Greek word · G3125

μάμμη

mammē

grandmother

Originally a child's word for 'mother' ('mama'). In Hellenistic and Roman-era Greek it was commonly used for 'grandmother'. Purist grammarians such as Phrynichus objected to this as vulgar and preferred tēthē.

Appears once in the Greek New Testament. · Updated October 23, 2026

What it means

μάμμη, -ης, ἡ

(onomatop.), [in LXX: 4Ma.16:9 * ;]

1. in cl., a child's name for mother.

2. In late Gk. (= cl., τήθη), a grandmother: (LXX, l.with), 2 Timothy 1:5.†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of 2 Timothy 1:5

Range of meaning: Originally a child's word for 'mother' ('mama'). In Hellenistic and Roman-era Greek it was commonly used for 'grandmother'. Purist grammarians such as Phrynichus objected to this as vulgar and preferred tēthē.
Against the English: All versions rightly say 'grandmother'. There is no drift.
Used elsewhere in the period: 4 Maccabees 16:9 uses it for 'grandmother', and so do Jewish writers of the period such as Philo and Josephus (per BDAG). The New Testament uses it only here.

Where it appears

2 Timothy · 1

2 Timothy 1:5 μάμμῃ grandmother

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.

Here: 'Grandmother.' In older Greek it was a child's word for 'mother' ('mama'), but by this period it was common for 'grandmother'. Because Timothy's father was Greek, Lois is most likely his mother's mother.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.