The Greek word mólis, represented by G3433, conveys the meaning with difficulty. It appears 6 times in 6 unique verses, where it is translated as hardly, scarce(-ly), or as part of the phrase with much work. This term consistently points to an action or achievement that is only accomplished through great effort or by a narrow margin.
In its biblical usage, G3433 describes both physical and spiritual struggles. During a perilous sea voyage, the crew found it difficult to make progress, hardly passing a location Acts 27:8 and having much work just to secure the ship's boat Acts 27:16. On a missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas could scarce restrain the people from offering them sacrifice Acts 14:18. Theologically, the word is used to frame a powerful argument about salvation, questioning how the ungodly will fare if the righteous themselves are scarcely saved 1 Peter 4:18.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which great difficulty is encountered:
- G1342 díkaios (just, meet, right(-eous)): This term describes the individual for whom one would scarcely die Romans 5:7 and who is scarcely saved, emphasizing the high standard being met with such difficulty 1 Peter 4:18.
- G4982 sṓzō (to save, i.e. deliver or protect): This is the action that is accomplished with difficulty. The declaration that the righteous are scarcely saved highlights the profound challenge involved in salvation 1 Peter 4:18.
- G2480 ischýō (to have (or exercise) force): This word appears with mólis to express the idea of having "much work" or immense trouble in a task, such as the sailors' struggle to control their boat in a storm Acts 27:16.
The theological and thematic weight of G3433 is significant despite its infrequent use.
- The Difficulty of Salvation: Its use in 1 Peter 4:18 is a cornerstone for the theme that salvation is not a light or easy matter. It underscores that if the path for the righteous G1342 is already a struggle, the fate of the ungodly G765 and the sinner G268 is dire.
- The Measure of Human Sacrifice: In Romans 5:7, the statement that one would scarcely die for a righteous person serves as a baseline for human devotion. It powerfully contrasts with the greater love shown by Christ, who died for the ungodly.
- Struggle Against Opposition: The word illustrates intense effort in the face of obstacles, whether it is Paul and Barnabas opposing a crowd's misguided worship Acts 14:18 or sailors fighting against a storm Acts 27:7.
In summary, G3433 is a focused term that communicates a sense of intense struggle and narrow success. From the physical exertion required to navigate a storm to the profound spiritual effort connected to salvation, mólis consistently highlights that the outcome is in doubt and is achieved only with difficulty. It serves as a reminder that significant achievements, both temporal and eternal, often require immense effort.
TRV