from μιαίνω ("miasma"); (morally) foulness (properly, the effect):--pollution.
Transliteration:míasma
Pronunciation:mee'-as-mah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun μίασμα (G3393), transliterated as *míasma*, denotes a state of moral foulness or pollution. Derived from the verb μιαίνω (G3392), meaning "to defile" or "to pollute," μίασμα specifically refers to the *result* or *effect* of such defilement. It describes the state of being corrupted or stained, rather than the act of defiling itself. In its New Testament usage, the term carries a profoundly moral and spiritual connotation, moving beyond mere ritual impurity to describe deep-seated ethical corruption. It signifies a contamination that affects the inner person, rendering one morally unclean and unfit for communion with God. The semantic range thus centers on the inherent uncleanness that arises from sinful practices and worldly corruption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μίασμα (G3393) appears only once in the New Testament, in the plural form μιάσματα (*miasmatá*), in [[2 Peter 2:20]]. This singular occurrence, however, is highly significant and sheds considerable light on its meaning within a theological context:
> "For if, after they have escaped the defilements (μιάσματα) of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first." ([[2 Peter 2:20]])
In this passage, Peter is warning against apostasy and the dangers of false teachers. The "defilements of the world" (τὰ μιάσματα τοῦ κόσμου) refers to the corrupting influences, immoral practices, and sinful ways characteristic of the unregenerate world system. These are not merely external ritualistic impurities but pervasive moral pollutions that contaminate the soul. The phrase "escaped... through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" underscores the transformative power of salvation, which delivers believers from the dominion and defiling effects of sin. The knowledge of Christ is presented as the means by which one is liberated from these pollutions. The severe warning that follows — that returning to these defilements leads to a worse state — emphasizes the grave spiritual peril of backsliding into the very corruptions from which one was delivered. It highlights the seriousness of moral defilement in God's eyes and the responsibility of believers to maintain their purity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of μίασμα (G3393) is enriched by examining its relationship to other terms in the biblical lexicon:
* **Root Verb:** μιαίνω (G3392) - "to defile, pollute, stain." This is the direct verbal root, indicating the *act* of defiling, of which μίασμα is the *result* or *state*. For example, [[Titus 1:15]] speaks of those whose minds and consciences are "defiled" (μεμιαμμένοις).
* **Synonyms/Closely Related:**
* μολυσμός (G3430) - "defilement, pollution." This term is very close in meaning to μίασμα, also referring to moral contamination, as seen in [[2 Corinthians 7:1]] where believers are exhorted to cleanse themselves from "all defilement of body and spirit."
* ἀκαθαρσία (G206) - "uncleanness, impurity." A broader term often used for moral impurity, sexual immorality, or general spiritual defilement (e.g., [[Romans 1:24]], [[Ephesians 5:3]]).
* ῥυπαρία (G4507) - "filthiness, moral impurity." Used in [[James 1:21]] to describe the "filthiness and rampant wickedness" that believers must put away.
* **Contrast:** The concept of μίασμα stands in stark contrast to biblical terms for purity, holiness, and sanctification. These include:
* ἁγνός (G53) - "pure, holy."
* ἁγιασμός (G38) - "sanctification, holiness."
* καθαρισμός (G251) - "cleansing, purification." The need for cleansing from μιάσματα points to the redemptive work of Christ, who purifies His people.
The consistent New Testament emphasis on purity, both inward and outward, underscores the grave nature of μίασμα as a spiritual disease that separates humanity from a holy God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μίασμα (G3393) is profound, touching upon the nature of sin, the holiness of God, and the work of redemption.
1. **Sin as Defilement:** The term highlights sin not merely as a transgression of law but as a polluting, corrupting force. It is something that stains the soul, contaminates the conscience, and renders individuals morally unclean before a holy God. This concept moves beyond external acts to the internal state of the heart and mind. The "defilements of the world" are the very essence of sin's pervasive influence.
2. **God's Absolute Holiness:** The existence and condemnation of μιάσματα underscore the absolute purity and holiness of God. As a perfectly holy being, God cannot tolerate any form of moral defilement. This necessitates a divine provision for cleansing and purification for humanity to enter into His presence.
3. **Redemption as Cleansing:** The escape from the "defilements of the world" through the knowledge of Christ ([[2 Peter 2:20]]) powerfully portrays salvation as a work of purification. Christ's atoning work not only forgives sins but also cleanses believers from their defilement, enabling them to live lives of purity. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of Christ as the one who purifies His people (e.g., [[Titus 2:14]], [[Hebrews 9:14]]).
4. **The Call to Ongoing Sanctification:** While salvation delivers from the *dominion* of these defilements, the warning in [[2 Peter 2:20]] implies an ongoing struggle. Believers are called to actively resist and abstain from the pollutions of the world, pursuing progressive sanctification. To return to these μιάσματα is a serious spiritual regression, indicating a failure to appreciate the transformative power of Christ and a betrayal of one's newfound purity. It underscores the necessity of vigilance and perseverance in faith.
### Summary
The Greek term μίασμα (G3393) refers to the state or effect of moral foulness and pollution, derived from the verb meaning "to defile." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[2 Peter 2:20]] describes the "defilements of the world" (μιάσματα τοῦ κόσμου), emphasizing the pervasive moral corruption from which believers are delivered through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. The term underscores sin as a deeply defiling force that contaminates the inner person, standing in stark contrast to the absolute holiness of God. The theological significance of μίασμα lies in its portrayal of sin as spiritual pollution, the necessity of God's cleansing work through Christ for salvation, and the ongoing call for believers to maintain purity and resist returning to the world's corrupting influences. It serves as a solemn reminder of the seriousness of spiritual defilement and the profound grace of purification offered in Christ.
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