Lexical Summary miasmos: corrupt Original Word: μιασμός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance uncleanness, contaminationFrom miaino; (morally) contamination (properly, the act) -- uncleanness. see GREEK miaino NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom miainó Definition the act of defiling NASB Translation corrupt (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3394: μιασμόςμιασμός, μιασμοῦ, ὁ (μιαίνω), the act of defiling, defilement, pollution: ἐπιθυμία μιασμοῦ, defiling lust (Winer's Grammar, § 34, 3 b.), 2 Peter 2:10. (Wis. 14:26; 1 Macc. 4:43; Plutarch, mor., p. 393 c.; Test xii. Patr. (test. Lev. 17; test. Benj. 8; Graecus Venetus (passim); Hermas, Past. sim. 5, 7, 2 [ET]).) Topical Lexicon Overview μίασμος portrays moral pollution—an inner stain that inevitably issues in outward rebellion against God. Though rare in the New Testament, its single use in 2 Peter displays the full weight of the biblical doctrine of defilement and its consequences. Old Testament Roots of Defilement • Ceremonial uncleanness: Leviticus 11; Leviticus 15; Numbers 19. These passages show that ritual impurity was always a signpost pointing to deeper spiritual realities: sin alienates, stains, and requires cleansing. Occurrence in 2 Peter “Such punishment is especially reserved for those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority” (2 Peter 2:10). μίασμος is rendered “corrupt desire,” exposing how false teachers are driven by appetites that are themselves polluted. The context (2 Peter 2:1-22) links defilement with: 1. Sexual immorality (2 Peter 2:14). The word anchors Peter’s warning that doctrinal error and moral pollution are inseparable. Historical and Cultural Background In Hellenistic usage μίασμος signified contamination from sacrilege or blood-guilt. Jewish literature of the Second Temple era expanded it to idolatry and Gentile customs (Wisdom of Solomon 14:8-10). Peter writes against that backdrop, asserting that the church must remain separate from such corruption. Theological Significance • Holiness of God: He is “of purer eyes than to behold evil” (Habakkuk 1:13). Relation to Other New Testament Terms φθορά (corruption) – Galatians 6:8. ἀκαθαρσία (uncleanness) – 1 Thessalonians 4:7. μίανσις (defilement) – Mark 7:23. Together they depict sin as both guilt and grime, requiring atonement and purification. Practical Implications for Believers 1. Guard Desires: Purity begins in the heart (Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 4:8). Ministerial Applications • Teach holiness without legalism, rooting it in the gospel. Summary Strong’s Greek 3394 concentrates the Bible’s teaching on sin’s defiling power: inner corruption that expresses itself in doctrinal and moral rebellion. Peter’s lone use crystallizes a timeless call—flee pollution, cling to Christ, and pursue the holiness that befits the redeemed. Forms and Transliterations μιασμου μιασμού μιασμοῦ miasmou miasmoûLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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