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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding key Greek words enhances our comprehension of the text and its theological depth. One such word is μιασμός (miasmós), which appears in 2 Peter 2:10, where it underscores moral corruption and impurity. The significance of this term lies in its use to describe both physical and spiritual contamination, a recurring theme in the New Testament. In ancient Greek culture, μιασμός was often used to describe ritual defilement, particularly in religious contexts, but the New Testament broadens its meaning to focus on moral and ethical dimensions, especially concerning sin and ungodliness.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μιασμός (miasmós), pronounced mee-as-MOS.

Etymology: Derived from the verb μιαίνω (miaínō), meaning “to defile” or “to stain.” The noun form μιασμός refers to the state or act of defilement or contamination, often in a moral or spiritual sense.

Part of Speech: μιασμός is a noun, typically masculine in gender, and it refers to the concept of defilement or corruption, often in a ritualistic, moral, or spiritual context.

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Defining Meanings

1. Moral Defilement: In the New Testament, μιασμός is primarily used to describe moral corruption, particularly the contamination of one’s character or soul through sinful actions. This is evident in 2 Peter 2:10, where it refers to those who pursue sinful desires with a disregard for God’s authority.

2. Spiritual Contamination: Beyond just moral defilement, μιασμός also emphasizes spiritual pollution. It is linked with behaviors and practices that distance an individual from holiness and God’s presence, making it a powerful term in the context of Christian sanctification.

3. Ritual Impurity: In broader Greek culture, μιασμός was often connected with ritualistic impurity, where individuals or objects could be contaminated through contact with certain unclean elements or actions. This sense of ritual defilement also carries theological implications, especially in terms of maintaining holiness before God.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μιαίνω (miaínō): Pronounced mee-AY-noh, this verb is the root of μιασμός and means “to stain” or “to defile.” It describes the action of causing defilement or impurity, whether physical, moral, or spiritual.

2. κοινόω (koinóō): Pronounced koy-NOH-oh, meaning “to make common” or “to defile.” While similar to μιασμός, this word often emphasizes making something profane or unholy through contact with unclean elements.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: μιασμός is a masculine noun that follows typical second-declension endings. It can appear in various cases (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) depending on its grammatical role in a sentence.

Declension:

• Nominative Singular: μιασμός

• Genitive Singular: μιασμοῦ

• Dative Singular: μιασμῷ

• Accusative Singular: μιασμόν

This pattern is consistent with other second-declension masculine nouns in Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons consistently interpret μιασμός as representing defilement, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense. In 2 Peter 2:10, it is used to describe the sinful actions of those who reject God’s authority and follow their own corrupt desires. Lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s note that μιασμός conveys not just physical impurity, but a deep moral corruption that has theological implications in the New Testament. The term is also present in classical Greek literature, where it retains its association with defilement and contamination, often in the context of religious practices. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. 2 Peter 2:10: “…and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling [μιασμός] passion and despise authority.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text with μίασμα/μίασμος

Aeschylus Eumenides “The pollution [μίασμα] of murder taints the land.”

Plato Laws “Those who bring defilement [μίασμος] upon the temple.”

Septuagint Leviticus 18:25 “The land is polluted [μίασμος] by the abominations committed.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μιασμός carries a significant meaning in both biblical and classical contexts, denoting defilement and corruption. In the New Testament, it is used to highlight moral and spiritual pollution, particularly in relation to those who follow sinful desires and reject divine authority. Understanding this term deepens our insight into the biblical emphasis on holiness, purity, and the consequences of sin.

Did You Know?

• In ancient Greek tragedy, μιασμός was often used to describe the defilement caused by murder or sacrilege.

• The use of μιασμός in the New Testament reflects a shift from ritualistic concerns to a focus on moral and spiritual purity.

• The concept of defilement, as expressed by μιασμός, was central to both Jewish and Greek religious thought, emphasizing the need for purification.