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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words such as μολύνω (molýnō) is vital for interpreting scripture. This word carries the meaning of “defile” or “pollute,” often used in contexts involving moral or spiritual contamination. In 1 Corinthians 8:7, molýnō is significant as it conveys how an individual’s conscience can be defiled by consuming food offered to idols. The term’s importance extends beyond the New Testament to ancient Greek culture, where defilement carried social, religious, and moral connotations, affecting one’s relationship with both the community and the divine.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μολύνω (molýnō), pronounced mo-LEE-noh.

Etymology: Derived from a root that implies staining or defiling, molýnō has connections with the broader concept of impurity, both physically and morally. It shares its roots with terms related to dirt and filth, which were associated with moral corruption in the cultural and religious context of the ancient world.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, μολύνω describes an action, specifically the act of defiling or polluting something, whether a person, object, or concept.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Defile (morally or spiritually): The primary meaning of molýnō is to morally or spiritually defile. In biblical usage, it refers to actions or practices that corrupt one’s conscience or spiritual purity, such as participating in idolatry or other sinful acts.

2. To Pollute (ceremonially): In the context of ritual purity, molýnō can also mean to make something ceremonially unclean, violating the sacred or divine standards.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μιαίνω (miaínō) [pronunciation: mee-AH-ee-noh]: This word also means “to defile” but is often used in a more general sense, including physical and moral defilement, whereas molýnō tends to emphasize moral corruption.

2. κοινόω (koinóō) [pronunciation: koy-NOH-oh]: This word means “to make common” or “to defile,” typically in the sense of making something profane or unclean, particularly in the context of Jewish ceremonial laws.

3. βέβηλος (bébēlos) [pronunciation: BEB-eh-los]: A term used to describe something or someone profane, often associated with desecration or irreverence toward sacred things.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood:

Molýnō is a verb and follows typical conjugation patterns for Greek verbs. It is commonly found in the present, aorist, and perfect tenses. In 1 Corinthians 8:7, the verb appears in the present tense, emphasizing an ongoing or habitual action of defiling. It can be used in the active voice, where the subject causes defilement, or the passive voice, where the subject is defiled by external forces.

Person and Number:

The verb molýnō can be conjugated in the first, second, or third person, singular or plural, depending on the context of the sentence. In 1 Corinthians 8:7, the third person singular form is used.

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

According to key lexicons, μολύνω (molýnō) is associated with both literal and figurative defilement. It appears in contexts where moral purity is compromised, particularly through actions such as idolatry, sexual immorality, or participation in pagan rituals. Lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s highlight that molýnō conveys a strong sense of contamination, not only of the body but more importantly of the soul or conscience. Theological implications include the importance of maintaining spiritual purity in the face of temptations that lead to moral compromise.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. 1 Corinthians 8:7 – “However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is [defiled] (μολύνεται).”

2. Revelation 3:4 – “Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.”

3. Revelation 14:4 – “These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text with Greek Word

Plato Laws “Those who [defile] (μολύνωσιν) the gods’ sacred rites must face punishment.”

Homer Iliad “He [defiled] (μολύνε) the body of Hector with dishonorable acts.”

Septuagint Isaiah 24:5 “The earth is [defiled] (μολύνουσα) by its inhabitants.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb μολύνω (molýnō), meaning “to defile” or “to pollute,” plays a crucial role in biblical texts, especially in the context of spiritual and moral purity. It underscores how certain actions, like idol worship, can corrupt an individual’s conscience and relationship with God. Understanding this term helps readers appreciate the gravity of moral defilement in both ancient and modern spiritual practices.

Did You Know?

1. The concept of defilement (molýnō) was not only a spiritual concern but also a significant social issue in ancient Greek and Jewish cultures, often leading to ritual purification rites.

2. In Revelation, those who have not “defiled” their garments symbolize spiritual purity and the faithful remnant in Sardis.

3. The word molýnō has been used metaphorically in literature to describe the defiling of reputation, integrity, and personal honor.