ἀμέριμνος
amérimnos
G275 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Not anxious, free from worry or concern. The term primarily denotes the absence of care, distraction, or apprehension, describing a state of ease or undisturbed composure. In certain contexts, it may emphasize a lack of practical concern or preoccupation, whether appropriate (as a state of tranquility) or inappropriate (as heedlessness of genuine needs).
Semantic Range
not anxious, free from care, undistracted, unconcerned, carefree, untroubled, without worry or apprehension
Root / Etymology
From the negative prefix ἀ- ('not') and μέριμνα ('care, anxiety, concern'). The term is transparently formed to express the absence of μέριμνα.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, ἀμέριμνος appears in prose and poetry to denote a lack of worry or distraction, often conveying the idea of being carefree or untroubled. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, especially in wisdom and ethical literature, ἀμέριμνος can have both positive (freedom from anxiety) and less flattering (lack of due attention) connotations. In the New Testament, it occurs in contexts emphasizing freedom from distraction or undue concern, often in exhortative passages (e.g., 1 Corinthians 7:32). The nuance can range from 'free from worldly anxiety' (especially in the context of single-hearted service) to 'carefree' in the sense of not being weighed down by daily concerns. English translations sometimes reflect only part of the semantic range with renderings like 'without care' or 'secure.' The term differs from related words such as ἀδιάφορος (indifferent) and ἀσφαλής (secure, safe), as ἀμέριμνος typically focuses on the state of mind regarding anxiety or distraction.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Α (as a negative particle) and μέριμνα; not anxious:--without care(-fulness), secure.
Root Family
ἀμέριμνος (amerimnos) — not anxious, free from care, unconcerned, untroubled
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G275-01 |
ἀμερίμνους | amerimnous | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
free from care | unworried ones | unworried | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G275-01 |
Matthew 28:14 | ἀμερίμνους | amerimnous | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
free from care | unworried ones | unworried |
G275-01 |
1 Corinthians 7:32 | ἀμερίμνους | amerimnous | ADJ.P ACC M PL |
free from concern | unworried ones | unworried ones |