from μέριμνα; to be anxious about:--(be, have) care(-ful), take thought.
Transliteration:merimnáō
Pronunciation:mer-im-nah'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μεριμνάω (merimnáō) `{{G3309}}` is derived from the noun μέριμνα (merimna) `{{G3308}}`, meaning "care, anxiety, worry." At its core, μεριμνάω signifies "to be anxious about," "to worry," or "to be concerned." Its semantic range encompasses both a negative, debilitating sense of anxious care and a more positive, legitimate sense of thoughtful concern or attention. The specific nuance is highly dependent on the context in which it is used. It implies a state of mind where one is preoccupied or distracted by worries, often to the point of distress, but can also denote a diligent and appropriate level of care for something or someone.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
μεριμνάω appears frequently in the New Testament, with its most prominent uses found in the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle Paul.
In the Synoptic Gospels, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount/Plain, Jesus uses μεριμνάω predominantly in a prohibitive sense, commanding His disciples "Do not worry" (μὴ μεριμνήσητε).
* In [[Matthew 6:25-34]] and [[Luke 12:22-31]], Jesus explicitly forbids anxious care regarding life's basic necessities—food, drink, and clothing. This prohibition is rooted in the Father's knowledge and provision, contrasting human anxiety with divine providence and the priority of seeking God's Kingdom. Here, μεριμνάω clearly denotes a lack of faith and a misplaced focus on temporal concerns.
* Similarly, in contexts of persecution, Jesus instructs His disciples not to "worry" (μεριμνάω) about what to say when brought before authorities, assuring them that the Holy Spirit will provide the words ([[Matthew 10:19]], [[Mark 13:11]], [[Luke 12:11]]). This again underscores reliance on divine aid over human anxiety.
The Apostle Paul also employs μεριμνάω with both negative and positive connotations:
* In [[Philippians 4:6]], Paul echoes Jesus' command: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." This verse presents prayer as the antidote to anxious care, reinforcing the negative sense of the word when it describes debilitating worry.
* However, in [[1 Corinthians 7:32-34]], Paul uses μεριμνάω in a more neutral or even positive light. He states that an unmarried person "is concerned (μεριμνᾷ) about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord," while a married person "is concerned (μεριμνᾷ) about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife." Here, μεριμνάω refers to a legitimate and understandable focus or attention, distinguishing between spiritual and worldly concerns.
* A clear positive use is found in [[1 Corinthians 12:25]], where Paul describes the ideal functioning of the body of Christ: "that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern (μεριμνῶσιν) for each other." This highlights a selfless, empathetic, and active care among believers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the noun μέριμνα (merimna) `{{G3308}}`, from which μεριμνάω is derived. They often appear together or in parallel constructions, with the verb describing the action of being in a state of μέριμνα.
Concepts contrasted with the negative sense of μεριμνάω include:
* **Trust/Faith (πίστις - pistis `{{G4102}}`):** The opposite of anxious care is confident reliance on God's provision and sovereignty.
* **Peace (εἰρήνη - eirēnē `{{G1515}}`):** The peace of God is presented as the outcome of casting anxieties upon Him ([[Philippians 4:7]]).
* **Seeking the Kingdom of God:** Prioritizing God's reign and righteousness over earthly concerns ([[Matthew 6:33]]).
Concepts related to the positive sense of μεριμνάω include:
* **Concern/Care (φρονέω - phroneō `{{G5426}}`):** While broader, this verb can also denote a mindset of care or concern for others.
* **Love (ἀγάπη - agapē `{{G26}}`):** The positive "concern" for fellow believers is an expression of Christian love.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μεριμνάω is profound, touching upon core aspects of Christian discipleship and the nature of God.
1. **Distrust vs. Divine Providence:** In its negative sense, μεριμνάω exposes a fundamental lack of trust in God's sovereign care and paternal provision. Jesus' repeated injunctions against worry serve as a direct challenge to human self-reliance and an invitation to radical faith in a God who knows and provides for His children. Anxiety is thus framed as a practical atheism, denying God's active involvement and goodness.
2. **Kingdom Priority:** The antidote to anxious care is presented as a reorientation of priorities: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" ([[Matthew 6:33]]). This emphasizes that true security and provision are found not in human striving or worry, but in aligning one's life with God's purposes.
3. **The Nature of Christian Care:** The positive uses of μεριμνάω highlight a crucial aspect of Christian community. The command to have "equal concern" for one another within the body of Christ ([[1 Corinthians 12:25]]) demonstrates that not all "care" is negative. This legitimate concern is selfless, outward-focused, and essential for the healthy functioning and unity of the Church. It stands in stark contrast to self-centered anxiety.
4. **Reliance on the Spirit:** In times of trial, the command not to worry about what to say ([[Matthew 10:19]]) underscores the believer's reliance on the Holy Spirit's empowerment and guidance, further diminishing the need for anxious self-preparation.
### Summary
The Greek verb μεριμνάω (merimnáō) `{{G3309}}` carries a dual semantic weight in the New Testament. While frequently used to prohibit debilitating and faithless anxiety concerning worldly needs ([[Matthew 6:25]], [[Philippians 4:6]]), it also describes a legitimate, selfless, and appropriate concern for others or for the Lord's work ([[1 Corinthians 7:32]], [[1 Corinthians 12:25]]). In its negative aspect, μεριμνάω reveals a spiritual state of distrust in God's providence and a misplaced focus on temporal matters, challenging believers to cultivate radical faith and prioritize the Kingdom of God. In its positive aspect, it underscores the vital importance of empathetic and active care within the Christian community, reflecting the very love of God. Ultimately, the study of μεριμνάω calls believers to discern between faithless worry and faithful concern, inviting them to cast their anxieties upon the Lord while actively caring for His people and purposes.
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