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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, the Greek word μιμητής (transliterated as mimētēs) holds deep significance, especially in understanding how believers are called to imitate Christ and His followers. This term, appearing in the New Testament, offers insights into the nature of discipleship and spiritual formation, emphasizing the importance of modeling oneself after virtuous examples. By grasping the original meaning of mimētēs, we gain a clearer understanding of the apostolic teachings and the cultural expectations placed upon early Christians in relation to imitation and leadership. The word also reflects the ancient Greek worldview, where imitation of exemplary individuals was considered a key aspect of education and moral development.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μιμητής (mimētēs)

Pronunciation: mee-may-TAYS

Etymology: The word μιμητής is derived from the root verb μιμέομαι (mimeomai), which means “to imitate” or “to mimic.” This root captures the essence of the word as one who follows or models themselves after another, particularly in behavior or thought.

Part of Speech: Noun, masculine. In the Greek, it is commonly found in the nominative singular form, but it can also appear in other grammatical cases, depending on its role in a sentence.

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Defining Meanings

1. Imitator – The primary meaning of mimētēs is one who imitates or follows the example of another. In the New Testament, it is often used to refer to believers who are encouraged to imitate the actions, behaviors, and virtues of Christ or the apostles. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 4:16, Paul exhorts the Corinthians, “Therefore I urge you to imitate me” (μιμηταί).

2. Disciple/Follower – The term also carries connotations of discipleship, where the follower adopts the teachings and lifestyle of the one they are imitating. This goes beyond simple mimicry; it involves a deeper, transformative following of a person’s life.

3. Moral Example – In the context of early Christianity, mimētēs often referred to the ethical and spiritual imitation of the apostles and Christ. Believers were encouraged to live out their faith by following the moral example set before them.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μαθητής (mathētēs) [ma-thay-TAYS]: While mimētēs refers to an imitator, mathētēs means “disciple” or “learner.” Both terms overlap in meaning but differ in emphasis. A mathētēs learns from a teacher, while a mimētēs focuses on copying the behavior or example of that teacher.

2. ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō) [a-ko-loo-THEH-oh]: This verb means “to follow” and is often used in the sense of following someone’s teachings or path. While mimētēs focuses on imitation, akoloutheō emphasizes the act of following or accompanying.

3. τύπος (typos) [TOO-pos]: This word refers to a pattern or example. While mimētēs is one who follows an example, typos is the model or example itself.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

μίμητής is a masculine noun and can appear in various cases depending on its function in the sentence. Here’s a simple declension table:

Case Singular Plural

Nominative μιμητής μιμηταί

Genitive μιμητοῦ μιμητῶν

Dative μιμητῇ μιμηταῖς

Accusative μιμητήν μιμητάς

Declension: μιμητής follows the first declension pattern for masculine nouns.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical studies of mimētēs reveal that it is consistently used in the New Testament to encourage believers to adopt the behaviors and ethical standards of key figures, especially Christ and the apostles. Classical Greek also used this word to refer to actors or performers who imitated others. In Christian theology, however, mimētēs takes on a much deeper meaning, representing the transformative process of becoming like Christ in character and action. The apostle Paul, in particular, uses this term in a way that blends discipleship and moral emulation. He often calls believers to “be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. 1 Corinthians 4:16 – “Therefore I exhort you, be imitators [μιμηταί] of me.”

2. Ephesians 5:1 – “Therefore be imitators [μιμηταί] of God, as beloved children.”

3. Hebrews 6:12 – “So that you will not be sluggish, but imitators [μιμηταί] of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Example Text

Plato Laws “Imitation [μιμητής] is essential to learning”

Aristotle Poetics “Poetry is the imitation [μιμητής] of action”

Philo On the Creation “God’s creation serves as the model for imitation”

Noteworthy Summary

The word mimētēs serves as a profound concept in both ancient Greek culture and New Testament theology. It emphasizes not just the act of copying someone’s behavior but striving to embody their virtues and ideals. In the Christian context, believers are called to be imitators of Christ and the apostles, adopting their moral and ethical standards.

Did You Know?

1. Mimētēs is the root of the English word “mimic.”

2. In classical Greek, actors were often called “imitators” (mimētēs), reflecting the theatrical culture.

3. The concept of imitation was central to ancient Greek philosophy, especially in the works of Plato and Aristotle.