μολύνω (molunō)
molunō
to defile
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb molunō means to stain, soil, or pollute something. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively in a symbolic and figurative sense rather than describing physical dirt. It refers to moral defilement, specifically the act of soiling one’s character through sin.
This word appears only three times in the Greek Scriptures, highlighting its specific theological weight. In 1 Corinthians 8:7, Paul warns that sin can "defile" the conscience of weaker believers. Similarly, in Revelation, it describes those who have not kept their garments clean from moral stain (Revelation 3:4) and the purity of the 144,000 who are not defiled with women (Revelation 14:4).
The term likely derives from a root meaning to touch or handle, suggesting that contact with impurity leaves a mark. It is closely related to miainoō, another word for defilement, but molunō emphasizes the resulting stain on the person’s spiritual state. Translators typically render it as "defile" or "pollute," capturing the idea of moral contamination that separates individuals from purity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word molunō reminds us that our inner life is deeply affected by what we allow to touch our conscience. In 1 Corinthians 8:7, Paul shows how even well-meaning actions can stain the spiritual sensitivity of others. This highlights the weight of our influence; we are not isolated in our choices, but connected to a community where purity matters.
Revelation paints a hopeful picture for those who guard their hearts. In Revelation 3:4 and 14:4, believers are described as keeping their garments unstained. This imagery speaks to a life of integrity, where faithfulness preserves our witness before God. It is an invitation to live with clarity and purpose.
When we stumble, the stain is real, but so is the grace that cleanses. The call is not to perfectionism, but to a sincere desire to remain close to Christ. Let this word encourage you to examine your influences and cherish the purity of heart that honors God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was defiled,1×
- soiled1×
- it is defiled.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐμόλυναν1×
- ἐμολύνθησαν,1×
- μολύνεται.1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 8:7
However, that knowledge isn’t in all men. But some, with consciousness of an idol until now, eat as of a thing sacrificed to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.
Paul uses molunō here to show how a weak conscience can be stained by actions that others consider permissible, highlighting the social and spiritual impact of our choices.
-
Revelation of John 3:4
Nevertheless you have a few names in Sardis that didn’t defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.
The word describes those in Sardis who have kept their garments unstained, linking moral purity directly to walking with Christ in white.
-
Revelation of John 14:4
These are those who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are those who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed by Jesus from among men, the first fruits to God and to the Lamb.
Molunō is used to describe the 144,000 as virgins who were not defiled, emphasizing their exclusive devotion and purity as firstfruits to God.