μολυσμός
molysmós
G3436 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Defilement, the state of being stained or polluted, especially in a ritual, moral, or ceremonial sense. Typically refers to something that renders a person or object ritually or morally impure, either through contact with what is considered unclean or by engaging in behaviors deemed to violate communal standards.
Semantic Range
defilement, impurity (ceremonial or ritual), moral pollution, state of being stained, figurative or ethical filthiness
Root / Etymology
Derived from μολύνω (molynō), 'to stain, pollute, defile'. The noun form expresses the result or state of being defiled.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, μολυσμός is uncommon, but related verbal forms (μολύνω, 'to stain') are attested. In Koine Greek, especially within Jewish-Greek and early Christian writings, the term shifts from literal stains or pollution to primarily moral and ritual defilement—most notably in the New Testament (e.g., 2 Corinthians 7:1) and Hellenistic Jewish texts. In these contexts, μολυσμός denotes the pollution or impurity resulting from behaviors or influences (typically idol worship, sexual immorality, or contact with what is culturally deemed impure). The emphasis is on a state of being rather than a singular act. Standard English translations such as 'filthiness' or 'defilement' may not capture the breadth of ritual and moral implications in contemporary use. Unlike physical soiling (ῥύπος), μολυσμός encompasses non-material impurity. The concept is rooted in purity laws of the Hebrew Bible, with μολυσμός used in the Septuagint to render Hebrew terms for impurity or pollution, especially regarding ritual law.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μολύνω; a stain; i.e. (figuratively) immorality:--filthiness.
Root Family
μολυσ- (molysmós) — to stain, to defile, to pollute
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3436-01 |
μολυσμοῦ | molusmou | N GEN M SG |
defilement | of defilement | defilement | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3436-01 |
2 Corinthians 7:1 | μολυσμοῦ | molusmou | N GEN M SG |
defilement | of defilement | defilement |