### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **merimnáō**, represented by `{{G3309}}`, means **to be anxious about** or to **take thought**. It appears **24 times** across **17 unique verses** in the Bible. The term carries a complex meaning that ranges from a forbidden, anxious worry over life's circumstances to a righteous and diligent care for spiritual matters.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3309}}` is frequently used as a command against worldly anxiety. Jesus instructs his followers to **take no thought** for their life, such as what they will eat or what they will wear ([[Matthew 6:25]], [[Luke 12:22]]). Similarly, believers are told to be **careful** for nothing, but to make their requests known to God through prayer [[Philippians 4:6]]. However, the word can also carry a positive meaning, describing a proper concern. Paul uses it to describe how the unmarried **careth** for the things of the Lord [[1 Corinthians 7:32]] and the mutual **care** members of the church should have for one another [[1 Corinthians 12:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of care and anxiety:
* `{{G275}}` **amérimnos** (without care(-fulness), secure): This is the direct opposite of anxious care. Paul expresses his desire for the Corinthians to be **without carefulness** so they can focus on the Lord [[1 Corinthians 7:32]].
* `{{G4335}}` **proseuchḗ** (prayer): This is presented as the divine remedy for anxiety. Instead of being careful, believers are to turn to God in **prayer** and supplication [[Philippians 4:6]].
* `{{G5182}}` **tyrbázō** (to make "turbid", i.e. disturb): This word is used alongside `{{G3309}}` to describe Martha's state of mind. Jesus tells her she is "careful and **troubled** about many things," highlighting the internal disturbance that accompanies this kind of anxiety [[Luke 10:41]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3309}}` is significant, often contrasting worldly anxiety with godly trust.
* **Trust in Divine Provision:** The command to not "take thought" is rooted in trusting God as a provider. Jesus argues that anxious thought is futile, as it cannot add a single **cubit** `{{G4083}}` to one's **stature** `{{G2244}}` [[Matthew 6:27]]. The focus is shifted from self-provision to reliance on God.
* **Undivided Spiritual Focus:** The word is used by Paul to distinguish between different types of care. He contrasts the person who **careth** for the things of the **world** `{{G2889}}` with the one who **careth** for the things of the Lord, framing it as an issue of spiritual devotion [[1 Corinthians 7:32-34]].
* **Godly Concern for the Body:** In a positive sense, `{{G3309}}` describes the righteous concern believers should have for one another. This **care** is essential for unity in the body and prevents **schism** `{{G4978}}` [[1 Corinthians 12:25]]. It is also used to describe the genuine, **natural** `{{G1104}}` care Timothy had for the Philippian church [[Philippians 2:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3309}}` is far more than a simple term for worry. It delineates between a sinful anxiety over worldly needs, which demonstrates a lack of faith, and a righteous, diligent care for the people and priorities of God's kingdom. The word is a cornerstone for understanding the biblical call to cast aside distracting anxieties and to instead direct one's primary thoughts and efforts toward a life of faith and service to God.
TRV