What does eirēnē (εἰρήνη) mean in the Bible?

In Scripture, εἰρήνη is far more than calmness — it is the condition of wholeness, rightness, and rest that comes from being right with God and living under His care. It echoes the Hebrew shalom.

What does merimna (μέριμνα) mean in the Bible?

μέριμνα is the divided, distracted state of a mind pulled between present worry and fear about the future. It is the condition of trusting one's circumstances more than one's God.

What is the difference between eirēnē and merimna?

eirēnē (εἰρήνη) means "peace" while merimna (μέριμνα) means "anxiety". Philippians 4:6–7 sets prayer against anxiety and promises a peace that surpasses understanding. Placing εἰρήνη and μέριμνα side by side shows why this contrast runs so deep.

How do eirēnē and merimna differ in inner state?

eirēnē: Settled wholeness and rest. merimna: Divided and distracted mind.

How do eirēnē and merimna differ in focus?

eirēnē: God's provision and faithfulness. merimna: Circumstances and what might go wrong.

How do eirēnē and merimna differ in direction?

eirēnē: Toward God in trust and prayer. merimna: Away from God into self-reliance and fear.

How do eirēnē and merimna differ in time orientation?

eirēnē: Present rest in God's care. merimna: Future dread and past regret.

How do eirēnē and merimna differ in source?

eirēnē: Relationship with God through Christ. merimna: Reliance on self and circumstances.

How do eirēnē and merimna differ in antidote?

eirēnē: Prayer, thanksgiving, trust. merimna: Not suppression but casting care onto God.

Peace vs Anxiety — eirēnē vs merimna