perhaps from μέμφομαι; a flaw or blot, i.e. (figuratively) disgraceful person:--blemish.
Transliteration:mōmos
Pronunciation:mo'-mos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term μῶμος (mōmos), `{{G3470}}`, carries the primary meaning of a "flaw," "blot," or "blemish." Its etymological root is likely connected to μέμφομαι (memphomai, `{{G3201}}`), meaning "to blame" or "to find fault." This etymological link is crucial, as it suggests that a μῶμος is not merely an imperfection, but specifically a defect that warrants blame, criticism, or reproach. In its literal sense, it could refer to a physical imperfection, a spot, or a stain. Figuratively, and more commonly in the New Testament, it denotes a moral or spiritual defect, an ethical stain, or even a person who embodies such disgrace, effectively being a "disgraceful person" or a "blameworthy individual." The semantic range thus extends from a visible defect to an inherent moral corruption, always carrying a negative connotation of something that mars purity, integrity, or perfection.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μῶμος appears twice in the New Testament, both times in letters that address the issue of false teachers and their corrupting influence within the early Christian community:
* **2 Peter 2:13**: "suffering wrong as the wages of wrongdoing. They are **blemishes** and disgraces, reveling in their deceptions while they feast with you." Here, μῶμοι (mōmoi) is used in conjunction with σπίλοι (spiloi, `{{G4696}}`, "spots" or "stains") to describe the false teachers. The context portrays these individuals as morally depraved, engaging in licentious behavior even within the sacred context of communal meals (love feasts). They are not merely imperfect, but actively defiling and disgraceful, bringing reproach upon the Christian assembly by their very presence and conduct. Their "blemishes" are internal moral defects that manifest in outwardly scandalous behavior.
* **Jude 1:12**: "These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, caring only for themselves; waterless clouds swept along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame like foam; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever. These are **blemishes** on your love feasts." Similar to 2 Peter, Jude also employs μῶμοι to characterize the ungodly individuals who have infiltrated the church. The imagery used to describe them — "hidden reefs," "waterless clouds," "fruitless trees" — emphasizes their deceptive nature, their spiritual barrenness, and their destructive potential. They are "blemishes" because they mar the purity and integrity of the love feasts, which were expressions of Christian fellowship and communion. They are a source of scandal and defilement within the sacred community.
In both instances, μῶμος consistently refers to individuals who are morally corrupt, spiritually bankrupt, and a source of disgrace and danger to the body of Christ, particularly in the context of fellowship and worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of μῶμος is enriched by examining its relationship with other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **σπίλος (spilos, `{{G4696}}`)**: Often paired with μῶμος (as seen in 2 Peter 2:13 and Jude 1:12), σπίλος typically means "spot" or "stain." While μῶμος might emphasize an inherent flaw or something deserving blame, σπίλος often denotes an external defilement or mark of impurity. Together, they powerfully convey the idea of comprehensive moral corruption, both internal and external.
* **ἄμωμος (amōmos, `{{G299}}`)**: This is the direct antonym of μῶμος, meaning "without blemish," "blameless," or "spotless." This term is frequently used in the New Testament to describe the perfect sacrificial lamb (e.g., 1 Peter 1:19), the blameless character expected of believers (e.g., Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 1:22), and ultimately the flawless purity of Christ Himself. The contrast between μῶμος and ἄμωμος highlights the vast chasm between the defiled nature of false teachers and the divine standard of holiness to which believers are called.
* **μέμφομαι (memphomai, `{{G3201}}`)**: As the likely root, "to blame" or "to find fault," this word underscores that μῶμος is not merely an accidental defect but something that warrants strong disapproval and condemnation.
* **Concepts of Purity and Holiness**: The presence of μῶμος stands in stark opposition to the biblical emphasis on purity, holiness, and blamelessness within the community of faith. The call for believers to be "holy and blameless before Him" (Ephesians 1:4) directly contrasts with the character of those described as μῶμοι.
* **Apostasy and False Teaching**: The contexts of 2 Peter and Jude firmly link μῶμος to the danger of apostasy and the destructive influence of false teachers who undermine the truth and defile the church from within.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μῶμος is profound, particularly in its application to those who corrupt the Christian community:
* **The Gravity of Moral Corruption**: The term μῶμος elevates moral and spiritual defects beyond mere imperfections to the level of grave blemishes that mar the purity and integrity of the body of Christ. It signifies a state of being that is inherently flawed and brings disgrace, not just to the individual, but to the fellowship they inhabit.
* **Internal Threat to the Church**: The use of μῶμος in 2 Peter and Jude highlights the significant danger posed by those *within* the church who are morally corrupt. Unlike external persecutors, these μῶmoi are "hidden reefs" or "blemishes" at love feasts, implying a deceptive presence that can cause spiritual shipwreck from within. They are an insidious threat to the health and witness of the community.
* **Contrast with Divine Standards**: The concept of μῶμος stands in stark contrast to the character of God, who is utterly pure and without blemish. It also contrasts with the ideal of the church as Christ's bride, who is to be presented to Him "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and **blameless** [ἄμωμος]" (Ephesians 5:27). The presence of μῶμοι within the church is therefore a profound contradiction to its very nature and calling.
* **Call to Discernment and Purity**: The warnings against μῶmoi serve as a vital call for discernment among believers to identify and guard against those who would defile the fellowship. It underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity, upholding sound doctrine, and striving for personal and communal holiness to reflect the blamelessness of Christ.
### Summary
μῶμος (mōmos, `{{G3470}}`) signifies a "flaw," "blot," or "blemish" that warrants blame or criticism. In the New Testament, it is exclusively used in a figurative sense to describe individuals who are morally corrupt and a source of disgrace within the Christian community. Both [[2 Peter 2:13]] and [[Jude 1:12]] apply this term to false teachers or ungodly individuals who infiltrate the church, highlighting their internal depravity and their capacity to defile the fellowship, akin to hidden reefs or stains. The term stands in stark opposition to ἄμωμος (amōmos, `{{G299}}`), "blameless," emphasizing the profound theological contrast between those who embody corruption and the divine standard of purity and holiness to which believers are called. The biblical use of μῶμος serves as a potent warning against internal spiritual decay and underscores the critical importance of discernment and blamelessness in the life of the church.
TRV