This word appears in 2 Timothy 1:5, where Paul references Timothy's grandmother Lois alongside his mother Eunice. Originally a child's word for 'mother' (similar to 'mama'), μάμμη came to mean specifically 'grandmother' in later Greek. Paul's mention of both women highlights the multi-generational transmission of genuine faith within Timothy's family. This reference is significant for showing that Timothy's Christian formation began before Paul's ministry, rooted in the sincere faith of his maternal ancestors, likely Jewish believers who recognized Jesus as Messiah.