# 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 followed him throughout his three-year ministry.
* 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 more clear 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](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/1co/15/05)
* [Acts 06:2-4](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/act/06/02)
* [Luke 09:1-2](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/luk/09/01)
* [Luke 18:31-33](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/luk/18/31)
* [Mark 10:32-34](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mrk/10/32)
* [Matthew 10:5-7](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/10/05)