merimnao is anxious preoccupation over needs, speech, or future matters, and occasionally attentive concern for others.

The prevailing use describes anxious preoccupation directed toward food, clothing, tomorrow, a coming defense, or many concerns; the same verb can also describe care directed toward fellow members or genuine concern for another person.

1. Anxious preoccupation over circumstances · dominant

   In Matthew 6:25, Matthew 6:31, and Matthew 6:34, present and aorist forms occur in instructions not to be occupied with food, clothing, or tomorrow; the APB renders these clauses with “worry.” In Luke 12:25 the present active participle describes someone trying by such concern to add to his lifespan, while Luke 10:41 addresses Martha as being occupied with many things.

   Matthew 6:25Matthew 6:31Matthew 6:34Luke 12:25Luke 10:41Matthew 10:19
2. Care directed toward people or obligations · rare

   In 1 Corinthians 12:25, the present active subjunctive is used in the purpose that the members have the same care for one another; the APB renders the clause “have the same care for one another.” In Philippians 2:20, the future active indicative describes someone who will be genuinely concerned for the recipients.

   1 Corinthians 12:25Philippians 2:201 Corinthians 7:321 Corinthians 7:331 Corinthians 7:34

In the Anselm Project Bible: Across the verses, the APB variously uses “worry,” “anxious,” “care,” and “concerned.” These renderings show the clauses' presentation rather than fixed English equivalents for the lemma.