The Greek word mérimna, represented by G3308, denotes care or solicitude, stemming from an idea of distraction. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. It primarily describes worldly anxiety that is detrimental to one's spiritual life, though it can also refer to a legitimate, focused concern.
In the biblical narrative, G3308 is most often used negatively. In the parable of the sower, "the care of this world" is portrayed as a thorn that can choke the word, making a person unfruitful (Matthew 13:22, Mark 4:19). Similarly, Luke warns that hearts can be "overcharged with...cares of this life," leading to spiritual unpreparedness Luke 21:34. The positive counterpoint to this is the command for believers to handle their solicitude by "Casting all your care upon him" 1 Peter 5:7. In a distinct context, Paul uses the term to describe his own daily burden, "the care of all the churches" 2 Corinthians 11:28.
Several related words help clarify the meaning and impact of mérimna:
- G4846 sympnígō (to choke): This verb illustrates the destructive outcome of worldly care. It is used to show how anxieties, riches, and pleasures choke the word and prevent spiritual fruitfulness (Matthew 13:22, Luke 8:14).
- G1977 epirrhíptō (to throw upon): This word signifies the prescribed action for a believer's care. Rather than being consumed by it, one is to actively cast upon God their anxieties 1 Peter 5:7.
- G539 apátē (delusion): Frequently associated with mérimna, this word refers to the "deceitfulness" of riches, which works alongside worldly care to make the word of God unfruitful (Matthew 13:22, Mark 4:19).
- G925 barýnō (to burden): This term describes how the heart can be weighed down or overcharged by the cares of this life, connecting anxiety to a state of spiritual heaviness and lethargy Luke 21:34.
The theological weight of G3308 is significant, serving mostly as a caution.
- Spiritual Obstruction: Mérimna is a primary agent of spiritual unfruitfulness. The "cares of this world" are presented as thorns that, along with the "deceitfulness of riches" G539 and "pleasures of this life" G2237, choke G4846 God's word in a person's life (Mark 4:19, Luke 8:14).
- A Burden to be Transferred: The concept of care is established as a burden believers are not meant to carry. The command to cast G1977 all care on God is a call to active faith, trusting that He "careth" G3199 for His people 1 Peter 5:7.
- A Threat to Watchfulness: Worldly care is depicted as a danger that dulls spiritual senses. It can "overcharge" G925 the heart, much like "surfeiting" G2897 and "drunkenness" G3178, leaving a person unprepared for the Lord's return Luke 21:34.
In summary, G3308 mérimna is more than simple concern; it is a distracting solicitude that pulls focus away from God. Scripture consistently warns that this form of care chokes spiritual life and prevents the word from bearing fruit Matthew 13:22. The solution offered is not the absence of pressure, but the transference of that pressure to God 1 Peter 5:7. While Paul's apostolic care for the churches shows the word can be used in a positive sense 2 Corinthians 11:28, its dominant message is a warning against allowing the anxieties of this life to hinder one's relationship with God.
TRV