Brief Overview of μέλει (Strong’s G3199: melei)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words like μέλει (melei) is vital in Biblical studies because it helps unlock the nuances and deeper meanings often lost in translation. The word μέλει appears for the first time in Matthew 22:16, where it is used in a context that reveals its essential meaning: care or concern. This term is significant because it appears in situations where someone’s attention, responsibility, or concern is being addressed, providing insight into the attitudes and responsibilities of individuals in the New Testament. Beyond its Biblical application, μέλει also offers a window into understanding ancient Greek values, where notions of duty, responsibility, and concern for others were foundational to social and ethical life.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: μέλει (melei), pronounced [MEH-lei].

Etymology: The word μέλει is derived from the root verb μέλω, which means “to care” or “to be concerned.” It conveys a sense of having an interest or responsibility towards something or someone, often implying a personal connection or moral obligation.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, μέλει indicates an action or state of caring or being concerned. It does not inflect for voice, aspect, or mood in the same way as more common verbs, often appearing in set expressions or idiomatic uses.

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Defining Meanings

1. Care or Concern: The primary meaning of μέλει is to express care, concern, or interest in someone or something. This can be seen in contexts where someone is responsible for another’s well-being or is emotionally invested in an outcome.
2. Indifference by Contrast: In some New Testament passages, μέλει is used to highlight a lack of concern or attention, often in a rhetorical manner to emphasize the gravity of a situation or the negligence of an individual or group.
3. Responsibility or Duty: The word also conveys a sense of duty or obligation, particularly in moral or social contexts, where someone’s role or responsibility is being discussed.

Exploring Similar Words

1. φροντίζω (phrontizō) [fron-TID-zoh]: This verb means “to take thought” or “to be careful” and overlaps with μέλει in the sense of caring or being concerned, but it often emphasizes careful consideration or planning.
2. ἐπιμελέομαι (epimeleomai) [e-pee-MEH-leh-oh-my]: This word means “to take care of” or “to attend to,” usually involving more active or deliberate attention compared to the general sense of μέλει.
3. σπουδάζω (spoudazō) [spoo-DAH-zoh]: Meaning “to be diligent” or “to strive,” this verb emphasizes eagerness or earnest effort, which can imply concern but with a focus on action and urgency.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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As a verb, μέλει does not follow the typical inflection patterns seen in many Greek verbs due to its usage in set expressions. However, it is typically found in the present indicative form. It is often used impersonally, meaning it describes a state of concern or interest that is applicable to someone else, similar to saying “it matters” in English.

Present Indicative:

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicon entries for μέλει provide various nuances that emphasize its use in expressing care, concern, or importance. BDAG and Thayer’s highlight its typical usage in sentences where a subject has a vested interest or responsibility. LSJ adds that in classical Greek, it was often used in legal and political contexts to denote responsibility or duty. Vine’s focuses on the word’s theological implications, especially in contexts where God’s care or human indifference is in view. Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan discuss its occurrence in both Biblical and extra-Biblical texts, noting how it often emphasizes moral or relational obligations.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 22:16: “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any [man].” (μέλει)
   This verse illustrates how the religious leaders attempted to trap Jesus with flattery, noting that He does not show partiality or undue concern for others’ opinions.
2. John 10:13: “The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand and does not care [μέλει] for the sheep.”
   Here, μέλει is used to show the lack of responsibility or concern that a hired worker has compared to the Good Shepherd.
3. 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares [μέλει] for you.”
   This verse powerfully communicates God’s concern and care for His people, encouraging them to trust in His providence.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μέλει offers rich insights into the concept of care, concern, and responsibility in both Biblical and classical contexts. Its use spans from expressions of divine concern to highlighting human indifference. By exploring μέλει, we gain a deeper understanding of the relational dynamics in the New Testament and the ethical considerations of ancient Greek culture.

Did You Know?

1. The word μέλει often appears in legal and political texts in classical Greek to indicate responsibility or oversight.
2. In the New Testament, μέλει is sometimes used to contrast human indifference with God’s care and attention.
3. The phrase “no man’s concern” in ancient Greek could be phrased as “οὐδενὸς μέλει,” showing its use in expressing negligence or lack of care.