a primary verb; to be of interest to, i.e. to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters):--(take) care.
Transliteration:mélō
Pronunciation:mel'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μέλω (transliterated as *mélō*) is a primary verb carrying the core meaning "to be of interest to," "to concern," or "to matter." Its usage in the New Testament is notably specific: it almost exclusively appears in the third person singular present indicative, functioning impersonally. This means it is typically rendered as "it matters," "it concerns," or "it is a matter of concern." Unlike verbs that denote active, emotional caring or personal investment, *mélō* speaks to the objective relevance or significance of something to a particular individual or entity. The emphasis is on whether something holds weight or importance in the view of another, rather than on the emotional state of the one who "cares."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The impersonal use of *mélō* is consistently observed across its New Testament occurrences, shedding light on varying degrees of concern, indifference, or divine attentiveness.
In [[Luke 10:40]], Martha, burdened with serving, questions Jesus: "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?" Here, "do you not care" (οὐ μέλει σοι) literally means "does it not matter to you?" Martha's plea highlights her expectation that her predicament should be a matter of concern for Jesus.
Similarly, in [[John 12:6]], concerning Judas's feigned concern for the poor, the text states: "He said this not because he cared (οὐχ ὅτι περὶ τῶν πτωχῶν ἔμελεν αὐτῷ) about the poor, but because he was a thief." The phrase "not because he cared" is literally "not that it mattered to him concerning the poor," exposing Judas's true priorities and lack of genuine interest in the welfare of others.
The profound indifference of Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, is captured in [[Acts 18:17]]: "But Gallio paid no attention to any of this (οὐδὲν τούτων τῷ Γαλλίωνι ἔμελεν)." This translates to "none of these things mattered to Gallio," underscoring his detachment from the religious disputes between the Jews and Paul.
Paul uses *mélō* in [[1 Corinthians 7:21]] to advise believers regarding their social status: "Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned (μὴ μελέτω σοι) about it." The imperative "do not be concerned" means "let it not matter to you," encouraging believers not to let their earthly status consume their focus, but rather to prioritize their spiritual calling.
Perhaps one of the most comforting uses of *mélō* is found in [[1 Peter 5:7]]: "casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares (ὅτι αὐτῷ μέλει περὶ ὑμῶν) for you." This powerful affirmation, "because he cares for you," literally translates to "because it matters to him concerning you." It speaks to God's deep and personal interest in the well-being of His people, providing a foundational assurance for believers to release their burdens.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word *mélō* (`{{G3199}}`) is closely related to other Greek terms that convey aspects of care, concern, or thought. Its cognate, μέλετη (*meletē*, `{{G3198}}`), refers to "care, study, practice," often in the sense of diligent application or meditation. Another related verb is μελετάω (*meletaō*, `{{G3197}}`), meaning "to meditate, to practice, to take thought." These terms share a semantic field related to intellectual or practical engagement and concern.
While *mélō* signifies what "matters," other Greek words express different nuances of "care" or "concern":
* μεριμνάω (*merimnaō*, `{{G3309}}`): to be anxious, to worry, to have anxious care. This often carries a negative connotation of distracting or burdensome worry.
* σπουδάζω (*spoudazō*, `{{G4704}}`): to make haste, to be diligent, to be eager. This emphasizes active effort and earnestness.
The distinctiveness of *mélō* lies in its impersonal nature, focusing on the objective significance of a matter rather than the subjective emotional state of the one concerned. It describes what is deemed important or relevant, often by implication of divine or human perspective.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *mélō* is profound, particularly in its capacity to articulate divine providence and human priorities.
1. **Divine Care and Providence:** The affirmation in [[1 Peter 5:7]] that God "cares for you" (ὅτι αὐτῷ μέλει περὶ ὑμῶν) is a cornerstone of Christian assurance. It is not merely a passive acknowledgement but a declaration that the well-being of believers is a matter of profound and active concern to God. This underscores His benevolent providence and intimate involvement in the lives of His children, inviting trust and the casting of anxieties upon Him. It implies that nothing that concerns His people is insignificant in His sight.
2. **Human Indifference and True Priorities:** The usage of *mélō* also serves as a mirror reflecting human attitudes. Martha's complaint in [[Luke 10:40]] highlights the human tendency to question divine concern when circumstances are challenging. Judas's feigned piety in [[John 12:6]] starkly contrasts with God's genuine care, exposing the deceptive nature of those whose true priorities lie elsewhere. Gallio's indifference in [[Acts 18:17]] exemplifies a secular worldview that deems spiritual matters irrelevant, a common challenge faced by the early church and by believers today. Paul's counsel in [[1 Corinthians 7:21]] encourages believers to align their concerns with God's priorities, freeing them from undue preoccupation with earthly status or temporary circumstances.
In essence, *mélō* helps to delineate what truly matters from a divine perspective versus what often preoccupies human thought, calling believers to align their values with God's eternal concerns.
### Summary
The Greek verb μέλω (`{{G3199}}`), transliterated *mélō*, signifies "to be of interest to," "to concern," or "to matter." Its consistent impersonal usage in the third person singular ("it matters") highlights the objective relevance or significance of a subject. Contextual analysis reveals its application in expressing human anxieties and perceived divine indifference, as well as profound divine care and human priorities. Theologically, *mélō* powerfully articulates God's unwavering concern for His people, as seen in [[1 Peter 5:7]], while simultaneously challenging believers to examine their own priorities and discern what truly holds significance in the light of God's kingdom. It is a word that, though simple in its grammatical form, carries deep implications for understanding both divine providence and the call to righteous living.
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