### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **míasma**, represented by `{{G3393}}`, refers to moral **foulness** or **pollution**. It appears **1** time in **1** unique verse in the Bible. The term describes the contaminating effect of the world's moral corruption, a defilement from which one can be cleansed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G3393}}` is in [[2 Peter 2:20]], where it is central to a warning against falling back into a former way of life. The verse describes those who have "escaped the **pollutions** of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." The context warns that if they become entangled and overcome by this foulness again, their final state is worse than their initial one. This highlights **pollution** as a spiritual danger that requires a definitive escape.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its biblical context help clarify the meaning of `{{G3393}}`:
* `{{G668}}` **apopheúgō** (to escape): This verb is directly paired with `{{G3393}}` to describe the action of getting away from the world's pollutions [[2 Peter 2:20]]. It signifies a definite flight from moral corruption.
* `{{G2889}}` **kósmos** (world): This word identifies the source of the **pollutions**. The Bible speaks of the **world** not just as the physical earth, but as an orderly arrangement that can be a source of moral defilement from which believers are saved ([[John 3:16]], [[2 Peter 2:20]]).
* `{{G1707}}` **emplékō** (to entwine, involve with): This word describes the danger of becoming trapped once more in the very pollutions one has escaped. It is used to warn against being **entangled** again, which leads to a worse state [[2 Peter 2:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3393}}` is significant, despite its single appearance. It underscores key concepts regarding salvation and sanctification.
* **The World as a Source of Defilement:** The term establishes the **world** `{{G2889}}` as a system containing moral **pollutions** that stain an individual. This defilement is something that must be actively escaped [[2 Peter 2:20]].
* **Knowledge of Christ as the Means of Escape:** Deliverance from these **pollutions** is achieved "through the knowledge `{{G1922}}` of the Lord `{{G2962}}` and Saviour `{{G4990}}` Jesus Christ" [[2 Peter 2:20]]. This connects freedom from sin directly to a personal, experiential knowledge of Jesus.
* **The Peril of Apostasy:** The passage warns that to be **entangled** `{{G1707}}` again in these pollutions after having escaped them leads to a condition that "is worse `{{G5501}}` with them than the beginning" [[2 Peter 2:20]]. This emphasizes the serious nature of turning away from the faith.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3393}}` **míasma** provides a powerful and specific image of moral and spiritual contamination. Its sole use in Scripture serves as a stark warning, framing the world as a source of defilement and presenting the knowledge of Jesus Christ as the only means of escape. The concept illustrates the critical importance of remaining free from the spiritual **pollution** from which a believer has been cleansed, lest they fall into an even worse state.
TRV