μιμητής (G3402) — Greek Lexicon

μιμητής

mimētḗs

G3402 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

An imitator; one who copies or emulates the actions, behaviors, or qualities of another. In extended contexts, refers particularly to someone who follows the example or pattern provided by another, displaying likeness in conduct or disposition. Used metaphorically to encourage ethical or exemplary behavior by adopting the ways of a person held as a standard.

Semantic Range

imitator, emulator, one who follows as a model, active follower, one who patterns behavior after another

Root / Etymology

From the verb μιμέομαι ('to imitate, to mimic'), itself ultimately traced to the Greek root μιμ-; the suffix -τής denotes an agent noun, indicating one who performs the action.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The term μιμητής occurs in post-classical Greek and is especially common in philosophical and ethical discourse (notably in the writings of Plato, Aristotle, and later Stoics), where imitation of a model—be it moral, intellectual, or artistic—is regarded as a fundamental means of learning and character formation. In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, μιμητής often appears in exhortative contexts, urging individuals to emulate esteemed figures, whether teachers, philosophers, or ancestral traditions. In the New Testament, μιμητής is consistently used in a positive sense, particularly by Paul, for urging communities or individuals to imitate his conduct or that of the Messiah, as a pattern of faithfulness and ethical living. English translations tend to render the term as 'follower' or 'imitator'; however, 'follower' can sometimes obscure the sense of active emulation and patterning one's life after another rather than mere adherence or obedience. In the Septuagint, the term is rare, but the concept of imitation appears through equivalent constructions. The semantic field of μιμητής is distinct from μαθητής ('disciple, learner'), as the former emphasizes replication of actions rather than instruction or association.

Translation Consistency

primary "imitator" 6 occurrences

Direct, natural equivalent for μιμητής that matches the SILEX range (one who copies or follows another). It is the common English noun found in the P2 renderings and captures both literal and metaphorical senses (emulator, follower of an example), supporting consistent use across all forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from μιμέομαι; an imitator:--follower.

Root Family

μιμητής (mimētēs) — to imitate, to emulate, to mimic

Root μιμ- to imitate, to emulate, to mimic

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3402-01`	μιμηταί	mimetai	`N NOM M PL`	imitators	imitators	imitators	6

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3402-01`	1 Corinthians 4:16	μιμηταί	mimetai	`N NOM M PL`	imitators	imitators	imitators
`G3402-01`	1 Corinthians 11:1	μιμηταί	mimetai	`N NOM M PL`	imitators	imitators	imitators
`G3402-01`	Ephesians 5:1	μιμηταὶ	mimetai	`N NOM M PL`	imitators	imitators	imitators
`G3402-01`	1 Thessalonians 1:6	μιμηταὶ	mimetai	`N NOM M PL`	imitators	imitators	imitators
`G3402-01`	1 Thessalonians 2:14	μιμηταὶ	mimetai	`N NOM M PL`	imitators	imitators	imitators
`G3402-01`	Hebrews 6:12	μιμηταὶ	mimetai	`N NOM M PL`	imitators	imitators	imitators

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