μιμέομαι

I imitate

Definition

μιμέομαι means to imitate, follow, or mimic someone's example. In the New Testament, it specifically refers to imitating the behavior, faith, or conduct of others, particularly as a model for Christian living. In 2 Thessalonians 3:7,9, Paul urges believers to imitate his own hard work and self-sufficiency, while Hebrews 13:7 encourages imitation of the faith of spiritual leaders. In 3 John 1:11, the instruction is to imitate what is good, not evil, highlighting a moral choice.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used four times, always in exhortatory contexts to encourage believers to follow positive examples. It appears in Pauline literature (2 Thessalonians 3:7,9) to model practical ethics like diligence, in Hebrews 13:7 to model faith, and in 3 John 1:11 to model moral goodness. The pattern is consistently paraenetic (instructional), urging imitation of specific virtues observed in others.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek noun μῖμος (mimos), meaning 'imitator' or 'actor,' from which English gets 'mime' and 'mimic.' The verb form μιμέομαι is a deponent verb (middle/passive in form, active in meaning) directly conveying the act of imitating. It carries the sense of replicating an observed pattern of behavior.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it encapsulates the New Testament concept of discipleship through imitation. It moves faith from abstract belief to embodied practice, showing that Christian growth involves consciously patterning one's life after godly examples—ultimately pointing to Christ as the perfect model (1 Corinthians 11:1, though that verse uses a different Greek word). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing that following Jesus involves active, observable mimicry of virtuous conduct.

In the Greco-Roman world, imitation (mimesis) was a key educational method; students learned by copying masters in rhetoric, philosophy, and trades. The New Testament adopts this familiar cultural concept but redirects it toward ethical and spiritual formation within the Christian community. The call to imitate a leader's conduct, as in 2 Thessalonians, would resonate in a culture where philosophical schools closely followed the lifestyle of their founders.

ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō, G190) — to follow as a disciple or attendant, often physically; μιμέομαι focuses on mimicking specific behavior. ζηλόω (zēloō, G2206) — to be zealous or emulate, often with more intense desire; μιμέομαι is more about deliberate replication.

Word Details

Scripture References