μόλις (molis)
molis
hardly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb molis conveys the idea of something happening with great difficulty or only just barely occurring. In the New Testament, it appears six times, often highlighting situations where escape or rescue was uncertain and hard-won. The sources note that it serves as a post-Homeric variant for molis, carrying the sense of "with toil" or struggle.
This word is frequently used to describe physical peril or social improbability. For instance, in Acts 27, it describes how difficult it was for Paul and the others to escape the storm at sea (Acts 27:16). In Romans 5:7, it underscores that while someone might die for a righteous person, it is hardly the case that one would dare to die for a wicked person. Similarly, 1 Peter 4:18 uses it to emphasize how scarcely or rarely the righteous are saved in the face of judgment.
Its root connection to labor or toil (milos) adds weight to its meaning; it is not merely "rarely," but "with effort." Translators typically render it as "hardly" or "scarcely," capturing that tension between possibility and extreme difficulty. It reminds readers that some outcomes in Scripture are achieved only through significant struggle or divine intervention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word molis describes moments where survival or success hangs by a thread. In Acts 27, Paul and his companions struggle against the storm, securing the boat with great difficulty. This image reminds us that faith often involves enduring hard seasons where escape feels impossible.
Yet these struggles highlight God's presence in the chaos. When we face obstacles that seem insurmountable, we are not alone. The biblical narrative shows that even when outcomes appear unlikely, divine intervention can turn peril into safety.
This word invites us to trust God during times of uncertainty. It acknowledges our limitations while pointing to His sustaining power. In every season of hardship, we can find hope in the fact that God walks with us through the storm.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with difficulty3×
- hardly1×
- With difficulty1×
- Rarely1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μόλις6×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:16
Running under the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat.
This verse captures the physical peril of Paul's shipwreck, showing how molis emphasizes the extreme effort required to secure the boat against the storm.
-
Romans 5:7
For one will hardly die for a righteous man. Yet perhaps for a good person someone would even dare to die.
Here, molis contrasts human loyalty with divine love, highlighting that while few would die for a righteous person, God died for us while we were still sinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does molis mean in the New Testament?
How is molis different from other Greek words for 'rarely'?
Where does molis appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 3 books)
Acts 4 verses
Even saying these things, they hardly stopped the multitudes from making a sacrifice to them.
Acts 27:7When we had sailed slowly many days, and had come with difficulty opposite Cnidus, the wind not allowing us further, we…
Acts 27:8With difficulty sailing along it we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.
Acts 27:16Running under the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat.