# the twelve, the eleven

## Definition:

The term “the twelve” refers to the twelve men that Jesus chose to be his closest disciples, or apostles. After Judas killed himself, they were called “the eleven.”

* Jesus had many other disciples, but the title “the twelve” distinguished those who were apparently closest to Jesus.
* The names of these twelve disciples are listed in Matthew 10, Mark 3, and Luke 6.
* Some time after Jesus had returned to heaven, “the eleven” chose a disciple named Matthias to take Judas’ place. Then they were called “the twelve” again.

## Translation Suggestions:

* For many languages it may be clearer or more natural to add the noun and say, “the twelve apostles” or “Jesus’ twelve closest disciples.”
* “The eleven” could also be translated as “Jesus’ eleven remaining disciples.”
* Some translations may prefer to use a capital letter to show that it was used as a title, as in “the Twelve” and “the Eleven.”

(See also: [apostle](../kt/apostle.md), [disciple](../kt/disciple.md))

## Bible References:

* [1 Corinthians 15:5-7](rc://en/tn/help/1co/15/05)
* [Acts 6:2](rc://en/tn/help/act/06/02)
* [Luke 9:1](rc://en/tn/help/luk/09/01)
* [Luke 18:31](rc://en/tn/help/luk/18/31)
* [Mark 10:32-34](rc://en/tn/help/mrk/10/32)
* [Matthew 10:7](rc://en/tn/help/mat/10/07)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: G14270, G17330
