Greek "mathetai"; means "student", "follower". It has no special religious connotation or significance, other than that to follow Jesus is both a significant and important choice. The word in Greek can be used in reference to a follower of anybody, from Karl Marx and Charles Darwin, to Ayn Rand and Donald Trump to any Tom, Dick or Jane on the web (who would be most likely no worse of a choice to follow).
When the New Testament uses the word 'disciple", it is simply referring to the followers of Jesus and thus, the word should be correctly translated into English as "follower" or "student/follower". Translating or speaking otherwise implies an orthodox religious context where none is likely intended.
The Bible is clear that blessed are those "who" do the teaching of Jesus. It is not enough to just believe or to just be a student. One must do what Jesus says to be a follower of Jesus: "Faith without works is dead." Thus, it is fair to say that "follower" is the best English translation for the Greek "mathetai", rather than just student.
When the New Testament uses the word 'disciple", it is simply referring to the followers of Jesus and thus, the word should be correctly translated into English as "follower" or "student/follower". Translating or speaking otherwise implies an orthodox religious context where none is likely intended.
The Bible is clear that blessed are those "who" do the teaching of Jesus. It is not enough to just believe or to just be a student. One must do what Jesus says to be a follower of Jesus: "Faith without works is dead." Thus, it is fair to say that "follower" is the best English translation for the Greek "mathetai", rather than just student.
