μεριμνάω
merimnaō
to worry
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word μεριμνάω (merimnaō) is a verb that means "to worry". It is used 19 times in the Bible, indicating its importance in the context of human emotions and behavior. The definition of "to worry" suggests that this word is associated with anxiety, concern, or preoccupation with something. The frequency of its usage in the Bible suggests that worry is a common human experience that affects people's lives. The word is often used in conjunction with other emotions such as fear, anxiety, and care. Its significance lies in its ability to convey the idea that worry can be a significant obstacle to living a peaceful and fulfilling life. In the context of the Bible, the word μεριμνάω is often used in contrast to trust and faith in God. This implies that worry can be seen as a lack of trust in God's provision and care, and that trusting in God can lead to a life free from worry.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
19 total occurrences across the text
Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Matthew 6:27“Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan?
Matthew 6:28Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin,
Matthew 6:31“Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’
Matthew 6:34Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.
Matthew 6:34Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.
Matthew 10:19But when they deliver you up, don’t be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say.
Luke 10:41Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,
Luke 12:11When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, don’t be anxious how or what you will answer, or what you will say;
Luke 12:22He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear.
Luke 12:25Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his height?
Luke 12:26If then you aren’t able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest?
1 Corinthians 7:32But I desire to have you to be free from cares. He who is unmarried is concerned for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord;
1 Corinthians 7:33but he who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife.
1 Corinthians 7:34There is also a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband.
1 Corinthians 7:34There is also a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband.
1 Corinthians 12:25that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.
Philippians 2:20For I have no one else like-minded, who will truly care about you.
Philippians 4:6In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.