The Greek word promerimnáō, represented by G4305, means to care (anxiously) in advance or to take thought beforehand. It appears 2 times across 1 unique verse in the Bible, making its meaning highly specific to its context. The term is formed from πρό (meaning "before") and μεριμνάω (meaning "to be anxious"), emphasizing prior worry or preparation.
In its sole biblical appearance, G4305 is used in a direct command from Jesus to his followers. In Mark 13:11, believers are instructed not to take thought beforehand about what they will say when they are delivered up for their faith. The context is one of intense trial and persecution, where the natural human response would be to anxiously plan a defense. Jesus directly forbids this anxious forethought, instructing them instead to speak whatever is given to them in that moment.
Several related words in the same passage clarify the meaning of G4305:
- G3860 paradídōmi (to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit): This word establishes the situation, as the command is given for when believers are delivered up, setting the stage for the prohibition against anxious worry Mark 13:11.
- G3191 meletáō (to take care of, i.e. (by implication) revolve in the mind): This term is used immediately after G4305 to reinforce the command, instructing believers not to premeditate what they will say Mark 13:11.
- G2980 laléō (to talk, i.e. utter words): This identifies the specific action that is not to be worried about in advance—the act of what one will speak when under pressure Mark 13:11.
The theological weight of G4305 is concentrated in its specific context of discipleship under pressure.
- Trust in Divine Provision: The prohibition against anxious forethought is immediately followed by the assurance that the words will be given by the Holy Ghost. This underscores a central theme of reliance on God's direct intervention rather than human planning during trials Mark 13:11.
- Freedom from Anxious Care: The command is a call to set aside worry about future performance. It teaches that in such moments of testimony, the believer's focus should be on faith, not on crafting a defense.
- The Spirit as the True Speaker: The passage makes a critical distinction: "it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost" Mark 13:11. This reframes the believer's testimony not as a personal speech, but as a divinely provided utterance.
In summary, G4305 is a precise term that defines anxious advance preparation. Its use in scripture is exclusively to forbid this action in the context of persecution, commanding believers to trust in the Holy Ghost to provide the words for their defense. The word serves as a powerful reminder to exchange human worry for divine empowerment when facing trials for one's faith.
TRV