Brief Overview of προμεριμνάω (Strong’s G4305: promerimnaō)

Strong’s G4305: A compound verb combining “pro” (before) and “merimnaō” (to be anxious/concerned), meaning to be anxious beforehand or worry in advance. In biblical context, it appears in Jesus’s instruction not to be anxiously preoccupied with future defenses before persecution.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προμεριμνάω embodies the concept of anticipatory anxiety or preemptive worry. As a compound word, it combines the temporal aspect of “before” with anxious concern or care. In Mark 13:11, Jesus uses this term when instructing disciples about future persecution, specifically commanding them not to worry beforehand about their defense. The early church understood this term as highlighting the need to trust in divine provision rather than being consumed by anticipatory anxiety. Today, it continues to challenge believers to resist the temptation to worry about future challenges and instead trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προμεριμνάω, promerimnaō, pro-mer-im-NA-ō
• Pronunciation Guide: pro (as in “pro-fessional”) + mer (as in “mare”) + im (as in “him”) + NA (as in “nah”) + ō (as in “oh”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “before, beforehand”
• μεριμνάω (merimnaō) – root verb meaning “to be anxious, to care”
• -ω (-ō) – verbal suffix indicating first person singular present active

D – Defining Meanings

• To be anxious beforehand
• To worry in advance
• To be preoccupied with future concerns

For compound words:
The prefix πρό (pro-) adds the temporal aspect of “beforehand,” while μεριμνάω (merimnaō) provides the sense of anxiety or deep concern.

Translation Options:

• “to worry beforehand” – emphasizes the anxiety aspect
• “to be anxious in advance” – highlights the anticipatory nature
• “to be preoccupied beforehand” – stresses the mental engagement

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μεριμνάω (merimnaō, mer-im-NA-ō) – See G3309: basic form meaning “to be anxious”
• προνοέω (pronoeō, pro-no-E-ō) – See G4306: emphasizes forethought without anxiety
• φροντίζω (phrontizō, fron-TID-zo) – See G5431: focuses on careful thought

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προμεριμνάω exhibits:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Imperative (negative)
• Person: Second
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Progressive

Examples of morphological usage:

• Present: “I worry beforehand”
• Imperative: “do not worry beforehand”
• Participle: “worrying beforehand”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s connection to anticipatory anxiety. Thayer’s highlights its use in contexts of mental preoccupation. LSJ notes its infrequent use in classical Greek. Vine’s connects it to unnecessary worry about future events. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature suggesting advance anxiety. Moulton and Milligan cite limited papyri examples showing personal concern.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Mark 13:11: “And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand [προμεριμνᾶτε] about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”

Additional References:
As a hapax legomenon, προμεριμνάω appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προμεριμνάω powerfully captures the human tendency toward anticipatory anxiety and God’s call to trust instead. This word proclaims the good news by showing that believers need not be consumed by worry about future challenges, as the Holy Spirit provides wisdom in the moment of need. It reminds us that Christ’s peace can replace our anxiety when we trust in divine provision.

D – Did You Know?

• Προμεριμνάω is a hapax legomenon in the New Testament
• The word was rarely used in classical Greek literature
• Early Christians saw this term as particularly relevant during times of persecution

Strong’s G4305: A compound verb meaning to be anxious or worry beforehand, used specifically in Jesus’s instruction not to be preoccupied with preparing defenses before persecution. Emphasizes trust in the Holy Spirit’s provision rather than anxious preparation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: anxiety, worry, preparation, persecution, holy-spirit, trust, mark, divine-provision, peace, faith, testimony, future-concerns​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​