### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb miaínō (`{{G3392}}`) carries the fundamental meaning of "to sully," "to taint," or "to contaminate." Its semantic range extends to both ceremonial and moral defilement, indicating a state of impurity that renders something or someone unfit for sacred use or morally corrupt. At its core, miaínō describes the act of making something unclean, thereby separating it from a state of purity, holiness, or integrity. It implies a process by which something once clean becomes stained or polluted, whether physically, ritually, or spiritually. This defilement is not merely superficial but can penetrate to the very essence, affecting one's conscience and inner being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While not extensively used in the New Testament, the occurrences of miaínō (`{{G3392}}`) are highly significant, particularly in their moral and spiritual implications.
In [[Titus 1:15]], Paul declares, "To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but even their mind and their conscience are defiled." Here, miaínō describes an internal defilement of the "mind" (νοῦς, nous) and "conscience" (συνείδησις, syneidēsis). This highlights that impurity is not merely about external actions but originates from a corrupted inner state, influencing one's perception and judgment. For those whose inner being is defiled, even things that are inherently pure become tainted through their impure lens.
[[Hebrews 12:15]] warns believers to "see to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled." The defilement here is presented as a consequence of "a root of bitterness," which, left unchecked, can spread its contaminating influence throughout a community, corrupting and polluting many. This points to the communal and contagious nature of spiritual defilement.
In [[Jude 1:8]], miaínō is used in the context of false teachers who "defile the flesh, reject authority, and malign celestial beings." While "defile the flesh" could have physical implications (e.g., sexual immorality), in the broader context of Jude's letter, it speaks to a comprehensive moral corruption that undermines the very fabric of spiritual life and order.
Finally, [[Revelation 14:4]] describes the 144,000 as "those who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins." In this apocalyptic context, "defilement with women" is largely understood metaphorically, representing spiritual idolatry and impurity, particularly involvement with the corrupt systems of the world (symbolized elsewhere as "Babylon the harlot"). It signifies a state of unblemished spiritual loyalty and purity unto Christ.
Across these contexts, miaínō consistently points to a serious state of impurity, whether originating from within (mind, conscience), spreading through a community (bitterness), or manifesting in moral and spiritual corruption (flesh, idolatry).
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of defilement expressed by miaínō (`{{G3392}}`) is closely related to several other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **ἀκάθαρτος (akathartos, `{{G169}}`):** "Unclean," "impure." This adjective often describes the state that results from miaínō or is the inherent quality of something defiled. It has strong Old Testament roots in ceremonial purity laws.
* **μολύνω (molynō, `{{G3435}}`):** "To stain," "to defile." This verb is very close in meaning to miaínō, often used interchangeably, particularly in the sense of moral or spiritual pollution. For example, [[1 Corinthians 8:7]] speaks of consciences being "defiled" (molynō) by eating food offered to idols.
* **κοινόω (koinóō, `{{G2840}}`):** "To make common," "to defile." This term often relates to ceremonial defilement, making something ritually impure or profane by treating it as common or unholy, as seen in discussions about food in [[Mark 7:15-23]]. While distinct, koinóō can lead to the state of impurity described by miaínō.
* **ῥυπαρός (rhypáros, `{{G4509}}`):** "Filthy," "dirty." This adjective describes physical or moral uncleanness.
Conversely, miaínō stands in stark contrast to words signifying purity and holiness:
* **ἁγνός (hagnos, `{{G53}}`):** "Pure," "holy," "chaste." Describes moral and spiritual purity.
* **καθαρός (katharos, `{{G2513}}`):** "Clean," "pure." Often used for ritual cleanliness or moral purity.
* **ἁγιασμός (hagiasmos, `{{G38}}`):** "Sanctification," "holiness." The process or state of being set apart for God's purposes, implying freedom from defilement.
The Old Testament concept of "uncleanness" (e.g., Hebrew ṭāmēʾ, `{{H2930}}`) and the elaborate purity laws found in Leviticus provide the foundational theological backdrop for understanding miaínō. These laws distinguished between the clean and the unclean, emphasizing the separation necessary for a holy people to approach a holy God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of miaínō (`{{G3392}}`) is profound, highlighting the pervasive nature of sin and its capacity to corrupt. It underscores that defilement is not merely an external act but a deep-seated condition that affects one's inner being—mind, conscience, and spirit. This internal corruption renders individuals unfit for true worship and communion with a holy God.
The New Testament's use of miaínō transcends the purely ceremonial defilement of the Old Covenant, emphasizing moral and spiritual impurity. This shift reveals that true defilement is a matter of the heart and mind, impacting one's relationship with God and others. A defiled mind cannot properly discern God's truth, and a defiled conscience cannot rightly judge between good and evil.
The warnings against defilement (e.g., [[Hebrews 12:15]], [[Jude 1:8]]) serve as urgent calls for believers to guard their hearts and minds against the insidious influences of sin, bitterness, and false teaching. The presence of defilement indicates a departure from God's grace and a hindrance to spiritual growth.
Ultimately, the need for purification from defilement points directly to the salvific work of Jesus Christ. Only through His atoning sacrifice and the cleansing power of His blood can the defiled mind and conscience be made pure. The call to live undefiled lives, as seen in [[Revelation 14:4]], is a testament to the transformative power of Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to maintain spiritual purity in a fallen world and to stand blameless before God.
### Summary
Miaínō (`{{G3392}}`) signifies the act of sullying, tainting, or contaminating, encompassing both ceremonial and, more prominently in the New Testament, moral and spiritual defilement. It describes a state of impurity that renders individuals or their inner faculties (mind, conscience) unfit for holy purposes or true communion with God. Key biblical occurrences in [[Titus 1:15]], [[Hebrews 12:15]], [[Jude 1:8]], and [[Revelation 14:4]] demonstrate its application to internal corruption, the spread of sin within communities, and spiritual apostasy. The word stands in stark contrast to concepts of purity and holiness (e.g., akathartos vs. katharos). Theologically, miaínō underscores the pervasive nature of sin's corrupting influence and highlights humanity's desperate need for the cleansing and purifying work of Jesus Christ, enabling believers to pursue lives of spiritual integrity and devotion.
TRV