ἀμέριμνος

free from anxiety

Definition

The adjective ἀμέριμνος describes a state of being free from distracting cares, anxieties, or worries. It signifies a mind that is not divided or preoccupied by the concerns of daily life, allowing for single-minded focus and peace. In Matthew 28:14, it is used in a secular, practical sense, advising the guards to be 'free from worry' about potential consequences if a story is accepted. In 1 Corinthians 7:32, it carries a profound spiritual sense, describing how an unmarried person can be 'free from anxieties' about worldly affairs to be devoted to the Lord.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in two distinct contexts. In Matthew 28:14, it is used in a negative, worldly context, where the chief priests tell the guards at Jesus's tomb to be 'without care' or unworried about their failure, promising to handle the political fallout. In 1 Corinthians 7:32, Paul uses it positively in a spiritual and pastoral context, contrasting the 'anxious cares' of married life with the 'undivided devotion' to the Lord available to the unmarried, who can be ἀμέριμνος about the things of the world.

Etymology

Derived from the alpha-privative ἀ- (a-, meaning 'not' or 'without') and the noun μέριμνα (merimna, G3308), meaning 'care,' 'anxiety,' or 'distraction.' The root μέριμνα itself is related to the verb μερίζω (merizō, G3307), 'to divide,' painting a picture of anxiety as something that divides or distracts the mind. Thus, ἀμέριμνος literally means 'undivided in mind' or 'without distracting care.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures a key Christian virtue: freedom from worldly anxiety through trust in God. In 1 Corinthians 7:32, it is linked to the concept of single-minded devotion to Christ, a state that facilitates deeper spiritual service. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Jesus's command 'do not be anxious' (Matthew 6:25, using the related verb μεριμνάω) by showing the positive state (being ἀμέριμνος) that trust in God's provision produces, allowing believers to focus on His kingdom.

In the Greco-Roman world, philosophical schools like Stoicism and Epicureanism also valued a state of freedom from distress (ataraxia). However, the New Testament concept of ἀμέριμνος is distinct, rooted not in personal detachment or self-mastery but in active trust and reliance on a caring, providential God. This shifts the source of peace from internal control to a relational faith.

εἰρηνικός (eirēnikos, G1516) — emphasizes 'peaceable' or 'peaceful' outcomes, while ἀμέριμνος focuses on the internal state of being free from worry. ἄφοβος (aphobos, G870) — means 'without fear,' focusing on courage, whereas ἀμέριμνος focuses on freedom from anxious thoughts.

Word Details

Scripture References