μέλλω (mellō)
mellō
to ensue
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 108 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb mello means to be on the point of doing something, capturing the sense of being about to act or suffer an event. In the New Testament, it appears over one hundred times, often translating the idea of imminent future action. It is frequently used with an infinitive to show that a person intends to do something or that an event is certain to happen, as when Jesus tells Pilate he would have no power if it had not been given him from above (John 19:11).
A key feature of mello is its use in fixed phrases like "the age to come" (Matthew 12:32) or "the world to come." Here, the word functions as a noun phrase pointing to what is destined or expected. This usage highlights a theological weight: it is not merely about time passing, but about divine certainty and purpose. The sources note that it can indicate both free intention and necessary compulsion, depending on context.
Translators often render mello with "shall," "will," or "about to." While these English words can feel vague, the Greek carries a sharper sense of immediacy. For instance, in Luke 9:31, the disciples see Jesus speaking with Moses and Elijah about his "departure" (exodos), which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. The word underscores that this event was not just future, but impending and inevitable.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word mello carries a sharp sense of immediacy. It does not simply point to a distant future; it describes an event that is on the verge of happening, like a shadow lengthening as evening approaches. In the New Testament, this term often highlights divine certainty. When Jesus speaks of what He is about to endure in Jerusalem, or when John warns of wrath that is coming, the language conveys that these events are not vague possibilities but fixed realities moving toward fulfillment.
For your faith, this offers a grounded hope. The promises of God are not abstract theories waiting for time to catch up; they are active and impending. Whether it is the assurance of forgiveness in the age to come or the certainty of Christ’s return, the word reminds us that God’s purposes are advancing with precision. You can rest in the knowledge that the future is held securely by Him, who orchestrates history with intention and grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 108 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- being about16×
- is about10×
- was about6×
- is being about5×
- you are about3×
- coming3×
- He was about3×
- were about2×
- to ensue2×
- they are about2×
- is coming2×
- he was about2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μέλλει16×
- ἤμελλεν11×
- μέλλων10×
- μέλλειν7×
- μελλόντων7×
- μέλλοντα5×
- μελλούσης5×
- μέλλουσαν4×
- μέλλοντος4×
- μέλλοντες4×
- ἔμελλον3×
- ἔμελλεν3×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 3:7
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
John uses this word to describe 'wrath to come,' framing judgment not as a distant abstract idea but as an imminent reality that demands immediate response.
-
Luke 9:31
who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
The text specifies Jesus was about to accomplish His departure in Jerusalem, emphasizing the inevitability and nearness of His sacrificial mission.
-
Matthew 12:32
Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age, or in that which is to come.
It functions here as part of the phrase 'that which is to come,' distinguishing the present age from the future era where divine judgment is final.
-
Luke 7:2
A certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and at the point of death.
It describes a servant at the point of death, illustrating the word’s use for physical states that are immediately impending rather than distant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word mellō mean?
How is mellō different from other words for 'future'?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (108 verses across 18 books)
Matthew 10 verses
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the…
Matthew 3:7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers,…
Matthew 11:14If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come.
Matthew 12:32Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it…
Matthew 16:27For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will give to everyone according to…
Matthew 17:12but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn’t recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to.…
Matthew 17:22While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of…
Matthew 20:17As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them,
Matthew 20:22But Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be…
Matthew 24:6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you aren’t troubled, for all this must happen, but the end is not…