Lexical Summary mimétés: Imitator, follower Original Word: μιμητής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance follower. From mimeomai; an imitator -- follower. see GREEK mimeomai HELPS Word-studies 3402 mimētḗs (the root of the English term, mimic, "one who imitates, emulates") – properly, the positive imitation that arises by admiring the pattern set by someone worthy of emulation, i.e. a mentor setting a proper example. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom mimeomai Definition an imitator NASB Translation imitators (6). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3402: μιμητήςμιμητής, μιμητου, ὁ, an imitator: γίνομαι τίνος (genitive of person), 1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 5:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; Hebrews 6:12; with the genitive of the thing, 1 Peter 3:13 Rec. (where L T Tr WH ζηλωταί). (Plato, Isocrates, others.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 3402 captures the call to be an “imitator” within the New Testament. Far beyond mere external copying, the concept expresses a Spirit‐empowered conformity of belief, character, and conduct to an approved pattern—ultimately to the Lord Himself and secondarily to mature believers and churches that mirror Him. Six occurrences, all in the plural, anchor the term in the writings of Paul and the author of Hebrews, providing a rich framework for discipleship, church life, and perseverance. Pauline Exhortations to Imitation 1 Corinthians 4:16 and 1 Corinthians 11:1 furnish the earliest canonical commands: “Therefore I urge you to imitate me” and “You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ”. In Corinth, imitation safeguards a young congregation from factionalism and worldly wisdom. Paul’s appeal rests on two premises. First, apostolic example is transparent; Paul’s life is open for scrutiny. Second, his example is derivative; he follows Christ, so to imitate Paul is to follow the Lord. The dynamic guards against personality cults while legitimizing godly leadership. Imitation of God in Christ Ephesians 5:1 elevates the theme: “Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children”. The verse bridges doctrine and practice: chapters 1–3 unfold divine grace; chapters 4–6 insist on holy living. Believers imitate God by walking “in love, as Christ loved us” (Ephesians 5:2). The foundation is adoption—“beloved children”—so imitation flows from relationship, not self‐generated morality. Christ’s self‐sacrifice becomes the defining template for love, purity, and light in a pagan environment. Conversion and Missional Impact In 1 Thessalonians 1:6 the Thessalonians “became imitators of us and of the Lord,” receiving the word “with the joy of the Holy Spirit” amid “severe suffering”. Imitation is concurrent with conversion: embracing the gospel, embracing the messengers, embracing the Messiah. The result is missionary multiplication (1 Thessalonians 1:8). In 1 Thessalonians 2:14 the same church “became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea,” absorbing persecution yet continuing witness. Thus imitation transmits gospel DNA across geography and culture, forging unity among diverse congregations. Association with Suffering and Endurance The Thessalonian passages and Hebrews 6:12 knit imitation to perseverance. Hebrews exhorts believers to avoid spiritual sluggishness but to be “imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised”. The example set by patriarchs (Hebrews 6:13–20) proves that God’s promises stand firm amid delay, encouraging endurance under pressure. Imitation, therefore, is not facile duplication; it is faith made tangible in trials. Historical Background In the Greco‐Roman world, μαθητής (“disciple”) often denoted a committed learner, while φιλοσοφία thrived on emulating a teacher’s life. The term μιμητής resonates with ethical schools that prized replication of a master’s virtues. Scripture adapts the cultural idea but grounds it in revelation: the model is divine, the power is the Spirit, and the goal is conformity to Christ’s image (Romans 8:29). Communal Safeguard and Growth Mechanism Imitation acts as a safeguard against doctrinal drift and moral compromise. By encouraging believers to look to verified patterns—apostles, faithful churches, godly forebears—Scripture provides concrete standards that transcend subjective experience. Simultaneously, imitation functions as a growth mechanism: newer believers observe seasoned saints, catching the cadence of prayer, service, generosity, and endurance. Implications for Leadership and Ministry 1. Transparency: Leaders must live lives open to scrutiny, expecting others to follow their example (1 Timothy 4:12). Relationship to Discipleship and Sanctification Discipleship is both taught and caught. Sound instruction articulates truth; imitation embodies it. Sanctification progresses as believers observe holiness enacted, internalize it, and practice it by the Spirit. Thus μιμητές bridges orthodoxy and orthopraxy, doctrine and duty. Theological Integration 1. Christology: Jesus is the ultimate pattern—“leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps” (1 Peter 2:21). Practical Applications • Cultivate intentional mentoring relationships that couple teaching with observable life patterns. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 3402 underscores a vital biblical strategy: God shapes His people through the visible, Spirit‐filled replication of approved patterns, climaxing in conformity to His Son. By heeding Scripture’s summons to be imitators, believers participate in God’s redemptive design for personal holiness, corporate unity, and generational faithfulness. Forms and Transliterations μιμηται μιμηταί μιμηταὶ mimetai mimetaí mimetaì mimētai mimētaí mimētaìLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 4:16 N-NMPGRK: οὖν ὑμᾶς μιμηταί μου γίνεσθε NAS: I exhort you, be imitators of me. KJV: you, be ye followers of me. INT: therefore you imitators of me become 1 Corinthians 11:1 N-NMP Ephesians 5:1 N-NMP 1 Thessalonians 1:6 N-NMP 1 Thessalonians 2:14 N-NMP Hebrews 6:12 N-NMP |