Lexical Summary métér: Mother Original Word: μήτηρ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mother. Apparently a primary word; a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote) -- mother. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition mother NASB Translation mother (75), mother's (7), mothers (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3384: μήτηρμήτηρ, genitive μητρός, dative μητρί, accusative μητέρα, ἡ (from Homer down; from Sanskritma, 'to measure'; but whether denoting the 'moulder,' or the 'manager' is debated; cf. Vanicek, p. 657; Curtius, § 472; (cf. μέτρον)), Hebrew אֵם, a mother; properly: Matthew 1:18; Matthew 2:11, and often; tropically, of that which is like a mother: Matthew 12:49; Mark 3:35; John 19:27; Romans 16:13, cf. 1 Timothy 5:2; a city is called ἡ μήτηρ τῶν πορνῶν, that produces and harbors the harlots, Revelation 17:5; of a city where races of men (i. e. Christians) originated, Galatians 4:26 (here G T Tr WH omit; L brackets παντον (on the origin of which cf. Lightfoot at the passage)). Topical Lexicon Motherhood in the Divine Design From the beginning, Scripture presents motherhood as a sacred vocation. “Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). The apostle repeats the mandate, calling it “the first commandment with a promise” (Ephesians 6:2). The gift of life through the womb is viewed as God’s personal creative act (Psalm 139:13). Hence every New Testament occurrence of μήτηρ carries the weight of this foundational revelation: a mother is never incidental but divinely appointed. The Physical Mothers of Key Biblical Figures • Jesus Christ: Matthew 1:18; 2:11; Luke 2:48. Their presence reminds the reader that God often begins redemptive movements in humble households and through faithful women. The Mother of Our Lord Mary appears at decisive moments: – At Cana: “When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, ‘They have no more wine’” (John 2:3). – At the cross: “When Jesus saw His mother… He said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother’” (John 19:26-27). Mary’s role underscores true discipleship—I surrender my rights (John 2:4) and suffer with Christ (Luke 2:35). Yet Jesus’ address from the cross also dignifies filial responsibility even in moments of supreme mission. Discipleship and the Redefined Family Jesus broadened family ties to include obedient believers: “Whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50; cf. Mark 3:35; Luke 8:21). Earthly bonds remain honored, but kingdom allegiance claims ultimate loyalty (Matthew 10:37). Commandments Concerning Mothers Jesus affirms Mosaic law: “God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’” (Matthew 15:4; Mark 7:10). He condemns man-made loopholes (Corban) that excuse neglect of parental care (Mark 7:11-13). The rich-young-ruler narrative repeats “Honor your father and mother” among the moral essentials (Matthew 19:19). Costly Allegiance and Eschatological Tension Kingdom devotion may sever natural ties: “Whoever comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother… cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). In last-days conflict, “They will be divided—father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother” (Luke 12:53). The word μητέρα voices both the tenderness of family and the tragedy of divided hearts. Spiritual Mothers in the Early Church – Romans 16:13: “Greet Rufus… and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well.” – 1 Timothy 5:2: older women are to be regarded “as mothers.” Spiritual maternity involves counseling, hospitality, prayer, and modeling holiness (Titus 2:3-5 implicit). Acts 1:14 portrays Mary praying with the fledgling church, embodying this ministry. Metaphorical and Corporate Uses Galatians 4:26: “The Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.” Heavenly Jerusalem births citizens of grace, contrasting bondage under Sinai. Revelation 17:5 shows the antithesis: “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth.” The same term thus frames both holy covenant and demonic counterfeit, sharpening discernment. Pastoral and Missional Application 1. Protect life and cherish mothers (James 1:27 principle of pure religion). Summary Strong’s 3384 embraces biological, relational, and theological dimensions. From Eve to the New Jerusalem, the concept of “mother” bears witness to God’s life-giving character, the centrality of the family, and the call to spiritual multiplication until Christ is formed in every believer and the eternal family of God is complete. Forms and Transliterations μήτερ μητερα μητέρα μητερας μητέρας μητέρες μητέρων ΜΗΤΗΡ μητήρ μήτηρ μητράσιν μητρι μητρί μητρὶ μητρος μητρός μητρὸς MeTeR MĒTĒR mḗter mḗtēr metera metéra mētera mētéra meteras metéras mēteras mētéras metri metrí metrì mētri mētrí mētrì metros metrós metròs mētros mētrós mētròsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 1:18 N-GFSGRK: Μνηστευθείσης τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ Μαρίας NAS: was as follows: when His mother Mary KJV: When as his mother Mary was espoused INT: having been betrothed the mother of him Mary Matthew 2:11 N-GFS Matthew 2:13 N-AFS Matthew 2:14 N-AFS Matthew 2:20 N-AFS Matthew 2:21 N-AFS Matthew 10:35 N-GFS Matthew 10:37 N-AFS Matthew 12:46 N-NFS Matthew 12:47 Noun-NFS Matthew 12:48 N-NFS Matthew 12:49 N-NFS Matthew 12:50 N-NFS Matthew 13:55 N-NFS Matthew 14:8 N-GFS Matthew 14:11 N-DFS Matthew 15:4 N-AFS Matthew 15:4 N-AFS Matthew 15:5 N-DFS Matthew 19:5 N-AFS Matthew 19:12 N-GFS Matthew 19:19 N-AFS Matthew 19:29 N-AFS Matthew 20:20 N-NFS Matthew 27:56 N-NFS Strong's Greek 3384 |
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