[Greek] μεριμνάω (merimnaō), [Latin] solicitare, [Latin] cogitare: to be anxious, to care for, to worry, to be concerned; Mt.6:25,27-28,31,34, Lk.10:41, Lk.12:11, Lk.12:22,25-26, 1Cor.7:32-34, 1Cor.12:25, Php.2:20, Php.4:6
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to care for, to be anxious about, to be cumbered with many cares, and to be careful. Xenophon’s Memorabilia 4.7.6 states “He believed that any attempt to search out what the gods had not chosen to reveal must be displeasing to them.” Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 8.7.12 states “To be cumbered with many cares and to be able to find no rest all must necessarily go hand in hand with royal power.” Aeschyles’ Seven Against Thebes 843 states “I am anxious for our city.” Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus 728 states “What anxiety has startled you, that you say this?”
Old Testament: This term means to be anxious, to be afraid, to dread, to be grieved, to be troubled, to be disquieted, sorrow, pain, and idol. He is always concerned for his proucts (Sir.38:29). Increase the work for the men, so that they can their mind on it (Exo.5:9). Sleep has departed from my eyes, for my heart tis sinking with anxiety (1Macc.6:10). Worry brings on premature old age (Sir.30:24). I will plant them in it to dwell there undisturbed (1Chr.17:9). When I have wreaked My fury upon you I will cease to be jealous of you, I will be quiet and longer vexed (Eze.16:42).
New Testament: This term means to worry, to be anxious, and to be concerned. Jesus states one should not be worried about their life and become a slave to one’s worries and anxieties. Jesus tells the apostles not to worry about how and what to say during the coming persecution. Martha becomes worried about many things (serving). Jesus states that Mary has chosen the better in sitting by His side. An unmarried man (or woman) is anxious about the things of the Lord. A married man (or women is worried things of the world, seeking to please their spouse. Members (parts) of the Body of Christ must have concern for others. Paul states that one must have no anxiety at all. One must makes her requests known to God in pettionary prayer.
Scripture:
“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than eating?” Mt.6:25
Jesus does not deny the reality of human needs, but forbids making them the object of anxious cares. We should not become slaves to the anxieties.
“And he is divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is anxious about things of the Lord, so that she may be holy in body and spirit. A married woman is anxious about the things of the world, how she may please her husband.” 1Cor.7:34
One’s vocation determines one’s focus of attention and cares.
“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” Php.4:6
One must and should rely solely on God for one’s needs and cares. Yet, in all honesty, this is oftentimes easier said than done.
Petitionary prayer: This prayer is based on anxiety, cares, and concerns. Ideally, one should cast one’s cares solely on God who ultimately takes care of our needs. The one who prays attains a certain aloofness from his own needs when he put them before God. This person finds liberation from cares. This person sees God as knowing what we need better than us. Therefore, one should restrict his cares (worries) to a minimum in this world. Genuine believers no longer belong to this world. Rather he belongs to the world to come. This allows one to be released from heavy worldly concerns.
Etymology: This term is derived from the Greek verb merizo, meaning to divide, to distract, and to draw different directions. The related Greek noun merimna means care. When our attentions (cares) are divided or moved into different directions, we become distracted. Meridian means midday (midway between sunset and sunrise). P.M means post meridian (after noon). A.M means ante meridian (before noon).
Conclusion:
Cogitation, meridian, solicit, solicitations
Matthew and Luke importantly make the point that we should not make ourselves slaves (being controlled) to worries and anxieties. (Of course, this is often easier said than done—I know this only too well!). Jesus offers consolation to the Apostles when they will face the coming persecution by given the words that need to be said.
It is interesting to note that this term can apply to vocations. Both chores, tasks, and vocation involve focusing one’s efforts and attention. Mary had chosen the higher part to follow Jesus. A spouse chooses to focus his (her) attention to his (her) spouse. The married spouse is divided in his attention. Divided is the passive Greek verb form of merizo (to divide).
Many of us are very worried about where our country’s institutions and freedoms. Many of us are worried our nation has disregarded the sanctity of unborn.
[Disclaimer]: It is 2:45pm and this post has been written by someone who often worries and fails to follow Jesus’s advice. Don’t worry, I trust I am not alone.