3122. malista

Lexical Summary

malista: Especially, chiefly, most of all

Original Word: μάλιστα
Part of Speech: Adverb, Superlative
Transliteration: malista
Pronunciation: mä'-lis-tä
Phonetic Spelling: (mal'-is-tah)
KJV: chiefly, most of all, (e-)specially
NASB: especially
Word Origin: [neuter plural of the superlative of an apparently primary adverb mala (very)]

1. (adverbially) most (in the greatest degree) or particularly

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

chiefly, most of all, especially.

Neuter plural of the superlative of an apparently primary adverb mala (very); (adverbially) most (in the greatest degree) or particularly -- chiefly, most of all, (e-)specially.

HELPS Word-studies

3122 málista (from mala, "very much") – very much the case; particularly so; especially (mostly) so.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
superl. of a prim. adverb mala (very)
Definition
most
NASB Translation
especially (12).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3122: μάλιστα

μάλιστα (superlative of the adverb μάλα) (from Homer down), adverb, especially, chiefly, most of all, above all: Acts 20:38; Acts 25:26; Galatians 6:10; Philippians 4:22; 1 Timothy 4:10; 1 Timothy 5:8, 17; 2 Timothy 4:13; Titus 1:10; Philemon 1:16; 2 Peter 2:10; μάλιστα γνώστης, especially expert, thoroughly well-informed, Acts 26:3.

Topical Lexicon

Overview

Strong’s Greek 3122 (μάλιστα, malista) functions as a superlative adverb that singles out what deserves first place in attention, affection, honor, or censure. Its twelve New Testament occurrences span narrative history (Acts), Pauline correspondence (including the Pastoral Epistles and Philemon), and Petrine exhortation, each time sharpening the reader’s focus on what matters “most of all.”

Semantic Range and Rhetorical Function

Malista intensifies comparison—“chiefly,” “above all,” “in particular.” The term does not diminish broader obligations; rather, it establishes an ordered priority. Scripture employs it to (a) underline a pastoral burden, (b) highlight a strategic ministry opportunity, or (c) warn of concentrated danger.

Occurrences in Acts: Emphasizing Key Concerns

• Acts 20:38 frames the Ephesian elders’ grief: “They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again.” Their deepest sorrow accents the depth of apostolic relationship.
• Acts 25:26 and 26:3 show Paul and Festus using malista to identify decisive points in legal argument, modeling clear, respectful persuasion before rulers.

Pauline Letters: Ordering Christian Charity and Fellowship

• Galatians 6:10—“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the household of faith.” Benevolence faces outward to the world yet begins within the covenant family.
• Philippians 4:22—“All the saints send you greetings, especially those from Caesar’s household.” The gospel’s advance into imperial circles receives special notice, encouraging believers that no sphere is unreachable.

Pastoral Epistles: Guarding, Providing, Honoring

• 1 Timothy 4:10 points to God as “the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe,” balancing universality with particular redemption.
• 1 Timothy 5:8 lays primary financial responsibility on a believer: failure to provide “especially for his own household” contradicts genuine faith.
• 1 Timothy 5:17 urges double honor for elders, “especially those who labor in preaching and teaching,” underscoring doctrinal ministry as a church’s highest investment.
• 2 Timothy 4:13—Paul requests “especially the parchments,” valuing the written Word and study materials even on the brink of martyrdom.
• Titus 1:10 warns of “many rebellious people, especially those of the circumcision,” singling out the Judaizers as the foremost threat to fledgling congregations.

Philemon: Transforming Social Bonds

Philemon 1:16 recasts Onesimus as “a beloved brother, especially to me,” revealing how the gospel elevates personal affection above social status and slavery.

Petrine Warning: Heightened Judgment

2 Peter 2:10 targets false teachers “especially those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority.” Malista amplifies the certainty and severity of divine retribution reserved for these leaders.

