μῶμος
mōmos
G3470 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Primarily, a flaw, spot, or blemish—especially a physical imperfection that mars integrity, wholeness, or appearance. By extension, a moral fault, defect of character, or cause for blame or reproach. In figurative contexts, used of disgrace, dishonor, or something that brings shame.
Semantic Range
physical flaw, spot, blemish; moral fault, defect of character; cause for reproach, dishonor, disgrace; grounds for disqualification (esp. ritual)
Root / Etymology
From the root μωμ-; possibly related to μέμφομαι ('I blame, censure'), but direct derivation is not certain. The root conveys the notion of spot, stain, or object of blame.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, μῶμος refers to a stain, spot, or blemish, either physical (as on the body or object) or metaphorical (fault, reproach, or cause of blame). The word is attested in authors such as Herodotus and playwrights, where it can signal both literal and moral/spiritual imperfections. In the Hellenistic period, the term regularly signified any disqualification, particularly regarding ritual or sacrificial fitness (as in the Septuagint: Leviticus 21:17, 'without spot or blemish'). In the New Testament, μῶμος is used primarily in figurative, moral, or relational contexts, such as being 'without fault' (Ephesians 5:27) or cautions not to give 'cause for blame' (1 Timothy 3:2, 10). The semantic field contrasts with terms like ἄμωμος ('blameless, unblemished'), which explicitly negates the presence of fault. Standard English translations often render μῶμος as 'blemish,' 'spot,' or 'fault.' However, the word carries a stronger implication of public reproach and grounds for disqualification—especially in Greco-Roman notions of honor and shame—than the neutral 'blemish.' Its use in sacrificial language (LXX, ritual context) highlights the ancient concern that both people and offerings be free from physical or moral taint to be acceptable before the deity. The term's employment in both ethical and ritual discourse underscores its breadth from literal imperfection to social/moral discredit.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
perhaps from μέμφομαι; a flaw or blot, i.e. (figuratively) disgraceful person:--blemish.
Root Family
μωμ- (amṓmētos) — to find fault, to blame, to censure
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3470-01 |
μῶμοι | momoi | N NOM M PL |
blemishes | blemishes | blemishes | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3470-01 |
2 Peter 2:13 | μῶμοι | momoi | N NOM M PL |
blemishes | blemishes | blemishes |