### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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