### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **mḗtēr**, represented by `{{G3384}}`, is the primary term for **mother**. It appears 85 times across 79 unique verses in the Bible. While its core meaning is literal, the term also extends to describe a figurative source or a more remote ancestor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3384}}` is frequently used to establish literal, familial relationships. It is central to the narrative of Jesus's birth, identifying Mary as his **mother** [[Matthew 2:11]]. The word is a cornerstone of familial and societal duty, as seen in the command to "Honour thy father and **mother**" [[Ephesians 6:2]]. It also serves to identify individuals, such as "Mary the **mother** of James and Joses" [[Mark 15:40]] and "the **mother** of Zebedee's children" [[Matthew 27:56]]. Jesus expands the term's meaning by declaring that whoever does the will of God is his "brother, and sister, and **mother**" [[Matthew 12:50]]. Figuratively, it denotes a source, as when Jerusalem is called "the **mother** of us all" [[Galatians 4:26]] or in the description of "BABYLON THE GREAT, THE **MOTHER** OF HARLOTS" [[Revelation 17:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of motherhood and family:
* `{{G3962}}` **patḗr** (father): As the direct male counterpart, it often appears alongside **mḗtēr** to define parental units and family obligations [[Matthew 19:5]].
* `{{G5207}}` **huiós** (son): This word defines the direct offspring and is crucial for understanding lineage. At the cross, Jesus entrusts his **mother** to the disciple, saying "Woman, behold thy **son**!" [[John 19:26]].
* `{{G2364}}` **thygátēr** (daughter): This term for a female child highlights the maternal relationship, as when Jesus speaks of familial division, setting the **daughter** against her **mother** [[Matthew 10:35]].
* `{{G2836}}` **koilía** (womb): This term is directly linked to the biological origin of life from a mother, as seen in references to being filled with the Holy Ghost from his "mother's **womb**" [[Luke 1:15]] or being lame from his "mother's **womb**" [[Acts 3:2]].
* `{{G3994}}` **pentherá** (mother in law): This term specifies a relationship by marriage, such as Simon's "**wife's mother**" whom Jesus healed [[Mark 1:30]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3384}}` is demonstrated in its literal and metaphorical applications.
* **Humanity of Christ:** The repeated identification of Mary as the **mother** of Jesus is fundamental to affirming his human nature and incarnation ([[Matthew 1:18]], [[Acts 1:14]]).
* **Redefined Spiritual Family:** Jesus prioritizes spiritual kinship over biological ties. He redefines his family, including his **mother**, as those who hear and obey the word of God, establishing a new community of faith [[Luke 8:21]].
* **Figurative Source:** The term is used symbolically to represent a spiritual origin. Believers are children of the heavenly Jerusalem, which is described as "the **mother** of us all" [[Galatians 4:26]], signifying a shared, divine heritage.
* **Source of Corruption:** In a contrasting metaphor, Babylon the Great is identified as the "**mother** of harlots and abominations," representing the origin point of worldly corruption and idolatry [[Revelation 17:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3384}}` **mḗtēr** is far more than a simple familial term. It is a foundational word used to establish literal lineage, most importantly that of Jesus Christ. At the same time, it is elevated to a powerful metaphor for spiritual relationship and origin, encompassing both the heavenly source of the church and the corrupt source of worldly evil. The word illustrates the biblical pattern of using tangible human relationships to reveal profound spiritual truths.
TRV