### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **molýnō**, represented by `{{G3435}}`, means to soil or, figuratively, to defile. It appears 5 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. Based on its root, likely from the word for "black," it conveys the idea of staining or contaminating something, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G3435}}` consistently refers to a state of spiritual impurity rather than physical dirtiness. In 1 Corinthians, it is used to describe how a person's conscience can be **defiled**. For those whose **conscience** is weak, eating food associated with an **idol** morally stains them [[1 Corinthians 8:7]]. In the book of Revelation, the term is used to describe those who have maintained their spiritual purity. Some in the church of Sardis had not **defiled** their **garments** [[Revelation 3:4]], while the 144,000 are described as those who were not **defiled** with women, as they are "virgins" [[Revelation 14:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which this defilement occurs:
* `{{G4893}}` **syneídēsis** (moral consciousness:--conscience): This is the part of a person that can be **defiled** by actions perceived as sinful, as seen when a weak **conscience** is stained by eating food offered to idols [[1 Corinthians 8:7]].
* `{{G2440}}` **himátion** (a dress (inner or outer):--apparel, cloke, clothes, garment, raiment, robe, vesture): This is used symbolically to represent a person's spiritual state. To have undefiled **garments** signifies righteousness and worthiness [[Revelation 3:4]].
* `{{G1494}}` **eidōlóthyton** (an image-sacrifice, i.e. part of an idolatrous offering:--(meat, thing that is) offered (in sacrifice, sacrificed) to (unto) idols): This is the object that can cause a weak conscience to become **defiled**, highlighting the polluting influence of idolatry [[1 Corinthians 8:7]].
* `{{G1497}}` **eídōlon** (an image (i.e. for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such:--idol): This is the source of the defiling practice in 1 Corinthians, where a person's "conscience of the **idol**" leads to their defilement [[1 Corinthians 8:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3435}}` centers on the nature of spiritual purity.
* **Internal Defilement:** The term emphasizes that defilement is not merely an external act but an internal state. A weak **conscience** can be stained even by an action that others with stronger knowledge might consider permissible [[1 Corinthians 8:7]].
* **Symbolic Purity:** The concept of undefiled **garments** illustrates that a person's actions and moral character create a spiritual "appearance" that determines their worthiness to "walk with" Christ [[Revelation 3:4]].
* **Required Holiness:** The usage in Revelation connects being undefiled with redemption and closeness to God. Those who follow the Lamb are marked by a purity that sets them apart [[Revelation 14:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3435}}` is a specific term for moral and spiritual contamination. It illustrates that defilement can affect a believer’s conscience through association with idolatry and that maintaining a state of purity, symbolized by clean garments, is a mark of worthiness and faithfulness. The word serves as a reminder that spiritual cleanliness is essential for fellowship with God.
TRV