Strong's Lexicon merimna: Care, anxiety, worry Original Word: μέριμνα Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb μερίζω (merizō), meaning "to divide" or "to separate." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with "merimna" is דְּאָגָה (de'agah), which also means anxiety or worry, as seen in passages like Proverbs 12:25: "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." Usage: The term "merimna" refers to the concept of care or anxiety, often implying a sense of distraction or concern that divides one's attention. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the worries and concerns of life that can distract believers from their faith and trust in God. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, life was filled with uncertainties and challenges, much like today. People faced daily concerns about food, clothing, and shelter, as well as social and political pressures. The New Testament addresses these anxieties, encouraging believers to trust in God's provision and care. The concept of "merimna" reflects the human tendency to be preoccupied with life's challenges, which can lead to a divided focus and a lack of peace. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3308 mérimna (see 3307 /merízō, "divide") – properly, a part, separated from the whole; (figuratively) worry (anxiety), dividing and fracturing a person's being into parts. See 3309 (merimnaō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition care, anxiety NASB Translation anxiety (1), concern (1), worries (3), worry (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3308: μέριμναμέριμνα, μεριμνᾷς, ἡ (from μερίζω, μερίζομαι, to be drawn in different directions, cf. (English 'distraction' and 'curae quae meum animum divorse trahunt) Terence, Andr. 1, 5, 25; Vergil Aen. 4, 285f; (but according to others derived from a root meaning to be thoughtful, and akin to μάρτυς, memor, etc.; cf. Vanicek, p. 1201; Curtius, § 466; Fick 4:283; see μάρτυς)), care, anxiety: 1 Peter 5:7 (from Psalm 54:23 Strong's Exhaustive Concordance care. From merizo (through the idea of distraction); solicitude -- care. see GREEK merizo Forms and Transliterations μεριμνα μέριμνα μεριμναι μέριμναι μεριμναις μερίμναις μεριμναν μέριμναν μέριμνάν μερίμνης μεριμνων μεριμνών μεριμνῶν merimna mérimna merimnai mérimnai merimnais merímnais merimnan mérimnan merimnon merimnôn merimnōn merimnō̂nLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 13:22 N-NFSGRK: καὶ ἡ μέριμνα τοῦ αἰῶνος NAS: the word, and the worry of the world KJV: the word; and the care of this world, INT: and the care the age Mark 4:19 N-NFP Luke 8:14 N-GFP Luke 21:34 N-DFP 2 Corinthians 11:28 N-NFS 1 Peter 5:7 N-AFS Strong's Greek 3308 |