μέλλω

I am about to

Definition

The Greek verb μέλλω primarily means 'to be about to' or 'to intend to' do something, expressing imminent action or future certainty. In many New Testament passages, it conveys a strong sense of impending events, particularly regarding God's future plans, such as in Matthew 3:7 where John asks who warned the crowd to flee from the 'coming wrath.' A secondary, less common meaning is 'to delay' or 'linger,' as seen in Acts 22:16 where Ananias tells Paul not to delay in being baptized. The word often appears in prophetic or eschatological contexts, emphasizing that something is destined or certain to happen.

Biblical Usage

μέλλω is used 107 times in the New Testament, frequently in the Gospels and Acts to indicate imminent events, especially those related to Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection (e.g., Matthew 16:27; 17:22). It is common in eschatological discourses, highlighting future judgment or salvation (e.g., Matthew 3:7; 12:32). The word also appears in Pauline and general epistles to discuss future hope or divine plans, such as in Hebrews 2:5 about the 'world to come.' Its usage spans narrative, teaching, and prophetic genres, often signaling key theological themes.

Etymology

μέλλω is a classical Greek verb meaning 'to be about to' or 'intend,' derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *mel-, which relates to intention or expectation. In Koine Greek, it retained this core sense of impending action. Cognates include μέλλον (mellon), meaning 'future,' reflecting its temporal focus. The word's meaning developed to emphasize certainty or destiny in biblical contexts, aligning with divine foreknowledge and prophecy.

Semantic Range

μέλλω is theologically significant as it underscores the certainty of God's promises and future events, such as judgment, salvation, and Christ's return. It enriches Bible reading by highlighting the imminence and inevitability of divine actions, reinforcing themes of hope and urgency in eschatology. Understanding this Greek term helps readers grasp the New Testament's emphasis on living in light of what is 'about to' happen according to God's plan.

In ancient Greek culture, μέλλω conveyed a sense of intention or impending action, often used in philosophical and literary texts to discuss fate or future events. In the New Testament, this cultural understanding is infused with Jewish apocalyptic thought, where imminent divine intervention was expected. The word's usage reflects a blend of Greek linguistic norms and Jewish eschatological urgency, differing from modern casual references to the future by emphasizing divine certainty and purpose.

μέλλο (mellō, G3195) — primary word for 'about to' with a sense of certainty; ἔρχομαι (erchomai, G2064) — means 'to come,' often used for future events but less specific about imminence; μέλλων (mellōn, G3195) — participle form, emphasizing the future aspect; προορίζω (proorizō, G4309) — means 'to predestine,' focusing on divine foreordination rather than mere imminence.

Word Details

Scripture References