of uncertain affinity; soft, i.e. fine (clothing); figuratively, a catamite:--effeminate, soft.
Transliteration:malakós
Pronunciation:mal-ak-os'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective μαλακός (malakós, `{{G3120}}`) fundamentally denotes "softness." Its semantic range extends from a literal, physical quality to a profound figurative and ethical meaning.
Literally, μαλακός describes that which is pliable, yielding, or delicate to the touch. This can apply to materials like fabrics, indicating fineness, comfort, or luxury.
Figuratively, the term takes on a significantly negative connotation, referring to a lack of moral fortitude, discipline, or strength. In this sense, it can imply "effeminacy," "weakness," or "wantonness." When used in a sexual context, particularly in the New Testament, it often refers to the passive partner in a same-sex sexual act, or more broadly, to individuals characterized by moral softness, self-indulgence, and a lack of self-control, especially in matters of sexual morality. The shift from physical softness to moral weakness is a common linguistic phenomenon where physical attributes are used metaphorically to describe character.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word μαλακός (malakós, `{{G3120}}`) appears in the New Testament in two distinct contexts, illustrating both its literal and figurative meanings:
1. **Literal Sense (Clothing):** In [[Matthew 11:8]] and [[Luke 7:25]], μαλακός is used to describe "soft clothing" (ἐν μαλακοῖς ἱματίοις). This occurs in Jesus' discourse concerning John the Baptist. Jesus contrasts John's austere appearance with those who wear "soft clothing" and live in "kings' palaces." Here, μαλακός signifies luxurious, comfortable, and perhaps effeminate attire, symbolic of worldly wealth, indulgence, and a life of ease, starkly opposed to the rugged, prophetic lifestyle of John. It highlights a distinction between worldly values and the spiritual commitment demanded by the kingdom of God.
2. **Figurative/Ethical Sense (Moral Character):** The most significant and ethically charged use of μαλακός is found in [[1 Corinthians 6:9]]. Paul lists various categories of unrighteous individuals who "will not inherit the kingdom of God." Among this list, μαλακοί (malakoi, the plural form of μαλακός) appears alongside ἀρσενοκοῖται (arsenokoitai, `{{G733}}`, "men who practice homosexuality" or "sodomites").
The precise nuance of μαλακοί in this context has been a subject of extensive scholarly debate.
* Some interpret μαλακοί as generally "effeminate" men, referring to a lack of manliness, self-control, or moral discipline, which could manifest in various forms of vice, including sexual ones. This view emphasizes a broader moral weakness or lack of spiritual resolve.
* However, given its direct pairing with ἀρσενοκοῖται, many scholars understand μαλακοί more specifically to refer to the passive or receptive partner in homosexual acts, or more broadly, those characterized by effeminacy in a sexual context. The term thus describes a moral depravity rooted in a surrender to sensual desires, often associated with a rejection of normative gender roles and sexual ethics. This usage underscores a deep moral failing that stands in opposition to God's righteous standards.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of μαλακός (malakós, `{{G3120}}`) can be further illuminated by examining related terms and concepts:
* **Antonyms:** Concepts of "hardness" or "rigor" stand in opposition to μαλακός. For instance, σκληρός (sklēros, `{{G4642}}`) means "hard" or "harsh." The call to "be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" (ἀνδρίζομαι, andrizomai, `{{G407}}`) in [[1 Corinthians 16:13]] provides a conceptual antonym to the moral "softness" implied by μαλακός.
* **Synonyms/Associated Concepts (Literal):** In the context of clothing, πολυτελής (polytelēs, `{{G4185}}`, "costly" or "expensive") and τρυφή (tryphē, `{{G5172}}`, "luxury" or "wantonness") are conceptually related to the indulgence suggested by "soft clothing."
* **Synonyms/Associated Concepts (Figurative/Moral):** When referring to moral weakness, μαλακός is closely linked to:
* ἀσέλγεια (aselgeia, `{{G766}}`): licentiousness, sensuality, wantonness, often implying a shameless disregard for decency.
* πορνεία (porneia, `{{G4202}}`): sexual immorality in a general sense.
* ἀρσενοκοῖται (arsenokoitai, `{{G733}}`): homosexual offenders, the term directly paired with μαλακοί in [[1 Corinthians 6:9]], suggesting a specific and severe form of sexual sin.
* Lack of ἐγκράτεια (enkrateia, `{{G1466}}`): self-control, a virtue directly opposed to the self-indulgence implied by μαλακός.
* **Old Testament Echoes:** While no direct Hebrew lexical equivalent perfectly matches the nuanced figurative sense of μαλακός, the Old Testament frequently condemns sexual perversion and effeminacy (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 22:5]] regarding cross-dressing, [[Leviticus 18:22]] regarding homosexual acts), emphasizing strict adherence to God's created order and moral purity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μαλακός (malakós, `{{G3120}}`) is twofold, reflecting its literal and figurative uses:
1. **Critique of Worldly Indulgence:** In its literal sense, μαλακός highlights a tension between worldly comfort and spiritual commitment. The "soft clothing" of those in palaces stands in stark contrast to the austere life of John the Baptist and the self-denial called for by Christ. This usage serves as a theological warning against the pursuit of luxury, ease, and material comfort over spiritual discipline and dedication to God's kingdom. It suggests that an excessive focus on worldly comforts can distract from or even undermine true spiritual pursuit.
2. **Condemnation of Moral and Sexual Impurity:** The figurative use of μαλακός in [[1 Corinthians 6:9]] carries profound theological weight concerning Christian ethics and the nature of salvation.
* It unequivocally places "moral softness" or "effeminacy" (especially in its sexual connotation) among behaviors that exclude individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God. This underscores the seriousness of sexual sin and moral laxity in God's eyes.
* The pairing with ἀρσενοκοῖται (homosexual offenders) emphasizes that certain sexual practices are antithetical to God's design and will. Regardless of whether μαλακοί refers to the passive partner in homosexual acts or a broader category of morally weak individuals susceptible to sexual vice, it points to a departure from God's created order and a failure to live according to His righteous standards.
* Theological implications include a strong affirmation of moral purity, self-control, and adherence to God's design for humanity, particularly in areas of sexuality. It challenges believers to cultivate inner strength and resist any form of moral compromise that arises from a lack of discipline or a surrender to illicit desires. The passage serves as a call to repentance and transformation, emphasizing that such "softness" is incompatible with the new life in Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word μαλακός (malakós, `{{G3120}}`) primarily means "soft." Its usage in the New Testament reveals both a literal and a highly significant figurative meaning. Literally, it describes "soft clothing" ([[Matthew 11:8]], [[Luke 7:25]]), symbolizing worldly luxury and a life of ease, contrasting with spiritual austerity. Figuratively and more critically, in [[1 Corinthians 6:9]], μαλακός denotes moral "softness" or "effeminacy," often understood in a sexual context to refer to those lacking self-control or engaging in passive homosexual acts. This ethical usage places μαλακός among behaviors that are incompatible with inheriting the kingdom of God, underscoring the biblical call to moral strength, self-discipline, and purity in contrast to worldly indulgence and sexual immorality.
TRV