probably from μέλας; to soil (figuratively):--defile.
Transliteration:molýnō
Pronunciation:mol-oo'-no
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word μολύνω (molýnō, `{{G3435}}`) carries the primary sense of "to soil," "to stain," or "to pollute." Its etymological root is likely connected to μέλας (melas, "black"), suggesting a literal darkening or dirtying. However, in its New Testament usage, μολύνω is consistently employed in a figurative sense, denoting moral or spiritual defilement rather than mere physical uncleanness. It describes an internal corruption or a staining of one's character, conscience, or spiritual purity. This defilement is not primarily about ritual impurity, but about a deep-seated contamination that impacts one's relationship with God and one's ethical standing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μολύνω (molýnō, `{{G3435}}`) appears three times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its nuanced meaning of spiritual or moral defilement:
* **[[1 Corinthians 8:7]]**: "However, not all possess this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol, eat food as sacrificed to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled." Here, the defilement is explicitly linked to the conscience. For those with a weak conscience, eating food offered to idols, even if the idol is recognized as nothing, causes an internal stain or corruption. It is not the food itself that defiles, but the act, perceived through a weak conscience, which compromises one's spiritual integrity and sense of purity before God. The defilement is subjective but real in its impact on the individual.
* **[[Revelation 3:4]]**: "But you have a few names in Sardis, who have not defiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy." In this context, "garments" symbolize character, deeds, or righteous standing. The church in Sardis is largely characterized as spiritually "dead," yet a remnant has maintained their moral and spiritual purity. To "not defile their garments" means they have not succumbed to the spiritual compromise, worldliness, or dead works prevalent in their midst. This speaks to a preserved blamelessness and integrity in the face of widespread spiritual decay.
* **[[Revelation 14:4]]**: "These are the ones who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb." In the highly symbolic language of Revelation, "women" often represent idolatrous systems, false religions, or the corrupting influences of the world (e.g., the "harlot" Babylon). Therefore, "not defiling themselves with women" signifies a profound spiritual purity and unwavering allegiance to Christ, rejecting any participation in the spiritual harlotry or idolatry of the world system. The description "virgins" reinforces this concept of undivided devotion and spiritual undefilement.
Across these passages, μολύνω consistently points to an internal, spiritual, or moral stain, whether it be of the conscience, one's character, or one's spiritual fidelity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of defilement is pervasive in biblical theology, and μολύνω (molýnō, `{{G3435}}`) interacts with several related terms and ideas:
* ** μιαίνω (miainō, `{{G2839}}`)**: This is a close synonym, often translated "to defile" or "to pollute." While μολύνω tends to emphasize the moral staining, μιαίνω can encompass both ritual and moral defilement, though it also extends to the conscience (e.g., [[Titus 1:15]]).
* ** μίασμα (miasma, `{{G2840}}`)** and ** μιασμός (miasmos, `{{G2841}}`)**: Nouns derived from μιαίνω, referring to defilement or pollution itself.
* ** καθαρίζω (katharizō, `{{G2513}}`)**: "To cleanse" or "to purify," serving as a direct antonym, highlighting the need for purification from defilement.
* ** ἁγνός (hagnos, `{{G40}}`)**: "Pure," "holy," or "undefiled," representing the state opposite to that described by μολύνω.
* ** σκύβαλον (skybalon, `{{G4646}}`)**: "Rubbish," "dung," or "refuse," used by Paul in [[Philippians 3:8]] to describe things he once valued but now considers worthless and defiling in comparison to Christ.
* **Concepts**: The word relates to broader theological concepts such as sin, idolatry, spiritual adultery, conscience, sanctification, and the pursuit of holiness. It stands in direct opposition to purity and blamelessness, particularly in the context of one's walk before God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μολύνω (molýnō, `{{G3435}}`) lies in its emphasis on the internal and spiritual nature of defilement. It moves beyond external ritual impurities, which were central to Old Testament law, to highlight the deeper contamination of the conscience and character.
1. **Internal Corruption**: The defilement described by μολύνω is not merely external dirt but an internal stain on one's moral or spiritual being. This underscores the New Testament's focus on the heart and mind as the true source of purity or impurity.
2. **Impact on Conscience**: [[1 Corinthians 8:7]] reveals how actions, even if objectively neutral, can defile a weak conscience, leading to guilt and a compromised sense of integrity before God. This highlights the subjective experience of sin and the need for a conscience purified by truth and faith.
3. **Spiritual Fidelity**: In Revelation, μολύνω speaks to the profound importance of spiritual purity and undivided loyalty to Christ. To be "undefiled" means resisting the pervasive spiritual harlotry and idolatry of the world, maintaining one's identity as a follower of the Lamb. This speaks to the call for radical discipleship and separation from the world's corrupting influences.
4. **Requirement for Holiness**: The existence of defilement necessitates divine cleansing and purification. The call to be "undefiled" implies a continuous striving for holiness and blamelessness, made possible through Christ's redemptive work and the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. Those who remain undefiled are promised intimate fellowship with Christ (walking in white, following the Lamb).
### Summary
μολύνω (molýnō, `{{G3435}}`) is a potent Greek term that signifies a moral or spiritual defilement, moving beyond mere physical or ritual impurity. Its core meaning is "to soil" or "to stain," but its New Testament usage consistently applies this to the conscience, character, or spiritual integrity. In [[1 Corinthians 8:7]], it describes a conscience defiled by perceived idolatry. In [[Revelation 3:4]] and [[Revelation 14:4]], it denotes the preservation of moral purity and undivided spiritual allegiance to Christ in the face of worldly or spiritual corruption. Theologically, μολύνω underscores the internal nature of sin and defilement, the vital importance of a pure conscience, and the necessity of maintaining spiritual fidelity to God, contrasting sharply with the divine call to holiness and blamelessness.
TRV