μάλιστα (malista)
malista
especially
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb malista means "especially," "most of all," or "above all." It functions as a superlative, marking something as the highest priority or the most significant item in a list. In the New Testament, it appears twelve times, with notable usage in the Pastoral Epistles and Acts.
Its root lies in the adverb mala ("very"), making malista the intensified form—essentially "very very." This grammatical emphasis allows writers to single out specific instructions or truths. For instance, Paul uses it to highlight that godliness has value for every aspect of life (1 Timothy 4:8) and to urge believers to care for their own households above all else (1 Timothy 5:8).
Translators often render it as "especially" or "chiefly," though the Greek carries a stronger weight than those English equivalents might suggest. It does not merely add a detail; it establishes a hierarchy of importance. By placing malista before certain commands, the biblical authors signal that these duties are non-negotiable and central to the Christian walk.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word malista acts as a spiritual spotlight, helping us see what truly matters in the daily flow of life. It does not simply add a detail; it establishes a clear hierarchy of importance. When Scripture uses this term, it signals that certain duties or truths are non-negotiable and central to our walk with God.
This emphasis brings clarity to our responsibilities. For example, Paul reminds us that we should do good to everyone, but malista highlights those within the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). It also underscores the serious duty to care for one’s own family (1 Timothy 5:8). These are not optional extras but foundational expressions of our trust in the living God.
Let this word guide your priorities. By recognizing what is marked as 'especially' important, you can focus your energy on relationships and duties that reflect God’s heart. This clarity helps us love with intention and serve with purpose, anchoring our lives in what endures.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- especially11×
- Especially1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μάλιστα12×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 6:10
So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.
This verse uses malista to create a specific priority list, directing believers to extend practical good deeds primarily to fellow Christians while maintaining kindness toward all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word malista mean?
How is malista different from other Greek words for 'very'?
Where does this word appear in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 8 books)
Acts 3 verses
sorrowing most of all because of the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. Then they…
Acts 25:26of whom I have no certain thing to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before…
Acts 26:3especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me…