Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies allows us to gain deeper insights into the original texts of the New Testament. The Greek word μέλλω (mellō) is particularly significant because it conveys the sense of something that is about to happen or is intended to happen in the near future. This word appears frequently in the New Testament, emphasizing the immediacy or certainty of future events. In Matthew 2:13, for example, it is used to describe the impending danger that awaited the child Jesus, prompting Joseph to take action. Studying μέλλω offers us a better understanding of how early Christians perceived time and divine intervention in their lives.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: μέλλω (mellō), pronounced [MEL-loh].

Etymology: The word μέλλω is derived from the root mel- which indicates intention, thought, or purpose. It is related to words that convey the ideas of planning or being on the verge of doing something. Its etymology connects it to concepts of future actions and deliberate intent.

Part of Speech: Verb. It primarily functions in the present or future tenses, often followed by an infinitive to indicate what is about to happen. It is not used in the indicative past tense, reflecting its focus on future or intended actions.

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

Defining Meanings

1. To Be About To: μέλλω is often used to describe an action that is on the verge of taking place. It indicates an imminent event, such as “about to happen” or “ready to occur.”
2. To Intend: The word also conveys intention or purpose. It can express someone’s plan or purpose to do something in the future, as seen in various New Testament passages where it describes God’s or an individual’s intended actions.
3. To Delay: Although less common, μέλλω can imply a delay or hesitancy before an action. In some contexts, it suggests a purposeful waiting or holding back from doing something immediately.

Exploring Similar Words

1. πρόκειται (prokeitai) [PRO-keh-tai]: This word means “to be set before” or “to be imminent.” It is similar to μέλλω in expressing something that is about to happen but often emphasizes a more immediate or visual presentation of the future event.
2. ἔρχομαι (erchomai) [ER-khoh-mai]: Meaning “to come” or “to go,” this word is used more generally for future actions. Unlike μέλλω, it does not carry the same sense of immediacy but rather indicates movement toward a future occurrence.
3. προσδοκάω (prosdokaō) [pros-do-KAH-oh]: This word means “to expect” or “to await,” focusing on the anticipation of a future event. It differs from μέλλω by emphasizing expectation rather than intention or imminence.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: μέλλω is typically used in the present, future, and imperfect tenses. It appears in the active voice and is most commonly found in the indicative mood but can also be seen in the subjunctive and infinitive forms.

Person and Number: It can be conjugated in all three persons (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and in both singular and plural numbers. Examples include:

• Present Active Indicative: μέλλω (I am about to)
• Future Active Indicative: μελλήσω (I will be about to)
• Imperfect Active Indicative: ἔμελλον (I was about to)

Aspect: The aspect of μέλλω primarily expresses imperfective action, focusing on the continuity or imminence of the future event rather than its completion.

Conjugation Table:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In New Testament usage, μέλλω is employed to emphasize the certainty or immediacy of God’s actions and purposes. It often highlights the urgency or inevitability of a situation, such as impending judgment or the fulfillment of prophecy. The word is not just about future events but carries a sense of divine intention and purpose. In classical Greek, μέλλω similarly denotes a future action or intention, though it can also imply hesitation or delay depending on the context.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 2:13: “…for Herod will [μέλλει] seek the young child to destroy him.”
2. Matthew 17:12: “But I say to you that Elijah is already come, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man [μέλλει] suffer of them.”
3. Acts 27:10: “And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will [μέλλει] be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

μέλλω is a versatile Greek verb that plays a crucial role in the New Testament, often signaling the imminence or certainty of future events. It is more than just a marker of future action; it conveys intention and divine purpose. Understanding this word enriches our comprehension of New Testament prophecy, divine intervention, and the early Christian worldview on time and events.

Did You Know?

1. The word μέλλω can also convey a sense of hesitation, as in classical literature, where it occasionally means “to delay” or “to linger.”
2. In the New Testament, μέλλω is frequently used in eschatological contexts, emphasizing the certainty of future events like judgment and the coming kingdom of God.
3. The English word “melodrama” is indirectly related to μέλλω through the Greek root “melos,” indicating a narrative of high emotional stakes, much like the impending actions conveyed by μέλλω.