μιασμός (miasmos)
miasmos
defilement
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun miasmos refers to the act of defiling something or the resulting state of pollution. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in 2 Peter 2:10, where it describes the corrupting influence of those who indulge in fleshly desires and despise authority. The word captures a tangible sense of moral contamination that spreads from one person to their surroundings.
Its meaning is rooted in the verb mianō, which means to make unclean or defile. This connection highlights that miasmos is not just an abstract concept but an active process of corruption. By using this specific term, Peter emphasizes how certain behaviors actively pollute the community, rather than merely being personal sins.
Translators typically render miasmos as "defilement" or "pollution," reflecting its heavy, negative connotation. The scarcity of this word in Scripture underscores its severity; it is reserved for describing profound moral decay that threatens the integrity of the faith community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word miasmos describes a deep moral contamination that spreads from one person to their surroundings. In 2 Peter 2:10, it highlights how indulging in fleshly desires and despising authority can pollute the wider community. This is not just personal sin but an active process of corruption that affects others.
Understanding this term reminds us that our choices have weight beyond ourselves. When we act with integrity, we help protect the spiritual health of those around us. It invites reflection on how our actions might influence the faith community, encouraging a life that honors God and respects others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of defilement1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μιασμοῦ1×
Key Verses
-
II Peter 2:10
but chiefly those who walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries,
This verse uniquely uses miasmos to show how despising authority and indulging in fleshly desires actively pollute the community, not just the individual.