Lexical Summary malakia: Weakness, infirmity, softness Original Word: μαλακία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance disease. From malakos; softness, i.e. Enervation (debility) -- disease. see GREEK malakos HELPS Word-studies 3119 malakía (from 3120 /malakós, "soft") – a disease or condition that weakens ("softens") the victim. 3119 (malakía) is an ailment that disables – "a debilitating infirmity" causing the body to lose muscle fiber, etc. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom malakos Definition softness, weakness NASB Translation sickness (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3119: μαλακίαμαλακία, μαλακίας, ἡ (μαλακός); 1. properly, softness (from Herodotus down). 2. in the N. T. (like ἀσθένεια, ἀρρωστία) infirmity, debility, bodily weakness, sickness (the Sept. for חלִי, disease, Deuteronomy 7:15; Deuteronomy 28:61; Isaiah 38:9, etc.); joined with νόσος, Matthew 4:23; Matthew 9:35; Matthew 10:1. The term denotes bodily weakness or debilitating illness in general, emphasizing the incapacity that sickness brings to human life. While rooted in an idea of “softness” or lack of strength, every New Testament use centers on physical maladies that call for divine intervention. Occurrences in the New Testament • Matthew 4:23 In each instance the word appears in the singular with the definite article (“the sickness”), functioning as a comprehensive label for diseases of every variety. Malakia Within the Healing Ministry of Jesus Matthew twice presents a three-fold pattern: teaching, proclaiming, and healing. By coupling preaching with the eradication of “every disease and sickness,” Scripture portrays healing as an integral sign of the in-breaking kingdom of God. Matthew 4:23: “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” The complete reach of Christ’s power—“every disease”—underscores His sovereignty over creation and His compassion toward human frailty. Connection to Old Testament Expectation The ministry answers the prophetic anticipation that Messiah would bear infirmities. Isaiah 53:4: “Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows.” Psalm 103:3 celebrates the Lord “who heals all your diseases.” Jesus’ works reveal Him as the promised Servant who removes the curse in both body and soul. Authority Delegated to the Disciples Matthew 10:1: “Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness.” The same comprehensive term is used, showing that Christ’s authority is transmissible for ministry purposes. The disciples’ success (Matthew 10:8) validates the kingdom message and models the church’s calling to compassionate service. Theological Reflections 1. Revelation of the King: The eradication of sickness manifests the character of God as healer (Exodus 15:26) and authenticates Jesus as Messiah. Practical and Pastoral Implications • Prayer for the Sick: James 5:14-16 encourages believers to seek divine healing through prayer and anointing. Historical Perspectives in Church Tradition Early Christian writers such as Justin Martyr and Irenaeus report ongoing healings as testimony to the gospel. Hospitals founded by believers from the fourth century onward embody the conviction that caring for the sick is an expression of the kingdom ethic inaugurated by Christ. Summary Strong’s Greek 3119 highlights the breadth of Jesus’ healing ministry, demonstrating His authority over the full spectrum of human illness and revealing the compassionate heart of God. By delegating that authority to His followers, Christ enlists the church in a mission that proclaims the gospel in word and deed until the final restoration of all things. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 4:23 N-AFSGRK: καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν ἐν τῷ NAS: and every kind of sickness among KJV: all manner of disease among INT: and every sickness among the Matthew 9:35 N-AFS Matthew 10:1 N-AFS |
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