μιμέομαι
mimeomai
to imitate
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
SupportedThe Greek word μιμέομαι (mimeomai) is defined as "to imitate." This verb is used four times in the Bible, indicating its relatively limited but focused usage. As a verb of imitation, mimeomai suggests a range of actions that involve copying or reproducing the behavior, words, or actions of others. The significance of mimeomai lies in its emphasis on the act of copying or reproducing. It highlights the idea that actions, words, or behaviors can be learned and repeated by others. This verb can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the actions being imitated. In a positive light, mimeomai can imply learning from a good example, while in a negative context, it can suggest the adoption of bad or undesirable behavior. Given its limited but focused usage, mimeomai is a key word in understanding the importance of imitation in various contexts, including learning from others, suspension of moral judgment, and the complexities of human behavior.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences across the text
For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you,
2 Thessalonians 3:9not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.
Hebrews 13:7Remember your leaders, men who spoke to you the word of God, and considering the results of their conduct, imitate their faith.
3 John 1:11Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God.