apparently a primary word; a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote):--mother.
Transliteration:mḗtēr
Pronunciation:may'-tare
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word μήτηρ (mḗtēr), `{{G3384}}`, primarily signifies a "mother" in its most direct and literal sense: a female parent. This foundational meaning encompasses the biological relationship of bearing and raising offspring. Beyond this literal sense, its semantic range extends to include a female ancestor or progenitor, indicating a broader familial lineage. Figuratively, mḗtēr can denote a source, origin, or even a metaphorical "mother city" or "motherland," from which something or someone springs forth. In a spiritual context, it can refer to a nurturing entity or the origin of a particular group or characteristic, whether positive or negative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of μήτηρ in the New Testament overwhelmingly refer to a literal female parent.
* **Biological Parent:** Most commonly, mḗtēr identifies the biological mother of an individual. This is seen frequently in the Gospels when referring to Mary, the mother of Jesus ([[Matthew 1:18]], [[Luke 1:43]], [[John 2:1]]), or to other mothers in various narratives ([[Matthew 12:47]], [[Mark 3:31]], [[Luke 2:48]]). The direct parental relationship is consistently emphasized.
* **Family Structure and Commandment:** The word appears prominently in the commandment to honor parents, as seen in passages like [[Ephesians 6:2]] ("Honor your father and mother"), echoing the Old Testament Decalogue. This highlights the foundational role of both parents in God's design for family and society.
* **Figurative and Theological Usage:**
* **Spiritual Motherhood:** A profound theological application appears in [[Galatians 4:26]]: "But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother." Here, "Jerusalem above" is personified as the spiritual mother of believers, contrasting with the earthly Jerusalem bound by the Law. This signifies a new, spiritual lineage and covenant.
* **Source of Corruption:** In stark contrast, mḗtēr is used to describe the source of great evil in [[Revelation 17:5]]: "And on her forehead a name written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." This powerful imagery portrays Babylon as the generative origin of widespread spiritual corruption and idolatry.
* **General Contexts:** The term also appears in general discussions of family relationships, often alongside "father," "brothers," or "sisters," to delineate familial ties and loyalties ([[Matthew 10:37]], [[Mark 10:29]], [[Luke 8:19]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The term μήτηρ is often found in conjunction with other words that define familial relationships and social structures:
* **Father:** `{{G3962}}` (patḗr) – The male parent, the essential counterpart to mḗtēr in the family unit, frequently appearing together in discussions of lineage, authority, and honor.
* **Children/Son/Daughter:** `{{G5043}}` (teknon), `{{G5207}}` (huios), `{{G2364}}` (thugatēr) – These terms complete the immediate family structure, emphasizing the reciprocal relationships within the household.
* **Woman/Wife:** `{{G1135}}` (gunē) – While mḗtēr specifically denotes a female parent, gunē is the broader term for a woman or wife. A mother is, by definition, a woman, but not all women are mothers.
* **Household/Family:** `{{G3624}}` (oikos), `{{G3614}}` (oikia) – These terms refer to the broader social unit where the mother plays a central and often nurturing role.
* **Birth/Bearing:** While not a direct lexical link, concepts related to giving birth (G1080, gennaō) are intrinsically connected to the role of a mḗtēr.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μήτηρ is multifaceted:
* **Divine Institution of Family:** The consistent use of mḗtēr alongside patḗr underscores the biblical emphasis on the family as a foundational unit ordained by God. The command to honor both parents highlights the divine value placed on this relationship and the respect due to those who provide life and nurture.
* **Incarnation of Christ:** Mary's identity as the mḗtēr of Jesus is critical for understanding the doctrine of the Incarnation. Her role as a human mother affirms the full humanity of Christ, born of a woman, yet conceived by the Holy Spirit, thereby bridging the divine and human.
* **Spiritual Lineage and New Covenant:** The metaphorical use in [[Galatians 4:26]] profoundly shapes our understanding of the believer's spiritual identity. "The Jerusalem above" as "our mother" signifies that believers are part of a new, heavenly family, born of the Spirit, and heirs of the New Covenant, free from the bondage of the Law. This concept highlights the nurturing and life-giving aspect of God's redemptive work.
* **Source of Good and Evil:** The contrasting uses of mḗtēr in Galatians and Revelation demonstrate the power of the term to denote a generative source. Just as there is a spiritual mother of righteousness and freedom, there is also a "mother of harlots" ([[Revelation 17:5]]), representing the ultimate source of spiritual corruption and rebellion against God. This duality underscores the profound impact of origins, whether for divine blessing or ultimate judgment.
* **Nurturing and Care:** Although God is always referred to as "Father," the qualities of nurturing, protection, and unconditional love often associated with a mother's care are sometimes used analogously in scripture to describe aspects of God's character (e.g., [[Isaiah 66:13]], though not using mḗtēr directly in the Greek NT).
### Summary
The Greek word μήτηρ (mḗtēr), `{{G3384}}`, primarily denotes a "mother" in its literal sense, referring to a biological female parent. Its semantic range extends to include female ancestors and, significantly, figurative uses where it represents a source or origin. In the New Testament, mḗtēr is most frequently used to refer to physical mothers, notably Mary, the mother of Jesus, thereby underscoring Christ's full humanity and the divine institution of family. The commandment to honor one's "mother" (and father) highlights the sacredness of parental roles. Theologically, mḗtēr takes on profound significance in [[Galatians 4:26]], where "the Jerusalem above" is identified as the spiritual "mother" of believers, signifying the heavenly origin and nurturing nature of the New Covenant. Conversely, [[Revelation 17:5]] employs "mother" to designate a source of profound evil, "the mother of harlots," demonstrating the word's capacity to describe generative power, whether for good or ill. The study of mḗtēr thus illuminates not only familial relationships but also deep theological truths about spiritual lineage, divine order, and the origins of both righteousness and corruption.
TRV