Lexical Summary meló: To care, to be concerned, to take thought Original Word: μέλω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance take care. A primary verb; to be of interest to, i.e. To concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters) -- (take) care. HELPS Word-studies 3199 mélō (the third person singular of melō, "to care, be concerned") – to care about (be concerned with), especially paying attention (giving thought) to – i.e. "taking an interest" (L-S) with the "implication of some apprehension . . . " (L & N, 1, 25.223.) NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to be an object of care NASB Translation care (2), cares (1), concerned (4), defer (2), worry (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3199: μέλειμέλει, 3 person singular present of μέλω used impersonally; imperfect ἔμελεν; it is a care: τίνι, to one; as in Greek writings with the nominative of the thing, οὐδέν τούτων, Acts 18:17; with the genitive of the thing (as often in Attic), μή τῶν βοῶν μέλει τῷ Θεῷ; 1 Corinthians 9:9 (Buttmann, § 132, 15; cf. Winer's Grammar, 595 (554)); the thing which is a care to one, or about which he is solicitous, is evident from the context, 1 Corinthians 7:21; περί τίνος, genitive of object, to care about, have regard for, a person or a thing: Matthew 22:16; Mark 12:14; John 10:13; John 12:6; 1 Peter 5:7, (Herodotus 6, 101; Xenophon, mem. 3, 6, 10; Cyril 4, 5, 17; Hier. 9, 10; 1 Macc. 14:43; Wis. 12:13; Epistle of Barnabas 1, 5 [ET]; cf. Winer's Grammar, § 30, 10 d.); followed by ὅτι, Mark 4:38; Luke 10:40. Topical Lexicon Overview of Sense and Scope Strong’s Greek 3199 consistently speaks of the presence or absence of personal concern. Whether the subject is God, Christ, an apostle, or an indifferent governor, the verb highlights what individuals value enough to act upon. It appears in narratives, parables, ethical teaching, and doctrinal exhortation, binding together a theology of genuine care that contrasts sharply with hypocrisy or apathy. Usage in the Synoptic Gospels • Matthew 22:16 and Mark 12:14 record the same insincere praise from the Pharisees and Herodians: “You are not swayed by others, because You do not care who they are.” Their words inadvertently affirm the righteous impartiality of Jesus, whose concern is truth rather than social status. Johannine Witness • John 10:13 exposes the hireling who “does not care about the sheep,” underscoring the sacrificial concern of the Good Shepherd. Historical Narrative • Acts 18:17 notes that Gallio “showed no concern whatever” when Sosthenes was beaten. The Roman proconsul’s apathy throws into relief the believer’s calling to justice and mercy in a hostile culture. Pauline Epistles • 1 Corinthians 7:21: “Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you.” The verb comforts believers that earthly status cannot impede gospel liberty. Petrine Exhortation • 1 Peter 5:7 crowns the New Testament usage: “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” The verse applies the term to God’s fatherly providence, inviting believers to transfer every worry to His omnipotent concern. Theology of Divine Care Melō anchors the biblical assurance that God’s concern is active, personal, and covenantal. The word joins Psalms such as “Cast your burden on the LORD and He will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22) with Christ’s call to “seek first the kingdom” (Matthew 6:33). Where human concern fails—Judas, Gallio, the hireling—God’s steadfast care prevails, offering both correction and comfort. Practical Ministry Application 1. Shepherding: Pastors mirror the Good Shepherd by refusing the hireling’s apathy and embracing sacrificial concern. Historical Exegesis Early church writers such as Chrysostom highlighted melō in 1 Peter 5:7 to combat anxiety during persecution, while Augustine cited Mark 4:38 to show that Christ, though seeming to sleep, never ceases to care for His church. The Reformers drew on 1 Corinthians 9:9 to defend proper provision for ministers. Relationship to Old Testament Concepts The verb resonates with Hebrew expressions of divine remembrance and compassion (zākar, rāḥam). Just as the Lord “remembers” His covenant, so He “cares” for His people in Christ, fulfilling promises of steadfast love (ḥesed). Summary Strong’s 3199 traces a line from human doubts about Christ’s concern to the climactic assurance that God truly cares. Its occurrences challenge apathy, expose hypocrisy, and console the faithful, weaving a rich tapestry of pastoral and theological encouragement throughout the New Testament canon. Forms and Transliterations εμελεν ἔμελεν έμελλεν μελει μέλει μελετω μελέτω emelen émelen melei mélei meleto meletō meléto melétōLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 22:16 V-PIA-3SGRK: καὶ οὐ μέλει σοι περὶ NAS: in truth, and defer to no one; KJV: neither carest thou for INT: and not there is care to you about Mark 4:38 V-PIA-3S Mark 12:14 V-PIA-3S Luke 10:40 V-PIA-3S John 10:13 V-PIA-3S John 12:6 V-IIA-3S Acts 18:17 V-IIA-3S 1 Corinthians 7:21 V-PMA-3S 1 Corinthians 9:9 V-PIA-3S 1 Peter 5:7 V-PIA-3S Strong's Greek 3199 |
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