Strong's Greek: 3203 -- (Not Used)zzz

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

(Not Used)
Part of Speech:
Transliteration: (Not Used)
(Not Used)

Topical Lexicon

Scope of the Word

Strong’s Greek 3203 designates a verb of personal concern or interest. Although it does not occur in the extant text of the Greek New Testament, cognate forms appear frequently in secular Koine literature and the Septuagint, where the sense is “to have a stake in,” “to be affected by,” or “to care about.”

Septuagint Background

1. Divine Concern
• Psalm 8:4 (LXX 8:5) describes the astonishing care God shows toward frail humanity: “What is man that You remember him, or the son of man that You care for him?”
• Job 7:17 carries the same astonishment: “What is man that You exalt him, that You set Your heart upon him?”

These verses establish a pattern: the Creator’s personal interest in His creatures is foundational to covenant grace.

2. Human Concern
• Deuteronomy 24:19 calls Israel to reflect that divine pattern by caring for the widow, orphan, and foreigner.
• Proverbs 27:23 exhorts leaders to “know well the condition of your flocks,” illustrating prudent, diligent concern in stewardship.

Conceptual Parallels in the New Testament

Although 3203 itself is absent from the New Testament manuscripts, the idea it conveys flows through several key passages:

• Mark 4:38 – “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (the disciples question Christ’s concern).
• 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”
• Philippians 2:20 – Timothy “will genuinely care about your welfare.”
• 1 Corinthians 12:25 – Members of Christ’s body should “have equal concern for one another.”

Each text portrays either divine concern toward humanity or the believer’s concern for fellow disciples.

Theological Themes

1. God’s Providential Interest

From Eden onward, Scripture presents God as actively involved with His creation. The lexical family behind 3203 reinforces that relationship: God’s care is not abstract but practical, culminating in Jesus Christ’s incarnation and atoning work.

2. Imitative Ethics

Because believers are recipients of divine concern, they are summoned to reflect that same care. The call to “love one another” (John 13:34) presupposes active interest in the wellbeing of others.

3. Pastoral Duty

Paul describes ministry as “daily concern for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:28). Shepherds, elders, and every disciple share responsibility to cultivate concern that is informed, prayerful, and sacrificial.

Historical Notes

Early church fathers frequently employed this verb group. Ignatius of Antioch urged believers to “care for one another in meekness,” echoing New Testament imperatives. By the fourth century the concept was embedded in monastic rules, linking spiritual maturity with practical attentiveness.

Ministry Application

• Prayer: Intercessory prayer is an expression of Spirit-energized concern (Colossians 1:9).
• Practical Aid: Meeting material needs validates professed love (James 2:15-16).
• Discipleship: Genuine interest fosters accountability and growth (Hebrews 10:24).
• Evangelism: Concern extends to the lost, compelling proclamation of the gospel (Romans 10:1).

Summary

While Strong’s Greek 3203 never surfaces in the Greek New Testament, its semantic field permeates biblical revelation. Scripture testifies that God’s redemptive plan flows from His personal concern; redeemed people, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are called to mirror that same concern in worship, fellowship, and mission.

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts