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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, delving into the original Greek words enriches our understanding of scripture by uncovering nuanced meanings that are often lost in translation. The Greek word μεριμνάω (merimnaō) is particularly significant because it addresses a universal human experience: anxiety and worry. Its usage in the New Testament sheds light on the teachings of Jesus about trusting in God rather than succumbing to fears about material needs. Understanding this word also offers insight into ancient Greek culture, where concerns about daily survival and well-being were as pressing as they are today. By examining merimnaō, we can better grasp the biblical perspective on worry and find reassurance in the scriptures’ call to faith and trust in God’s provision.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μεριμνάω, merimnaō [meh-reem-NAH-oh].

Etymology: Derived from the noun μέριμνα (merimna), meaning “care” or “anxiety,” and ultimately from the root word μέρος (meros), meaning “part” or “portion.” This root suggests a state of being divided or distracted, symbolizing a mind fragmented by worries and concerns.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, μεριμνάω denotes the action of being anxious or worrying. It often appears in contexts that caution against excessive concern over material needs and encourage reliance on divine care.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. To Be Anxious or Worried: The primary meaning of μεριμνάω is to be troubled or anxious, especially concerning material needs or the future. In Matthew 6:25, Jesus instructs His followers not to be anxious about their lives, emphasizing God’s care for even the smallest creatures.
2. To Care For or Be Concerned About: While often used negatively to indicate anxiety, μεριμνάω can also have a more neutral or positive sense, indicating genuine concern or thoughtful consideration for someone’s well-being, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:25, where it describes the care believers should have for one another.

Exploring Similar Words

1. φροντίζω (phrontizō) [fron-TID-zo]: This word means “to think about” or “to be concerned,” but it generally lacks the negative connotation of anxiety associated with μεριμνάω.
2. ἀγχώ (anchō) [AHNG-kho]: Meaning “to choke” or “to strangle,” this word metaphorically describes the suffocating effect that anxiety can have on a person, highlighting the paralyzing nature of worry.
3. ἐπιμελέομαι (epimeleomai) [eh-pee-meh-LEH-oh-my]: This word means “to take care of” or “to look after” and is often used in a positive sense of tending to responsibilities or people with diligence and concern.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, μεριμνάω is conjugated based on tense, voice, mood, person, and number. Here is an example of its conjugation in the present indicative active form:

This table illustrates the verb’s present indicative active forms, showing how it is conjugated for different persons and numbers.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word μεριμνάω appears in various Greek lexicons with slight nuances in interpretation. BDAG emphasizes its meaning of “to be anxious” and associates it with concerns about daily necessities, particularly in the context of Jesus’ teachings. Thayer’s Lexicon discusses its roots in the concept of division or distraction, linking it to a state of mental turmoil. LSJ highlights its classical usage, noting that it can also signify care or solicitude in non-biblical texts. Vine’s Expository Dictionary elaborates on its theological implications, stressing the contrast between human anxiety and divine care. Strong’s Concordance associates it with distraction and overthinking. LEH discusses its use in the Septuagint, where it often denotes worry about impending trouble or the future. Moulton and Milligan provide examples from papyri, showing its use in personal and legal documents to describe anxiety over debts or obligations.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 6:25: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious [μεριμνᾶτε] about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”
2. 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your anxiety [μεριμνάς] on him because he cares for you.”
3. Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious [μεριμνᾶτε] about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The word μεριμνάω encapsulates the concept of anxiety, a timeless human experience. In the New Testament, it is often used to caution against excessive worry about material needs, urging believers to trust in God’s provision. By understanding this word, readers can appreciate the biblical teachings on faith and the futility of anxiety, a message that resonates as much today as it did in the ancient world.

Did You Know?

1. The word μεριμνάω is used 19 times in the New Testament, mostly in contexts encouraging faith over fear.
2. In classical Greek, μεριμνάω could also mean “to be diligent” or “to take care,” reflecting a more neutral or positive sense.
3. The root concept of division in μεριμνάω highlights the internal conflict caused by worry, a divided mind preoccupied with many concerns.