from μιαίνω; (morally) contamination (properly, the act):--uncleanness.
Transliteration:miasmós
Pronunciation:mee-as-mos'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun miasmós (`{{G3394}}`) is derived from the verb miainō (`{{G3392}}`), which means "to defile," "to pollute," or "to contaminate." As a noun, miasmós specifically denotes the *act* of defilement or the *state* of contamination. The base definition emphasizes its moral dimension, signifying a spiritual or ethical impurity rather than a physical stain. It speaks to the pollution of character, mind, or soul, representing a profound moral uncleanness that separates one from holiness. Its semantic range thus encompasses concepts like pollution, defilement, and moral impurity, highlighting the corrupting nature of sin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term miasmós appears exclusively in the Second Epistle of Peter, occurring twice.
1. **[[2 Peter 2:10]]**: "and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority." Here, miasmós is linked with ἐπιθυμία (epithymia, lust) and ἀσέλγεια (aselgeia, sensuality/licentiousness). The context describes false teachers and their followers who are characterized by immoral behavior, particularly sexual immorality and a rebellious attitude towards divine authority. The "lust of defiling passion" refers to desires that inherently lead to moral contamination, illustrating how unchecked sinful desires pollute the individual. The term underscores the active nature of their defilement.
2. **[[2 Peter 2:20]]**: "For if, after they have escaped the defilements 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." In this passage, miasmós (translated as "defilements") refers to the moral pollution inherent in a life alienated from God and lived according to worldly principles. The verse speaks of those who had once come to a knowledge of Christ and, by implication, had been cleansed from these worldly pollutions, but then returned to them. This highlights the danger of apostasy and the severe consequences of relapsing into a life of sin, where the "defilements of the world" once again entrap and overcome the individual.
In both instances, miasmós consistently points to the deep-seated moral and spiritual corruption that characterizes a life apart from God or a relapse into such a life.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted, miasmós is directly related to the verb miainō (`{{G3392}}`), meaning "to defile." Other cognate nouns include míasma (`{{G3393}}`), which refers to the *result* or *state* of defilement, the pollution itself, rather than the act. While miasmós emphasizes the active process of contamination, míasma points to the accomplished state.
Other related terms in the New Testament that convey similar ideas of impurity or defilement include:
* akatharsía (`{{G167}}`): general uncleanness, often moral or sexual impurity.
* molysmós (`{{G3436}}`): defilement, pollution, often paired with akatharsía (e.g., [[2 Corinthians 7:1]]).
* koinós (`{{G2839}}`) and koinóō (`{{G2840}}`): common, defiled, to make common/unclean. These terms often relate to ritual impurity in the Gospels, but can extend to moral defilement.
The concept of miasmós stands in stark contrast to biblical themes of purity (katharótēs), holiness (hagiōsynē), and cleansing (katharismós), which are achieved through Christ's redemptive work. The Old Testament background of ritual and moral uncleanness (e.g., *ṭum'ah* in Hebrew, often translated by Greek terms related to miainō in the Septuagint) provides a rich conceptual backdrop for understanding the gravity of miasmós in the New Testament.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of miasmós is profound, underscoring several key aspects of Christian theology:
1. **The Nature of Sin**: Miasmós portrays sin not merely as a transgression of law, but as an active, contaminating force that pollutes the human spirit, mind, and body. It highlights the internal, corrupting power of sin that renders one impure in the sight of a holy God. This moral contamination affects one's entire being and relationship with the divine.
2. **The Gravity of Apostasy**: In [[2 Peter 2:20]], miasmós is central to the warning against apostasy. It reveals that turning away from the knowledge of Christ means a return to the very defilements from which one was rescued. This regression is depicted as a state worse than the initial ignorance, implying a greater culpability and a more profound spiritual degradation. It emphasizes the seriousness of rejecting divine grace and returning to a life dominated by worldly impurity.
3. **The Necessity of Christ's Cleansing**: The existence of miasmós inherently points to the urgent need for divine cleansing. The "knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" is presented as the means by which one escapes these defilements. This implicitly affirms the atoning work of Christ, whose sacrifice provides purification from all sin and moral impurity, enabling believers to live in genuine holiness.
4. **The Call to Purity**: The presence of miasmós in the world and the human heart serves as a constant reminder of the believer's call to pursue holiness and to guard against all forms of moral pollution. It underscores the ongoing spiritual struggle against the corrupting influences of the world and the flesh, urging believers to maintain the purity granted through Christ.
### Summary
Miasmós (`{{G3394}}`) signifies moral contamination or defilement, stemming from the verb "to defile." Its two occurrences in 2 Peter vividly illustrate the corrupting nature of sin, particularly in the context of the lustful behavior of false teachers ([[2 Peter 2:10]]) and the grave danger of apostasy, where individuals relapse into the "defilements of the world" after having known Christ ([[2 Peter 2:20]]). This term underscores sin as an internal, polluting force that renders one impure before God. The theological implication is clear: miasmós highlights the profound need for the cleansing power of Christ, whose knowledge provides escape from such defilements, and calls believers to a life of sustained moral purity.
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