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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words helps reveal the deeper meaning behind the text. The Greek verb μετεωρίζομαι (meteōrizomai) first appears in Luke 12:29 and holds significant importance in interpreting the New Testament. This word means “to be anxious” or “to be suspended,” reflecting a state of uncertainty or instability. Its usage in both biblical and ancient Greek contexts is crucial for understanding teachings about worry, trust, and the believer’s relationship with God. In ancient Greek culture, meteōrizomai was used to describe both physical suspension and mental agitation, making it a versatile term for discussing both internal and external states of uncertainty.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μετεωρίζομαι (meteōrizomai, pronunciation: meh-teh-OR-id-zoh-my)

Etymology: The word μετεωρίζομαι comes from the root “μετέωρος” (meteōros), which means “raised up” or “suspended,” and the middle-passive suffix “-ζομαι.” The word carries the idea of being lifted or suspended in the air, which is metaphorically applied to describe a state of mental or emotional instability, such as being worried or anxious.

Part of Speech: μετεωρίζομαι is a verb, specifically a middle-passive verb. It refers to the action of becoming anxious or mentally unsettled, often in response to external circumstances or uncertainties.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: To be anxious or unsettled. This is the primary meaning in Luke 12:29, where Jesus instructs His followers not to be anxious about their needs. It suggests a state of internal unrest or worry about the future.

Meaning 2: To be suspended or raised up. In a more literal sense, meteōrizomai can mean to be physically suspended, as if floating in the air. This meaning, while less common in the New Testament, is used metaphorically to describe the feeling of being “up in the air” or uncertain.

Meaning 3: To vacillate or be tossed between thoughts. The word can also imply a state of indecision or mental vacillation, where a person is torn between different ideas or worries.

Exploring Similar Words

μεριμνάω (merimnaō, pronounced meh-reem-NAH-oh): This word means “to be anxious” or “to worry,” similar to μετεωρίζομαι, but focuses more on divided attention or care, often about earthly matters.

ἀδημονέω (adēmoneō, pronounced ah-day-moh-NEH-oh): Meaning “to be distressed” or “to be troubled,” this word captures the emotional unrest similar to μετεωρίζομαι but often emphasizes deep sorrow or anguish.

ταράσσω (tarassō, pronounced tah-RAH-soh): This verb means “to trouble” or “to disturb.” It can refer to external agitation or internal emotional turmoil, similar to the unsettling feeling described by μετεωρίζομαι.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: μετεωρίζομαι is primarily found in the middle-passive voice, indicating that the subject is either experiencing the action upon themselves (as in being anxious) or participating in the action of self-agitation. In Luke 12:29, it is in the present tense, imperative mood (“μηδὲ μετεωρίζεσθε”), which serves as a command not to continue in a state of anxiety.

Person and Number: The form of μετεωρίζομαι used in Luke 12:29 is 2nd person plural, indicating that Jesus is speaking to a group, instructing them not to let themselves be overcome with anxiety.

Aspect: The present aspect in Greek implies a continuous or ongoing state of action. In Luke 12:29, Jesus is addressing ongoing anxiety, telling His disciples to stop allowing themselves to remain in this state.

Conjugation Table: Present Indicative Active

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons consistently highlight the sense of agitation or anxiety conveyed by μετεωρίζομαι. In Luke 12:29, Jesus warns His disciples not to be anxious about their material needs, urging them to place their trust in God’s provision. In classical Greek, the word could describe both physical suspension and metaphorical states of mental uncertainty. Theological implications emphasize the contrast between earthly worries and spiritual trust, reflecting the broader New Testament theme of reliance on God rather than being consumed by worldly anxieties.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Luke 12:29: “And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried [μετεωρίζεσθε].”
• Luke 21:26: “People fainting with fear and with foreboding [μετεωρίζονται] of what is coming on the world.”
• Mark 13:9 (implied connection): Although μετεωρίζομαι is not explicitly used, this passage speaks to the general state of anxiety and anticipation of end times, reflecting the underlying concept of being unsettled.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μετεωρίζομαι plays a critical role in understanding the biblical teaching on anxiety and trust. In Luke 12:29, Jesus uses this word to instruct His followers not to be unsettled or overly concerned about their physical needs, reminding them to trust in God’s provision. The term conveys both literal and metaphorical suspension, describing a state of mental agitation that contrasts with the peace and confidence believers are called to cultivate. In classical Greek, μετεωρίζομαι was used to describe physical suspension and indecision, while in the New Testament, it captures the internal state of being distracted by worries.

Did You Know?

• The word μετεωρίζομαι shares its root with the English word “meteor,” which also carries the sense of something being suspended or moving through the sky.
• In Aristotle’s Meteorology, the word μετεωρίζομαι is used to describe natural phenomena like clouds or stars that seem to be “suspended” in the heavens.
• Jesus’ use of μετεωρίζομαι in Luke 12:29 is part of a broader teaching on the futility of worrying about material needs, as God provides for His creation without anxiety.