Is worrying a sin?

[tonychanyt]

Here is an etymology of the Greek word G3309-worry:

G3307 μερίζω (merízō): to apportion, to divide, to disunite​

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G3308 μέριμνα (mérimna) from 3307: the state of being concerned and preoccupied, through the idea of distraction​

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G3309 μεριμνάω (merimnáō) from 3308: worry, concern, preoccupy​

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G3309 appears many times in the NT.​

Is G3309-worrying a sin?

NIV Matthew 6:

25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry [3309] about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.​

The same Greek word is translated as "anxious" in English Standard Version:

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?​

Luke 10:

41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried [3309] and upset about many things"​

But then, in 1 Corinthians 7:

32 I would like you to be free from concern [3309]. An unmarried man is concerned [3309] about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord.​

It is not a sin to G3309-concern about pleasing God.

33 But a married man is concerned [3309] about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— 34 and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned [3309] about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned [3309] about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband.​

The English concept of worrying is not a good thing. The Greek original concept of G3309 is ambiguous. It could mean worry or concern. It could be a good thing.

Is worrying or anxiety a sin?

That depends on whether you are worrying negatively or are concerned positively about something.

 

[friend of]

Psalm 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil

 

[Diamond72]

Is worrying or anxiety a sin?

The scripture that come to mind is Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Some translations use the word worry. This passage comes with a very powerful promise. "7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

 

[All Becomes New]

Where does it say worrying is a good thing? Description is not prescription.

You also have to consider the author. One is Jesus, one is Paul. Paul says sometimes that boasting is good and sometimes he says boasting is bad. The point is how is the author using it? Jesus is not saying worrying is a good thing. Also, Paul is not using the word in the traditional sense. But he is saying what different people worry about. To say Paul is saying it is good to worry makes Jesus a liar.

 

[tonychanyt]

Where does it say worrying is a good thing?

I don't know. Is G3309 a sin?

 

[All Becomes New]

I don't know. Is G3309 a sin?

Jesus seems to think so.

 

[tonychanyt]

Jesus seems to think so.

1 Corinthians 7:

32b An unmarried man is concerned [3309] about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord.

Did this unmarried man sin in G3309?

 

[All Becomes New]

1 Corinthians 7:


Did this unmarried man sin in G3309?

If an unmarried man worries, and Jesus says, "Don't worry about your life," which request is bigger and should we think is the right one?

 

[tonychanyt]

If an unmarried man worries, and Jesus says, "Don't worry about your life," which request is bigger and should we think is the right one?

I am not talking about the English word. I am talking about G3309. Did this unmarried man sin in G3309?

 

[All Becomes New]

I am not talking about the English word. I am talking about G3309. Did this unmarried man sin in G3309?

It's the same Greek word according to you.

 

[tonychanyt]

It's the same Greek word according to you.

Right. So, did this unmarried man sin in G3309 in the Greek sense of the word?

 

[All Becomes New]

Right. So, did this unmarried man sin in G3309 in the Greek sense of the word?

What do you think?

 

[tonychanyt]

What do you think?

Did you read my OP:

It is not a sin to G3309-concern about pleasing God.

 

[All Becomes New]

Did you read my OP:

Where is Paul's command to worry about things as an unmarried man?

 

[tonychanyt]

Where is Paul's command to worry about things as an unmarried man?

Can you rephrase this question with the Greek word G3309?

We are having a communication problem. I am talking about the Greek G3309 and you keep talking about the English word "worry". Can you separate these two concepts? If not, there is no point to continue. Feel free to again accuse me of eisegesis

 

[All Becomes New]

Can you rephrase this question with the Greek word G3309?

We are having a communication problem. I am talking about the Greek G3309 and you keep talking about the English word "worry". Can you separate these two concepts? If not, there is no point to continue. Feel free to again accuse me of eisegesis

Where is Paul's command to μεριμνάω about things as an unmarried man?

 

[tonychanyt]

Where is Paul's command to μεριμνάω about things as an unmarried man?

Please read the OP.