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Unveiling the Word

The Greek word μυλικός (mylikós) is significant in Biblical studies due to its usage in describing important elements of ancient life and culture. Found in Mark 9:42, this word conveys a sense of something substantial and heavy, symbolically and literally. In the context of the New Testament, it refers to a millstone—a large stone used for grinding grain into flour. Understanding mylikós sheds light on both the physical and metaphorical weight that Jesus used to illustrate serious consequences for causing others to sin. In ancient Greek culture, milling was a common activity, and millstones were well-known objects, making the metaphor vivid for listeners of Jesus’ time.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μυλικός (mylikós), pronounced mü-lee-KOS.

Etymology: The word μυλικός is derived from μύλος (mýlos), meaning “mill” or “millstone.” The suffix -ικός denotes something related to or characteristic of, so mylikós means “pertaining to a mill” or “millstone.”

Part of Speech: Adjective. It is used in the Bible to describe an object related to a millstone or a large, grinding stone. Its usage conveys both literal and figurative meaning, particularly in Jesus’ teachings about judgment and consequences.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Pertaining to a Millstone: In Mark 9:42, mylikós is used to describe a large millstone, often used in the context of grinding grain. Millstones were fundamental tools in ancient agrarian societies, so the metaphor would resonate deeply with the original audience.

2. Symbolizing a Burdensome Weight: Beyond its literal meaning, mylikós can be understood metaphorically. In the context of Jesus’ warning about leading others astray, the millstone represents a significant, crushing weight—an image of severe punishment or consequence for wrongdoing.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μύλος (mýlos) [pronunciation: MOO-los]: This word directly refers to a millstone itself, while mylikós is the adjective form, referring to something related to or characteristic of a millstone. Mýlos is the foundational word from which mylikós is derived.

2. λίθος (líthos) [pronunciation: LEE-thos]: This term refers to any stone or rock. While líthos can refer to various stones, mylikós specifically relates to millstones.

3. βάρος (báros) [pronunciation: BAH-ros]: Meaning “weight” or “burden,” báros shares a conceptual similarity with mylikós, especially in its metaphorical sense of representing a heavy burden.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjectives:

• Mylikós is an adjective and agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. In Mark 9:42, the phrase is μυλικός λίθος (“a millstone”), where μυλικός modifies the masculine noun λίθος (“stone”).

• Case, Number, Gender: In this context, μυλικός is masculine, singular, and nominative, agreeing with the noun λίθος.

• Declension:

Case Singular Plural

Nominative μυλικός μυλικοί

Genitive μυλικοῦ μυλικών

Dative μυλικῷ μυλικοῖς

Accusative μυλικόν μυλικούς

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word μυλικός is mostly understood in connection with physical objects, specifically millstones. Lexicons point to its usage in agrarian contexts, where large stones were employed for grinding grain. This term is rare in the New Testament, appearing in the context of warnings about severe consequences for sin. The metaphorical weight of a millstone, especially when tied around one’s neck, symbolizes a serious and burdensome consequence. In Greek literature, mylikós was also used to describe various tools and mechanisms related to mills, reflecting the importance of grinding and food preparation in ancient societies.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Mark 9:42 – “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone [μυλικός] were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text with Greek Word

Plato Republic “The stone grinder [μυλικός] worked tirelessly, producing flour.”

Herodotus Histories “He turned the millstone [μυλικός] to provide for his family.”

Septuagint Judges “The millstone [μυλικός] crushed the grain for the offering.”

Noteworthy Summary

The word μυλικός (mylikós) in Greek refers to something pertaining to a millstone. In Mark 9:42, it is used metaphorically to describe the severe consequences for leading others into sin. The imagery of a heavy millstone tied around one’s neck and thrown into the sea conveys the seriousness of causing spiritual harm to others. In its literal sense, mylikós was used in ancient Greek culture to describe objects related to milling, which was a vital part of daily life in agrarian societies. This word, while infrequent in the New Testament, holds significant weight in its message and meaning.

Did You Know?

1. Millstones like the mylikós were often so large that they had to be turned by animals, not humans, illustrating the tremendous burden the word implies.

2. Jesus’ use of mylikós in Mark 9:42 connects a familiar everyday object with a profound spiritual warning, making it accessible and powerful for his audience.

3. Millstones were symbols of life-sustaining labor, but in the wrong context, they became symbols of judgment and punishment.