Worry is one of those quiet companions we never invite in, yet it slips through the cracks of our thoughts and settles in as if it belongs. We feel it in our chests, hear it in our racing minds, and see it in the way it steals our peace. But long before “worry” became a modern buzzword for stress and anxiety, it carried a deeper, more vivid meaning—one that reveals just how destructive it can be and why Scripture speaks so directly to it. In this word study, we’ll dig into the roots of worry, explore its biblical context, and uncover what God invites us to embrace instead. Understanding the word itself might just change the way we confront the fears that tug at our hearts.
Worry is a deeply human experience — but Scripture speaks to it with surprising clarity. The Bible doesn’t ignore worry; it names it, explains it, and offers a better way.
Below is a full study of the word, its roots, and God’s instructions.
The Meaning of “Worry” in Scripture
Old Testament (Hebrew)
The English word worry does not appear often in the Old Testament, but the concept does. Hebrew words connected to worry include:
דָּאַג (da’ag) — “to be anxious, troubled, concerned”
Used in contexts of fear, distress, or emotional heaviness.
Examples:
1 Samuel 9:5 — Saul worries about his father worrying for him.
Jeremiah 17:8 — The person who trusts God “does not worry in a year of drought.”
פחד (pachad) — “fear, dread”
Often used when fear overwhelms trust.
רָגַז (ragaz) — “to tremble, quake, be agitated”
Sometimes used for emotional turmoil.
New Testament (Greek)
The New Testament uses a very specific word for worry:
μεριμνάω (merimnaō) — “to be anxious, distracted, pulled apart”
Literally means: “to be divided into pieces” Worry fractures the mind and heart.
Forms include:
merimnaō — to worry, be anxious
merimna — anxiety, care
amerimnos — without worry
This word appears in many key passages.
Where “Worry” Appears in the Bible
Here are the major passages where the Greek word merimnaō or its forms appear:
Jesus’ Teaching
Matthew 6:25–34 — “Do not worry about your life…”
Luke 12:22–32 — “Do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink.”
Jesus directly commands His followers not to worry, not as a rebuke, but as an invitation to trust the Father.
Paul’s Letters
Philippians 4:6 — “Do not be anxious about anything…”
1 Corinthians 7:32 — Paul speaks of being “free from anxieties.”
1 Peter 5:7 — “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
Parable of the Sower
Matthew 13:22 — “The worries of this life choke the word.”
Worry is described as something that strangles spiritual growth.
God’s Instructions About Worry
Scripture doesn’t simply say “stop worrying.” It gives clear, compassionate instructions for what to do instead.
Below are the major biblical teachings.
Trust God Instead of Worrying
Matthew 6:25–34
Jesus says:
Don’t worry about food, clothing, or tomorrow.
Look at the birds — God provides.
Look at the flowers — God clothes them.
You are worth more than these.
Key truth: Worry is replaced by trust in God’s character.
Pray Instead of Worrying
Philippians 4:6–7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition… present your requests to God.”
God’s instruction:
Bring everything to Him
With thanksgiving
And His peace will guard your heart
Worry is exchanged for peace.
Cast Your Worries on God
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
The word “cast” means: “to throw with force, to release completely.”
God invites His children to transfer the weight of worry onto Him.
Seek God’s Kingdom First
Matthew 6:33
“Seek first the kingdom of God…”
Worry shrinks when purpose expands. Jesus teaches that worry fades when our focus shifts from survival to God’s mission.
Remember God’s Presence
Isaiah 41:10
“Do not fear, for I am with you…”
Worry often grows when we feel alone. God’s answer is His presence, not platitudes.
Renew Your Mind
Romans 12:2
Transformation comes through renewing the mind.
Worry is often a thought pattern, and Scripture calls believers to replace anxious thoughts with truth.
Summary: What the Bible Teaches About Worry
| Biblical Truth | Scripture | Meaning |
| God commands us not to worry | Matthew 6:25–34 | Worry is unnecessary because God provides |
| Prayer replaces worry | Philippians 4:6–7 | Prayer brings peace |
| God carries our anxiety | 1 Peter 5:7 | We are not meant to hold it alone |
| Worry chokes spiritual growth | Matthew 13:22 | Anxiety distracts from God’s Word |
| Trust in God’s care | Luke 12:22–32 | God knows what we need |
| God’s presence removes fear | Isaiah 41:10 | We are never alone |
The Heart of the Word Study
The biblical message is not:
“Stop worrying.” It is:
“You don’t have to carry this alone.”
Worry divides the heart. God restores it. Worry pulls us apart. God holds us together. Worry focuses on the unknown. God invites us to trust the One who knows all things.
