3119. malakia
Lexical Summary
malakia: Weakness, infirmity, softness

Original Word: μαλακία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: malakia
Pronunciation: mah-lah-KEE-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (mal-ak-ee'-ah)
KJV: disease
NASB: sickness
Word Origin: [from G3120 (μαλακός - soft)]

1. softness, i.e. enervation (debility)

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 Origin
from malakos
Definition
softness, weakness
NASB Translation
sickness (3).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3119: μαλακία

μαλακία, μαλακίας, (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.

Topical Lexicon
Meaning and Conceptual Range

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
Matthew 9:35
Matthew 10:1

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.
2. Foreshadowing of Redemption: Physical restoration anticipates the full renewal promised in Romans 8:23 and Revelation 21:4.
3. Holistic Salvation: Salvation in Scripture addresses the whole person; forgiveness and healing often appear together (Mark 2:5-12; James 5:15), demonstrating the unity of spiritual and physical well-being.

Practical and Pastoral Implications

• Prayer for the Sick: James 5:14-16 encourages believers to seek divine healing through prayer and anointing.
• Compassionate Care: The church continues Christ’s example by caring for the afflicted, whether through prayer, medical skill, or material support.
• Hope Amid Suffering: While not every illness is removed in the present age, the resurrection assures ultimate deliverance, providing comfort and perseverance (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

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.

Forms and Transliterations
εμαλακίσθη εμαλακίσθην μαλακία μαλακίαις μαλακιαν μαλακίαν μαλακίας μαλακισθείς μαλακισθήναι μαλακίσθητι μεμαλάκισται malakian malakían
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 4:23 N-AFS
GRK: 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
GRK: καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν
NAS: of disease and every kind of sickness.
KJV: and every disease among the people.
INT: and every sickness

Matthew 10:1 N-AFS
GRK: καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν
NAS: of disease and every kind of sickness.
KJV: and all manner of disease.
INT: and every sickness

Strong's Greek 3119
3 Occurrences


μαλακίαν — 3 Occ.

3118
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