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.
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.
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.
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.
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