μέμφομαι (memphomai)
memphomai
to blame
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb memphomai means to blame or find fault with someone. It appears only three times in the New Testament, carrying a tone of direct criticism rather than gentle correction. In Romans 9:19, Paul uses it to describe how humans might question God’s justice, asking why He finds fault with people who seem powerless to resist His will.
This word is not about constructive feedback but about assigning blame for perceived wrongdoing. Its usage in Hebrews 8:8 highlights the old covenant’s shortcomings, where God Himself notes that the people found fault with it because they did not remain faithful to His terms. The term suggests a sharp, accusatory stance.
Etymologically, memphomai is linked to an ancient root meaning "to blame," emphasizing its role as a verb of judgment. Unlike words that imply reconciliation or understanding, memphomai focuses on the act of censure itself. This limited but potent usage underscores the tension between divine authority and human responsibility in biblical theology.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word memphomai describes a sharp act of blaming or finding fault. It is not gentle correction but direct criticism. When we encounter this term in Scripture, it often highlights human frustration with divine actions or the failure of old systems to meet God's standards.
In Romans 9:19, Paul uses it to show how people question God’s justice. He reminds us that our tendency to assign blame often stems from a limited view of sovereignty. Recognizing this helps us shift from accusation to trust when life feels unfair.
Hebrews 8:8 applies the word to the old covenant's shortcomings. It shows that even religious structures can fail if they do not lead people to faithfulness. This word invites us to examine our own hearts for harsh judgment, replacing it with grace and understanding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they found fault;1×
- does He find fault?1×
- Finding fault1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐμέμψαντο·1×
- μέμφεται;1×
- μεμφόμενος1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 9:19
You will say then to me, “Why does he still find fault? For who withstands his will?”
Paul uses this word to illustrate the human impulse to question God's justice, highlighting the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
-
Hebrews 8:8
For finding fault with them, he said, “Behold, the days are coming”, says the Lord, “that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;
The author applies the term to God's critique of the old covenant, showing that the system itself was found lacking due to the people's unfaithfulness.
-
Mark 7:2
Now when they saw some of his disciples eating bread with defiled, that is unwashed, hands, they found fault.
This verse shows the Pharisees using the word to criticize Jesus' disciples for breaking traditional hand-washing rules, revealing a focus on external ritual over inner purity.