# imitate, imitator

## Definition:

The terms “imitate” and “imitator” refers to copying someone else by acting exactly like that person does.

* Christians are taught to imitate Jesus Christ by obeying God and loving others, just as Jesus did.
* The apostle Paul told the early church to imitate him, just as he imitated Christ.

## Translation Suggestions:

* The term “imitate” could be translated as “do the same things as” or “follow his example.”
* The expression “be imitators of God” could be translated as “be people who act like God does” or “be people who do the kinds of things God does.”
* “You became imitators of us” could be translated as “You followed our example” or “You are doing the same kinds of godly things that you saw us do.”

## Bible References:

* [3 John 1:11](rc://en/tn/help/3jn/01/11)
* [Matthew 23:1-3](rc://en/tn/help/mat/23/01)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H310, H6213, G1096, G2596, G3401, G3402, G4160