### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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