3255

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

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

Topical Lexicon

Linguistic and Background Notes

Strong’s Greek 3255 never appears in the canonical Greek New Testament. Its lexical tradition, however, places it among a small cluster of cognate terms dealing with deliberate, careful attention—ideas expressed in the New Testament by words such as μελετάω (“meditate,” 1 Timothy 4:15) or μεριμνάω (“be anxious,” Matthew 6:25). Classical writers employed the family of terms to describe sustained reflection, planned preparation, and thoughtful concern. The Septuagint uses related vocabulary to translate Hebrew roots conveying meditation on God’s law (Psalm 1:2) as well as the anxious care that forgets God (Isaiah 57:11). Early Jewish and Christian authors therefore inherited a semantic field that could speak either of godly mindfulness or of self-reliant worry, depending on context.

Old Testament Foundations

1. Scripture consistently commends purposeful, God-centered reflection. Joshua 1:8 directs Israel’s leader to “meditate on it day and night.” Psalm 119:97 echoes the same posture: “Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation.”
2. By contrast, self-directed foreboding is rebuked. When Jacob fretted over the loss of Benjamin, his “care” exposed a heart forgetting God’s covenant fidelity (Genesis 42:36). The prophets reveal the end of such anxiety: “You wearied yourself with many cares, but you would not say, ‘It is hopeless’” (Isaiah 57:10).

New Testament Parallels and Thematic Development

Although Strong’s 3255 itself is absent, its conceptual territory is well represented.
• Jesus redirects misplaced worry: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34).
• Paul urges disciplined contemplation: “Think on these things” (Philippians 4:8) and immediately adds the remedy for anxiety, “Do not be anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6).
• Peter combines both strands—sober mindfulness and relinquished care—when he commands, “Be sober-minded…casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:8, 7).

Christological Fulfillment

In the Gospels, Jesus models perfect, trusting mindfulness: He rises early to pray (Mark 1:35), weighs every word (John 12:49), and entrusts all future outcomes to the Father (Luke 23:46). At the cross He bears the crushing load of mankind’s anxious striving, purchasing the peace He later imparts: “My peace I give you” (John 14:27). His resurrection validates the promise that thoughtful reliance on God will never be in vain.

Pastoral and Practical Implications

1. Meditation on Scripture remains an indispensable discipline for discipleship and preaching. As Paul instructed Timothy, “Be diligent in these matters; immerse yourself in them” (1 Timothy 4:15).
2. Believers are to exchange crippling worry for active trust. Practical outworking includes prayer (Philippians 4:6), thanksgiving (Colossians 3:15), orderly planning submitted to God (James 4:13-15), and corporate encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25).
3. Shepherds must model balanced vigilance—guarding the flock (Acts 20:28) while refusing the illusion that outcomes depend solely on human strategy (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

Historical and Theological Reflections

• Early church fathers such as Origen and Athanasius tied sustained meditation to sanctification, arguing that thoughtful engagement with the Word transforms the soul.
• The Reformers built on this heritage, urging believers to ponder Scripture “day and night,” yet warning against anxious speculation beyond what God has revealed.
• Modern missions history demonstrates the same tension: faithful workers plan carefully (Romans 15:24) yet rest in providence when doors close (Acts 16:6-10).

Summary for Ministry

While Strong’s 3255 itself is absent from the New Testament text, the spiritual realities it represents—diligent, God-centered thought and the rejection of self-absorbed anxiety—permeate the biblical narrative. Scripture calls the people of God to cherish meditation that fuels obedience, and to cast every care on the Sovereign Lord who alone guarantees the future.

Englishman's Concordance

μελῶν — 2 Occ.
μέλος — 5 Occ.
Μελχὶ — 2 Occ.
Μελχισεδέκ — 8 Occ.
ἔμελεν — 2 Occ.
μέλει — 7 Occ.
μελέτω — 1 Occ.
μεμβράνας — 1 Occ.
μέμφεται — 1 Occ.
μεμφόμενος — 1 Occ.
μὲν — 182 Occ.
Μενοῦν — 1 Occ.
μενοῦνγε — 2 Occ.
μέντοι — 8 Occ.
ἐμείναμεν — 2 Occ.
ἔμειναν — 2 Occ.
ἔμεινεν — 10 Occ.
ἔμενεν — 3 Occ.
ἔμενον — 1 Occ.
μεῖναι — 6 Occ.