Brief Overview of μολυσμός (Strong’s G3436: molysmós)

Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words used in the New Testament provides deeper insight into the text’s meaning. One such word is μολυσμός (molysmós), meaning “pollution” or “defilement.” This term occurs in 2 Corinthians 7:1, where Paul urges believers to cleanse themselves from all forms of defilement, both of the body and spirit. The significance of μολυσμός lies in its connotations of impurity, which can refer to both moral and physical contamination. It provides a rich context for interpreting spiritual purity and the moral responsibilities of believers, and its relevance extends to ancient Greek culture, where defilement played a critical role in religious and social practices.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: μολυσμός (molysmós), pronounced mo-loos-MOS.

Etymology: The word molysmós comes from the verb μολύνω (molýnō), which means “to stain” or “to defile.” The noun form μολυσμός specifically refers to the result of this defilement, emphasizing a state of impurity. This word is closely tied to ancient cultural ideas of pollution and contamination, often with religious or moral undertones.

Part of Speech: Noun (masculine). It is used to describe the state of being defiled or polluted, whether morally, spiritually, or ceremonially. It can apply to both physical and non-physical forms of contamination.

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Defining Meanings

1. Defilement (moral or spiritual): The primary meaning of molysmós is moral or spiritual defilement. In 2 Corinthians 7:1, Paul uses the word to refer to impurities that affect both body and spirit, underscoring the call for believers to live in purity before God.

2. Pollution (ceremonial or physical): In a more ceremonial or physical sense, molysmós refers to pollution or contamination. In ancient Greek and Jewish cultures, ritual purity was essential, and defilement often rendered someone unfit to participate in religious ceremonies.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μιασμός (miasmós) [pronunciation: mee-as-MOS]: Refers to defilement or contamination, often in a more general sense. It is closely related to molysmós but can have a broader application, including physical, moral, and even environmental defilement.

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2. κοινός (koinós) [pronunciation: koy-NOS]: Refers to something that is common or unclean. In the New Testament, it often describes something profane or ritually unclean, particularly in Jewish ceremonial contexts.

3. ἄκαθαρτος (akáthartos) [pronunciation: a-KATH-ar-tos]: Translates as “unclean” or “impure,” often used to describe demons or morally corrupt individuals, as well as objects or animals that were considered impure according to Jewish law.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, μολυσμός follows standard patterns for masculine nouns in Greek. It can be declined in various cases to show its function in a sentence.

• Case, Number, Gender:

• Nominative: μολυσμός (singular), μολυσμοί (plural)

• Genitive: μολυσμοῦ (singular), μολυσμῶν (plural)

• Dative: μολυσμῷ (singular), μολυσμοῖς (plural)

• Accusative: μολυσμόν (singular), μολυσμούς (plural)

This noun belongs to the second declension of masculine nouns, and its forms change based on case and number.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Molysmós is consistently associated with impurity and defilement in both physical and moral terms. In biblical usage, it appears prominently in discussions of moral integrity and purity, such as in 2 Corinthians 7:1, where it highlights the call for believers to cleanse themselves from anything that corrupts body and spirit. Lexicons emphasize that molysmós refers to defilement caused by external influences (such as idolatry or immorality) but also encompasses internal, spiritual pollution. In ancient Greek contexts, it carried similar connotations of ritual impurity and contamination that could alienate one from religious or social communities.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. 2 Corinthians 7:1 – “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates [defiles] (μολυσμοῦ) body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

2. Wisdom of Solomon 7:22 (Septuagint) – “For in her there is a spirit intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, active, unpolluted [undefiled] (ἀμολύντως).”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text with Greek Word

Plato Laws “To act against such commands would be considered a [defilement] (μολυσμός) to the state.”

Herodotus Histories “The rituals were followed strictly, avoiding any form of [defilement] (μολυσμός).”

Septuagint Wisdom of Solomon 7:22 “Her wisdom is pure and unpolluted [ἀμολύντως].”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μολυσμός (molysmós) emphasizes defilement and impurity in both moral and spiritual contexts. In 2 Corinthians 7:1, Paul uses the word to encourage believers to cleanse themselves from any corrupting influence. This term is crucial in understanding the broader biblical and cultural call to purity, particularly in relation to one’s relationship with God. It is a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for moral and spiritual integrity in the Christian faith.

Did You Know?

1. The concept of molysmós in ancient Greece was not limited to personal defilement but could also apply to the defilement of cities and temples through immoral acts.

2. In both the Old and New Testaments, defilement was often linked with idolatry and impurity, signifying a break in the relationship between people and God.

3. The Greek word molysmós shares its root with the modern English word “pollution,” highlighting the enduring concept of contamination.