"care, Mt. 13:22; Mk. 4:19; Lk. 8:14; 21:34; anxiety, anxious interest, 2 Cor. 11:28; 1 Pet. 5:7*"
Definition and meaning
care, Mt. 13:22; Mk. 4:19; Lk. 8:14; 21:34; anxiety, anxious interest, 2 Cor. 11:28; 1 Pet. 5:7*
In the original Greek the word is written: μέριμνα
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of merimna (G3308) across the King James Bible.
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
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Common questions
Strong's G3308 (merimna) is a Greek word that means: care, Mt. 13:22; Mk. 4:19; Lk. 8:14; 21:34; anxiety, anxious interest, 2 Cor. 11:28; 1 Pet. 5:7* It appears 6 times in the King James Bible.
The word merimna (G3308) appears 6 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3308 is merimna, a Greek word defined as: care, Mt. 13:22; Mk. 4:19; Lk. 8:14; 21:34; anxiety, anxious interest, 2 Cor. 11:28; 1 Pet. 5:7*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
merimna is a Greek word found in the New Testament.