Jesus invites the burdened to take the yoke of obedience and trust to His Word, under which they will provided rest. This indirectly alludes to Ben Sirah’s house of wisdom and teaching.
Etymology: The Greek noun mathetes means disciple, pupil, and learner. The Latin verb discere means to acquire knowledge. The Latin verb cogitare means to intend and consider. These terms are related to the Latin verb apprehendere which means to seize or grasp with the mind. The related Latin verb discipere means to comprehend (like a disciple).
Conclusion:
Discern, disciple, discipline, learn, study, apprehend, cogitate, cogitation, math
In Greek Hellenism, it goes without saying that intellectual pursuits were highly valued. Plato believed in a well-rounded education. The Greek enklyklio paedia literally means “training in a circle”. A biblical scholar once stated “The Greeks learned in order to comprehend, the Hebrews learned in order to adore.”
In the Old Testament, learning was primarily defined by the Rabbi (teacher)/disciple (student) relationship.
In the New Testament, the emphasis is on Jesus evoking commitment from the disciples. Matthew’s gospel is generally considered a teaching gospel. Hearing becomes an important first step in learning and understanding.
Jesus makes reference to taking another yoke of wisdom, instruction, and rest.
Jesus was trying to set an example for a bunch of uneducated and unprepared students. Jesus did some teaching, but His actions spoke volumes in His leading by example. Paul actually lectured in Tyrannus Hall.
Update: In a sense, many of us have become like “little pagans” bowing our necks down in “homage” to our electronic devices (gods) in seeking knowledge and guidance.
We continue to learn (uncover) more and more details of coordinated cover-ups and collusion efforts.
Many are terrified (to learn) that a billionaire may purchase a certain social media platform.
Many liberal leaning social activist teachers are now ‘proudly’ being seen (Tik Tok videos) talking about sex and gender to their young impressionable students. Unfortunately, these teachers are teaching what they believe and practice.
We are constantly capturing the graphic imagery in Ukraine with journalists and cellphones.
Many of us continue to be followers (learners) in social media, both vocal and silent.
Some do not realize that they are often “late to the table” when it comes to crises and events. A certain US president comes to mind.
“Life is a math question. In order to gain the most, you have to know how to covert negatives into positives.” – Anonymous
Like students in the classroom, we continue to learn the lessons and facts of life. As events unfold, news uncovered, and scandals unveiled, peoples’ character and actions are often revealed. Such responses may range from apocalyptic proportions to a hint of a whisper. You do the math!
Next post: Revealing and making known