UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: mother

Semantic entry: 10.16

Semantic domains: Kinship Terms

Subdomains: Kinship Relations Involving Successive Generations

Definition: one’s biological or adoptive female parent

Notes: μήτηρ[a] is sometimes used figuratively to refer to persons who are not biological parents but who are in some respects closely associated with the reference person: μήτηρ μου καὶ ἀδελφοί μου οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ ἀκούοντες καὶ ποιοῦντες ‘my mother and my brothers are those who hear God’s word and act accordingly’ RV LUK 8:21 · LV LUK 8:21 · Read together LUK 8:21. For a discussion of RV LUK 8:21 · LV LUK 8:21 · Read together LUK 8:21, see 10.49: ἀδελφός.

Sense 2: archetype, mother, spiritual mother

Semantic entry: 58.64

Semantic domains: Nature, Class, Example

Subdomains: Archetype, Corresponding Type [Antitype]

Definition: (figurative extension of meaning of μήτηρ[a] ‘mother,’ 10.16: μήτηρ) an archetype anticipating a later reality and suggesting a derivative relationship{N:001}