The Greek word amérimnos, represented by G275, is defined as being not anxious, without care(-fulness), or secure. Derived from the negative particle Α and the word μέριμνα (care, anxiety), its meaning is centered on a freedom from worry. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, highlighting specific contexts where this state is relevant.
In its biblical usage, G275 appears in two distinct situations. In 1 Corinthians, it describes a desired spiritual state, where Paul says, "I would have you without carefulness" 1 Corinthians 7:32, linking this freedom from worldly anxiety to a greater ability to please the Lord. In contrast, Matthew's Gospel uses it in a more practical, worldly sense. The soldiers at the tomb promise the chief priests that if their story of the stolen body reaches the governor, they will handle it and secure them, meaning they will make them free from the anxiety of punishment Matthew 28:14.
Several related words provide a fuller understanding of the concept of anxiety and action:
- G3309 merimnáō (to be anxious about): This is the root concept from which G275 is formed as a negative. It describes the state of worry that scripture often warns against, as when Jesus commands his followers to "Take no thought" for the necessities of life Matthew 6:25.
- G4160 poiéō (to make or do): This word is paired with G275 in Matthew 28:14 to describe the act of making someone secure. Its broad meaning of "to make or do" is seen throughout scripture, such as doing the will of the Father Matthew 7:21.
- G700 aréskō (to be agreeable): This word is contextually linked to G275 in 1 Corinthians 7:32, where being "without carefulness" allows an individual to focus on how they might please the Lord.
The theological weight of G275 is seen in its contrast between worldly and spiritual concerns.
- Freedom for Devotion: The primary theological application is that a state of being "without carefulness" is not an end in itself, but a means to undistracted devotion. It frees a person to focus on how to please God rather than being consumed by worldly anxieties 1 Corinthians 7:32.
- A State of Security: The word encompasses the idea of security. This can be a temporal security from punishment, as offered by the soldiers Matthew 28:14, or it can point toward the spiritual security that believers are to find in God, which frees them from anxious care Philippians 4:6.
- Contrast with Anxiety: As the direct opposite of G3309 "merimnáō," G275 represents the ideal state that counters the sin of anxiousness. The Bible repeatedly commands believers not to be anxious, and G275 is the word that defines that successful state of trust.
In summary, G275 provides a specific term for the biblical ideal of being "not anxious." Though rare, its two appearances clearly distinguish between a worldly security from trouble and a spiritual freedom from care. It ultimately illustrates that being without carefulness is a desirable condition, enabling a person to either avoid temporal consequences or, more importantly, to dedicate their full attention to pleasing the Lord.
TRV