Historical Perspective

In Greco-Roman rhetoric malista served as a conventional intensifier, but Scripture wields it theologically. Luke and Paul adopt everyday language to impress eternal priorities on hearts shaped by the Spirit, showing continuity between ordinary speech and inspired message.

Ministry Significance

1. Prioritized benevolence—Church budgets and service projects should reflect Galatians 6:10, caring for all while safeguarding members most affected by hardship.
2. Honoring laborers—Compensation, prayer, and public appreciation should “especially” cover those who teach and preach (1 Timothy 5:17).
3. Family stewardship—Faithfulness begins at home (1 Timothy 5:8); neglect there discredits gospel witness.
4. Doctrinal vigilance—Leaders must expose prevalent errors (Titus 1:10; 2 Peter 2:10) lest they spread unchecked.
5. Intellectual devotion—Paul’s plea for “the parchments” (2 Timothy 4:13) reminds modern servants to guard time and resources for study that fuels ministry depth.

Conclusion

Malista is more than a linguistic flourish; it is Scripture’s call to discern and pursue what God deems paramount. Whether expressing sorrow, extending charity, honoring servants, or confronting error, believers are summoned to act “especially” where the gospel stakes are highest.

Forms and Transliterations

μαλιστα μάλιστα malista málista

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 20:38 Adv
GRK: ὀδυνώμενοι μάλιστα ἐπὶ τῷ
NAS: grieving especially over the word
KJV: Sorrowing most of all for the words
INT: distressed most of all for the

Acts 25:26 Adv
GRK: ὑμῶν καὶ μάλιστα ἐπὶ σοῦ
NAS: I have brought him before you [all] and especially before
KJV: you, and specially before thee,
INT: you and especially before you

Acts 26:3 Adv
GRK: μάλιστα γνώστην ὄντα
NAS: especially because you are an expert
KJV: Especially [because I know] thee
INT: especially acquainted being

Galatians 6:10 Adv
GRK: πρὸς πάντας μάλιστα δὲ πρὸς
NAS: to all people, and especially to those
INT: toward all especially moreover toward

Philippians 4:22 Adv
GRK: οἱ ἅγιοι μάλιστα δὲ οἱ
NAS: greet you, especially those
KJV: you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's
INT: the saints especially moreover those

1 Timothy 4:10 Adv
GRK: πάντων ἀνθρώπων μάλιστα πιστῶν
NAS: of all men, especially of believers.
KJV: men, specially of those that believe.
INT: of all men especially of believers

1 Timothy 5:8 Adv
GRK: ἰδίων καὶ μάλιστα οἰκείων οὐ
NAS: for his own, and especially for those of his household,
KJV: and specially for those of his own house,
INT: own and especially [his] household not

1 Timothy 5:17 Adv
GRK: τιμῆς ἀξιούσθωσαν μάλιστα οἱ κοπιῶντες
NAS: honor, especially those
KJV: honour, especially they who labour
INT: honor let be counted worthy especially those straining

2 Timothy 4:13 Adv
GRK: τὰ βιβλία μάλιστα τὰς μεμβράνας
NAS: and the books, especially the parchments.
KJV: the books, [but] especially the parchments.
INT: the books especially the parchments

Titus 1:10 Adv
GRK: καὶ φρεναπάται μάλιστα οἱ ἐκ
NAS: and deceivers, especially those
KJV: deceivers, specially they of
INT: and deceivers especially those of

Philemon 1:16 Adv
GRK: ἀδελφὸν ἀγαπητόν μάλιστα ἐμοί πόσῳ
NAS: brother, especially to me, but how much
KJV: beloved, specially to me,
INT: a brother beloved especially to me how much

2 Peter 2:10 Adv
GRK: μάλιστα δὲ τοὺς
NAS: and especially those who indulge
KJV: But chiefly them that walk after
INT: especially moreover those who

Strong's Greek 3122
12 Occurrences

μάλιστα — 12 Occ.