### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun μέριμνα (G3308), transliterated as *mérimna*, is derived from the verb μερίζω (merizō, `{{G3307}}`), which means "to divide," "to distribute," or, significantly for this term, "to distract." This etymological root provides crucial insight into the core meaning of μέριμνα: it refers to a state of being divided or distracted in mind, leading to solicitude or care.
The semantic range of μέριμνα in the New Testament leans predominantly towards a negative connotation. It does not simply mean thoughtful consideration or legitimate concern, but rather an anxious, troubling, burdensome, or distracting care. It describes a preoccupation that pulls one's attention away from spiritual priorities, often implying a lack of trust. While it can occasionally denote a legitimate, weighty responsibility (as seen in Paul's "anxiety for all the churches"), its most frequent usage highlights the detrimental effects of worry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μέριμνα appears in several key New Testament passages, primarily in the Synoptic Gospels and Pauline epistles, where its negative implications are prominent:
* **Parable of the Sower:** In the Synoptic accounts of the Parable of the Sower, μέριμνα is identified as a major impediment to spiritual growth. Jesus states that "the cares of the world" (αἱ μέριμναι τοῦ αἰῶνος) choke the word, rendering it unfruitful (e.g., [[Matthew 13:22]], [[Mark 4:19]], [[Luke 8:14]]). Here, μέριμνα represents the distracting anxieties and preoccupations with earthly matters that suffocate faith.
* **Luke 21:34 (End Times Discourse):** Jesus warns his disciples to "watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life" (μερίμναις βιωτικαῖς). This verse explicitly links μέριμνα to worldly concerns that can dull spiritual vigilance and readiness for Christ's return.
* **1 Peter 5:7:** This pivotal verse commands believers to "casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (πᾶσαν τὴν μέριμναν ὑμῶν ἐπιρρίψαντες ἐπ’ αὐτόν). The context implies that these "anxieties" are burdensome, heavy loads that believers are encouraged to release to God, who is able to bear them.
* **2 Corinthians 11:28:** In this passage, Paul speaks of his daily pressure, "the anxiety for all the churches" (ἡ μέριμνα πασῶν τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν). This is one of the few instances where μέριμνα carries a less pejorative sense, referring to a legitimate, weighty concern or responsibility that burdens Paul, yet is borne out of his pastoral care. Even here, it signifies a heavy mental burden, though not necessarily a sinful one.
Across these contexts, μέριμνα typically describes a state of mind that hinders faith, devotion, and spiritual fruitfulness. It points to a preoccupation with worldly affairs that distracts from God and His kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of μέριμνα is significantly enhanced by examining its relationship with other Greek terms:
* **Verb Form:** The most closely related word is the verb μεριμνάω (merimnaō, `{{G3309}}`), meaning "to be anxious," "to worry," or "to care for." This verb is frequently used in the New Testament, notably in Jesus' teachings against worry (e.g., [[Matthew 6:25-34]], [[Luke 12:22-26]]) and Paul's exhortation in [[Philippians 4:6]] ("Do not be anxious about anything"). The noun μέριμνα embodies the state or result of this anxious activity.
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:**
* πίστις (pistis, `{{G4102}}`): Faith or trust. Worry (μέριμνα) is often presented as a direct antithesis to faith in God's provision and sovereignty.
* ἀμέριμνος (amerimnos, `{{G275}}`): Without anxiety, carefree. Paul uses this in [[1 Corinthians 7:32]] to describe a state free from distracting cares, allowing for undivided devotion to the Lord.
* εὐχαριστία (eucharistia, `{{G2169}}`): Thanksgiving or gratitude. In [[Philippians 4:6]], prayer with thanksgiving is presented as the antidote to anxious care.
* **Synonyms/Related Concepts:**
* θόρυβος (thorubos, `{{G2351}}`): Commotion, disturbance. In [[Luke 10:41]], Martha is described as "anxious and troubled" (μεριμνᾷς καὶ θορυβάζῃ), linking μέριμνα to a state of inner turmoil.
* βάρος (baros, `{{G922}}`): Burden, weight. The act of "casting" anxieties upon God in [[1 Peter 5:7]] implies that μέριμνα constitutes a heavy burden.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μέριμνα is profound, touching upon core aspects of faith, discipleship, and trust in God:
* **Distrust in God's Providence:** The pervasive negative use of μέριμνα in Jesus' teachings highlights that anxious care is fundamentally a failure to trust in God's fatherly provision and sovereign care. It implies a lack of faith in His ability or willingness to meet the needs of His children (e.g., [[Matthew 6:25-34]]).
* **Spiritual Barrenness and Distraction:** As powerfully illustrated in the Parable of the Sower, the "cares of the world" are a significant hindrance to spiritual fruitfulness. They act as thorns that choke the word of God, diverting attention, energy, and devotion away from God's kingdom and priorities.
* **Hindrance to Wholehearted Discipleship:** Worry about earthly things (food, clothing, livelihood) prevents believers from pursuing the kingdom of God with undivided devotion. Jesus calls His followers to seek first His kingdom and righteousness, with the assurance that all necessary things will be provided.
* **Call to Dependence and Rest:** The command to "cast all your anxieties on Him" (1 Peter 5:7) underscores God's willingness to bear our burdens and the necessity of complete dependence on Him. It is a call to release control, surrender personal anxieties, and embrace divine sovereignty, finding rest in His care.
* **Distinction Between Legitimate Concern and Sinful Worry:** While the dominant sense of μέριμνα is negative, Paul's "anxiety for all the churches" (2 Corinthians 11:28) provides a nuanced perspective. It suggests that legitimate, weighty responsibility and concern, even if burdensome, are distinct from faithless, distracting worry. The key differentiator lies in whether the "care" leads to distraction from God or drives one *to* God in prayer and dependence.
### Summary
The Greek term μέριμνα (G3308) denotes a state of "care" or "solicitude" that, in its most common New Testament usage, carries a strong negative connotation of anxious worry, distracting concern, or burdensome preoccupation. Derived from a root meaning "to divide" or "to distract," μέριμνα describes a mind pulled in different directions by earthly concerns, hindering spiritual focus and fruitfulness. Jesus frequently condemns such "cares of the world" as antithetical to faith and trust in God's divine providence, portraying them as elements that choke the word of God and prevent wholehearted devotion to the Kingdom. While there is a rare instance where it describes Paul's weighty, responsible concern for the churches, the overwhelming theological thrust of μέριμνα is a call to cast off anxious burdens and rely fully on God's faithful care, thereby living a life free from the spiritual barrenness that worry produces.
TRV