### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **miasmós**, represented by `{{G3394}}`, denotes a state of moral **uncleanness**. Derived from a word meaning "to contaminate," its core definition is a moral contamination. This term is exceptionally rare in scripture, appearing only **1 time** across **1 unique verse**, giving its single usage significant weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G3394}}` is in [[2 Peter 2:10]], where it describes those who walk "after the flesh in the lust of **uncleanness**." This context firmly establishes **miasmós** as a moral defilement linked to fleshly desires. The passage further characterizes these individuals as those who **despise** `{{G2706}}` government `{{G2963}}`, and are **presumptuous** `{{G5113}}` and **selfwilled** `{{G829}}`. They are described as being **not** `{{G3756}}` **afraid** `{{G5141}}` to **speak evil** `{{G987}}` of **dignities** `{{G1391}}`, connecting this internal uncleanness to outward acts of rebellion and disrespect for authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[2 Peter 2:10]] help to clarify the meaning of `{{G3394}}`:
* `{{G1939}}` **epithymía** (a longing (especially for what is forbidden)): This is the direct driver of the **uncleanness**, as seen in the phrase "the **lust** of the flesh" [[Galatians 5:16]].
* `{{G4561}}` **sárx** (flesh): This refers to human nature with its frailties and passions, the sphere in which the **lust** `{{G1939}}` and **uncleanness** `{{G3394}}` operate. For example, the Word was made **flesh** [[John 1:14]].
* `{{G2706}}` **kataphronéō** (to think against, i.e. disesteem): This word describes the rebellious attitude that accompanies this moral contamination, such as to **despise** government [[2 Peter 2:10]] or one of two masters [[Matthew 6:24]].
* `{{G829}}` **authádēs** (self-pleasing, i.e. arrogant): This highlights the prideful nature of those marked by this **uncleanness**. A bishop, in contrast, must not be **selfwilled** [[Titus 1:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3394}}` is concentrated in its single, pointed usage.
* **Moral, Not Ceremonial:** Unlike other forms of uncleanness, **miasmós** in this context is explicitly a moral contamination, stemming from internal **lust** `{{G1939}}` rather than external ritual violation.
* **Contempt for Authority:** The passage directly links this state of **uncleanness** with a spirit of rebellion. Those who walk in it **despise** `{{G2706}}` government `{{G2963}}` and are not afraid to **speak evil** `{{G987}}` of **dignities** `{{G1391}}`.
* **The Character of False Teachers:** The description in [[2 Peter 2:10]] is part of a larger warning against false teachers. Their defining marks include being **presumptuous** `{{G5113}}` and **selfwilled** `{{G829}}`, attitudes that are born from a state of moral **uncleanness** `{{G3394}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3394}}` **miasmós** is a potent and specific term for **uncleanness**. Though used only once, its context in [[2 Peter 2:10]] defines it clearly as a moral contamination. It is not an abstract impurity, but a defilement rooted in the **lust** `{{G1939}}` of the **flesh** `{{G4561}}`, which manifests outwardly as arrogance, rebellion, and a contempt for divine and earthly authority.
TRV