μιμητής

an imitator

Definition

A μιμητής is an imitator, follower, or emulator who actively patterns their life after a model. In the New Testament, this word primarily refers to believers imitating positive examples: imitating other faithful Christians (1 Thessalonians 1:6, 2:14), imitating the apostle Paul as he imitates Christ (1 Corinthians 4:16, 11:1), and, most importantly, directly imitating God Himself in His character of love and holiness (Ephesians 5:1). In Hebrews 6:12, it is used of imitating those who through faith and patience inherit God's promises. The concept is active and relational, involving conscious effort to replicate virtues observed in another.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exclusively in the New Testament epistles, emphasizing discipleship and community ethics. Paul uses it to encourage the Corinthians and Thessalonians to follow his own Christ-like example (1 Corinthians 4:16, 11:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:6) and to recognize fellow suffering churches as models (1 Thessalonians 2:14). The author of Hebrews uses it to exhort believers to imitate the faithful of the past (Hebrews 6:12). The usage consistently points believers upward—from imitating other believers to ultimately imitating God and Christ (Ephesians 5:1).

Etymology

Derived from the verb μιμέομαι (mimeomai, G3401), meaning 'to imitate.' The root is related to μῖμος (mimos), meaning 'a mime' or 'actor,' pointing to the idea of mimicry or representation. In Greek philosophical and ethical contexts, it carried the sense of emulating an ideal model.

Semantic Range

This word is central to the New Testament's vision of spiritual formation and discipleship. It moves Christian ethics beyond mere rule-following to transformative imitation of divine character (Ephesians 5:1). It establishes a chain of godly example: God/Christ → apostles/leaders → all believers. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that Christian living is fundamentally about becoming a conscious 'mimic' of God's love, mercy, and holiness as revealed in Christ.

In the Greco-Roman world, imitation (mimesis) was a key educational and philosophical concept; students learned by emulating teachers, and philosophers urged imitation of the ideal sage or even the gods. The New Testament adopts this familiar cultural concept but radically re-centers it on the character of the biblical God and the crucified Christ, transforming it from a pursuit of abstract virtue to a relational discipleship grounded in divine grace.

ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō, G190) — to follow, often physically; μαθητής (mathētēs, G3101) — a learner, disciple; ζηλωτής (zēlōtēs, G2207) — one who is zealous or eager for.

Word Details

Scripture References