μεριμνάω (merimnaō)
merimnaō
to worry
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb merimnaō describes a state of being pulled apart by anxiety or divided attention. It appears seventeen times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Paul’s letters. Rather than simple concern, it conveys a restless worry that distracts from what matters most, as when Jesus asks if one can add to their life through such anxious striving (Matthew 6:27).
Its root sense involves division or being split, which explains why Paul contrasts it with undivided devotion in 1 Corinthians 7. He notes that an unmarried person can focus entirely on the Lord’s affairs, while a married one is naturally divided in their interests (1 Corinthians 7:32-34). This usage highlights how worldly cares can fragment a believer’s spiritual focus.
Translators often render it as "worry" or "be anxious," but the word carries the weight of being mentally occupied by multiple competing demands. In Philippians 4:6, Paul instructs believers to replace this divided attention with prayer and thanksgiving, suggesting that peace comes from unifying one’s heart toward God rather than scattering it across future uncertainties.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word merimnaō describes a heart pulled in different directions, where anxiety fragments our focus. It is not merely practical planning but a restless striving that distracts from what truly matters. When Jesus asks if worry can add even a moment to life, He highlights the futility of trying to control outcomes through fear. This divided attention keeps us from resting in God’s provision.
Instead of scattering our energy across future uncertainties, we are invited to unify our hearts toward God through prayer and thanksgiving. This does not mean ignoring responsibilities but trusting that God sees our needs. Peace comes when we release the need to manage everything ourselves and allow His presence to hold us steady in the present moment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shall you be anxious2×
- may be anxious2×
- cares for2×
- being anxious2×
- are you anxious?2×
- you are anxious1×
- will care for;1×
- will be anxious about1×
- she cares for1×
- may have concern1×
- he cares for1×
- do worry about,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μεριμνᾷ4×
- μεριμνήσητε4×
- μεριμνῶν2×
- μεριμνᾶτε2×
- μεριμνῶσιν1×
- μεριμνᾷς1×
- μεριμνᾶτε;¶1×
- μεριμνᾶτε;1×
- μεριμνᾶτε,1×
- μεριμνήσει·1×
- μεριμνήσει1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 6:27
“Which of you by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan?
This verse demonstrates the practical impossibility of anxiety, showing that worry cannot extend life even by a small measure.
-
Luke 10:41
Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,
Jesus identifies Martha’s distraction as being anxious about many things, contrasting it with the single-minded devotion Mary chose.
-
Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Paul provides the direct antidote to this divided attention, replacing anxiety with prayer and thanksgiving to find peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does merimnaō mean in the Bible?
Is all concern considered sin?
How does this word relate to prayer?
Every Occurrence (17 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 6 verses
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,…
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…
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 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…