from μαλακός; softness, i.e. enervation (debility):--disease.
Transliteration:malakía
Pronunciation:mal-ak-ee'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term *malakía* (`{{G3119}}`) derives from the adjective *malakós* (`{{G3120}}`), meaning "soft." Its primary semantic range encompasses the literal sense of "softness" and extends metaphorically to "weakness," "debility," "enervation," and "effeminacy." In a physical context, it denotes a state of being unwell, lacking strength, or suffering from an ailment. While the root *malakós* can carry negative moral connotations (e.g., effeminacy, lack of moral fortitude), *malakía* in the New Testament consistently refers to physical infirmity or disease, signifying a condition of physical softness or weakness that manifests as illness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *malakía* appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in Matthew, always in the plural form ("all kinds of disease" or "every disease"). Its usage is highly consistent, referring to the various physical ailments that Jesus healed during His earthly ministry.
* **[[Matthew 4:23]]**: "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people." Here, *malakía* is paired with *nosos* (`{{G3554}}`, "sickness" or "specific disease"), indicating a comprehensive scope of physical ailments. The phrase "all kinds of" (πᾶσαν) emphasizes the universality of human suffering that Jesus addressed.
* **[[Matthew 9:35]]**: "Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." This verse echoes the language of [[Matthew 4:23]], reinforcing the breadth of Jesus' healing power over all forms of physical debility.
* **[[Matthew 10:1]]**: "And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease." This is a pivotal verse, as Jesus commissions His disciples with the same authority He demonstrated. The ability to heal *malakía* is presented as an integral part of the disciples' mission, signifying the extension of God's redemptive power through them.
In all occurrences, *malakía* describes the physical conditions that Jesus and His disciples miraculously cured, highlighting His compassion and divine authority over the consequences of a fallen world.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of *malakía* is closely intertwined with other terms describing human weakness and suffering in the New Testament:
* **`{{G3120}}` *malakós***: The root word, meaning "soft." While *malakía* in the Gospels refers to physical disease, *malakós* itself can carry a moral connotation, as seen in [[1 Corinthians 6:9]], where it is used to describe "effeminate" individuals or male prostitutes, indicating a moral softness or lack of self-control. This highlights the importance of distinguishing between the specific New Testament usage of *malakía* as physical illness and the broader semantic range of its root.
* **`{{G3554}}` *nosos***: Often translated "sickness" or "disease," *nosos* frequently appears alongside *malakía* (e.g., [[Matthew 4:23]], [[Matthew 9:35]], [[Matthew 10:1]]). While both refer to illness, *nosos* might imply a more specific or acute ailment, whereas *malakía* captures a broader sense of physical debility or infirmity.
* **`{{G769}}` *astheneia***: Meaning "weakness" or "infirmity." This term has a wider application, encompassing physical weakness, spiritual weakness, or general human frailty (e.g., [[Romans 8:26]], [[2 Corinthians 12:9-10]]). While *malakía* specifically denotes disease, *astheneia* represents a more general state of lack of strength, which can include illness.
* **`{{G2556}}` *kakos***: Meaning "evil," "bad," or "harmful." This term can describe various forms of affliction or suffering, including physical harm, but is much broader than *malakía*.
The consistent pairing of *malakía* with *nosos* in the Gospels suggests a comprehensive description of the various forms of physical suffering prevalent in Jesus' time.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of *malakía* in the Gospels, always in the context of Jesus' healing ministry, carries profound theological significance:
1. **Demonstration of Divine Authority:** Jesus' ability to heal "every disease" (*pasan malakían*) underscores His divine authority over the brokenness of the created order. It is a tangible sign of the inbreaking of the Kingdom of God, where the effects of sin and the curse are being rolled back.
2. **Compassion for Humanity:** The frequent mention of *malakía* highlights the pervasive suffering of humanity. Jesus' active pursuit of healing demonstrates His deep compassion and empathy for those afflicted, embodying God's love for His creation.
3. **Messianic Identity:** The healing of *malakía* fulfills Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's ministry (e.g., [[Isaiah 53:4]], [[Isaiah 35:5-6]]). Jesus' power over disease is a clear indicator of His identity as the promised deliverer.
4. **Inauguration of the Kingdom:** The eradication of *malakía* signifies the reality of God's reign. In the Kingdom, sickness and suffering, which are consequences of the fall, are overcome. Jesus' healings are not merely isolated miracles but foretastes of the complete restoration to come.
5. **Empowerment of Disciples:** The commission of the disciples to heal *malakía* (e.g., [[Matthew 10:1]]) demonstrates that the power of the Kingdom is not limited to Jesus alone but is extended to His followers. This signifies the ongoing mission of the church to alleviate suffering and proclaim the good news of God's redemptive power.
### Summary
The Greek word *malakía* (`{{G3119}}`), derived from the concept of "softness," is consistently used in the New Testament to denote physical "disease" or "debility." Primarily found in the Gospel of Matthew, it always appears in the plural, describing the "all kinds of" or "every" sickness and disease that Jesus miraculously healed. Paired with *nosos* (`{{G3554}}`), it emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the physical ailments addressed by Christ. Theologically, *malakía* highlights the pervasive suffering of humanity, the compassionate and authoritative nature of Jesus' ministry as the Messiah, and the tangible manifestation of the Kingdom of God. Furthermore, its inclusion in the disciples' commission underscores the ongoing extension of divine healing power through His followers. While its root *malakós* can have moral connotations, *malakía* in the biblical text exclusively refers to physical infirmity, serving as a powerful testament to Christ's victory over the brokenness of the world.
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