μέλω (melō)
melō
to concern
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb melō describes something that is of importance or concern to someone, often translated as "to be of interest" or "to matter." In the New Testament, it appears in contexts where a person’s attention or care is directed toward a specific issue or individual. For example, in Mark 4:38, the disciples are described as being concerned about Jesus’ safety during the storm, while in John 10:13, the hired hand is characterized by his lack of concern for the sheep when danger approaches.
This word frequently appears in impersonal constructions, emphasizing that certain matters hold weight or significance regardless of personal involvement. In 1 Corinthians 7:21, Paul uses it to discuss whether one’s social status should be a primary concern, suggesting that some things simply do not demand urgent attention. The term can also take a dative of person, indicating who is affected by the matter at hand, as seen in Acts 18:17, where the crowd ignores Gallio because the issue does not truly concern him.
Its usage highlights how Christians are called to discern what deserves their care and focus. Whether addressing personal responsibilities or broader spiritual priorities, melō invites reflection on what truly matters in light of God’s kingdom. Translators often render it as "concern" or "matter," capturing its role in shaping attitudes toward life’s pressing issues.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word melō helps us understand where our attention belongs. It describes what truly matters to a person or situation. In Mark 4:38, the disciples ask Jesus if He cares that they are drowning. His response shows that what concerns Him is their safety and faith, not just the storm itself.
We often worry about things that do not ultimately define our lives. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 7:21 that our social status or past circumstances need not bother us if we are called in Christ. This word invites us to shift our focus from temporary anxieties to what God values most.
When we ask what truly concerns us, we align our hearts with His priorities. Jesus cares for you deeply, as 1 Peter 5:7 assures us. Let this truth calm your mind and guide your choices toward what is eternal and meaningful.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- there is care3×
- was concerning.1×
- should it concern;1×
- is there care1×
- is it concerning1×
- is it concern1×
- he was caring1×
- he is himself concerned1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μέλει7×
- ἔμελεν.¶1×
- ἔμελεν1×
- μελέτω·1×
Key Verses
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Mark 4:38
He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and asked him, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are dying?”
The disciples’ question reveals their fear that Jesus is indifferent to their peril, highlighting His role as the one who truly cares for their survival.
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John 10:13
The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care for the sheep.
Jesus contrasts Himself with the hired hand by showing that the shepherd’s care for the sheep is rooted in genuine ownership and love, not mere employment.
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I Peter 5:7
casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
This verse directly links casting anxieties on God to His active concern for you, providing a foundation for trust rather than worry.