μιμέομαι (G3401) — Greek Lexicon

μιμέομαι

miméomai

G3401 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To imitate, to emulate the actions, behaviors, or example of another. Primarily signifies taking another as a model and acting in a manner patterned after them, either in conduct, faith, teaching, or behavior. Can express general imitation, as well as the specific idea of following the example set, often with positive moral or communal overtones in the New Testament.

Semantic Range

to imitate, to emulate, to take as a model, to follow an example, to model one's behavior after another, to act in accordance with another's conduct

Root / Etymology

From the root μιμ- (to imitate), derived from μῖμος (mime, mimic, actor). The verb μιμέομαι is a middle voice form, emphasizing the subject's participation or engagement in the act of imitation. Cognate with the English word 'mimic,' ultimately of the same Proto-Indo-European origin.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested in classical Greek (e.g., Herodotus, Xenophon) with the general sense of to imitate, often in drama or culture. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek—including the Septuagint—it continues to denote imitation or modeling behavior, often with moral or didactic connotations (see e.g., Sirach 44:16). In the New Testament, μιμέομαι typically refers to imitating a positive example, such as the faith or behavior of leaders (Heb 13:7), the conduct of apostolic figures (1 Thess 1:6; 2 Thess 3:7), or the pattern of God/Christ (Eph 5:1; although here the cognate noun μιμητής is used). There is no negative or hostile nuance: the imitation is regarded as virtuous and intentional. English translations often render μιμέομαι as 'imitate' or 'follow,' but 'follow' can obscure the nuance of intentional modeling versus mere accompanying or obedience. The term is distinct from verbs like ἀκολουθέω (to go after, to follow), which can denote physical following or general discipleship. In Koine usage, μιμέομαι frequently highlights purposeful emulation of conduct seen as exemplary within the community.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

middle voice from (a "mimic"); to imitate:--follow.

Root Family

μιμέομαι (mimeomai) — to imitate, to emulate, to model oneself after

Root μιμ- to imitate, to emulate, to model oneself after

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3401-01`	μιμεῖσθαι	mimeisthai	`V PRS MID INF`	to imitate	to model oneself after	to imitate	2
`G3401-02`	μιμεῖσθε	mimeisthe	`V PRS MID IMP 2P PL`	imitate	Model yourselves after	model yourselves after	1
`G3401-03`	μιμοῦ	mimou	`V PRS MID IMP 2P SG`	imitate	Be imitating	be imitating	1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3401-01`	2 Thessalonians 3:7	μιμεῖσθαι	mimeisthai	`V PRS MID INF`	to imitate	to model oneself after	to model oneself after
`G3401-01`	2 Thessalonians 3:9	μιμεῖσθαι	mimeisthai	`V PRS MID INF`	to imitate	to model oneself after	to imitate
`G3401-02`	Hebrews 13:7	μιμεῖσθε	mimeisthe	`V PRS MID IMP 2P PL`	imitate	Model yourselves after	model yourselves after
`G3401-03`	3 John 1:11	μιμοῦ	mimou	`V PRS MID IMP 2P SG`	imitate	Be imitating	be imitating

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