3245

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

(Not Used)
Part of Speech:
Transliteration: (Not Used)
(Not Used)

Topical Lexicon

Overview

Strong’s Greek number 3245 designates a Koine word that never appears in the extant text of the Greek New Testament. Nevertheless, its presence in contemporary lexicons and in certain Septuagint passages invites reflection on the concept it conveys and its value for biblical theology, preaching, and discipleship.

Meaning and Semantic Range

The underlying idea of the term involves combining unlike elements so that they become a single composite—an action more intentional and deliberate than mere contact. Classical writers used the word both of physical amalgamation (metals, liquids, spices) and of social or moral blending (intermarriage, alliances, or the syncretizing of religious practices). The word therefore stands at the crossroads of chemistry, culture, and covenant purity.

Septuagint Usage

In the Greek Old Testament the verb occurs in contexts where Israel risks diluting covenant holiness by mixture with the nations. Two representative examples are:
• Exodus 34:12–16, where Israel is warned not to “make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land” lest they “take some of their daughters as wives for your sons.” The translator renders the Hebrew notion of forbidden intermarriage with the verb behind Strong’s 3245.
• Ezra 9:2, describing the post-exilic scandal that “the people of Israel … have taken some of their daughters as wives,” thereby “mixing the holy seed” (LXX: ἐμιγνάχθησαν).

In both passages, dilution of distinctiveness is the concern: spiritual compromise follows social amalgamation.

Old Testament Theology

The Pentateuch repeatedly establishes boundaries that protect the unique identity of God’s people—dietary laws (Leviticus 11), clothing regulations forbidding mixed fabrics (Leviticus 19:19), and agricultural stipulations about sowing mixed seed (Deuteronomy 22:9). While ceremonial in form, these statutes dramatize a moral principle: the LORD desires an undivided, unmixed devotion (Deuteronomy 6:5). The Septuagint use of Strong’s 3245 within the marriage legislation ties the physical act of mixing to the covenantal demand for purity.

New Testament Parallels

Although the word itself does not appear in the New Testament, its theological backdrop surfaces in multiple ways:
• James 4:4 warns, “Adulterers! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?”. The imagery of adulterous mixing re-articulates the Old Testament concern.
• 2 Corinthians 6:14–17 commands, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers,” concluding with the call, “Therefore come out from among them and be separate.” Paul echoes the Septuagint’s vocabulary of separation, reinforcing the same principle without employing Strong’s 3245.
• Revelation 18:4 summons believers to “Come out of her, My people,” lest they share in Babylon’s sins. The eschatological vision reaffirms that intermixture with the world system leads to judgment.

Historical Background in Jewish Life

Second-Temple Judaism interpreted intermarriage prohibitions as vital to preserving monotheism. The Maccabean revolt was sparked largely by resistance to Hellenistic cultural blending. Rabbinic tradition later extended concern for mixture into ritual purity regulations, illustrating how the semantic field of Strong’s 3245 permeated daily life.

Christological Fulfillment

Jesus embodies perfect, undiluted holiness, even while taking on true humanity (Hebrews 7:26). His incarnation does not represent a compromising mixture but a sinless union, safeguarding the integrity of divine nature. In His atoning work, believers are set apart “in order that He might present us to Himself a glorious church, without spot or wrinkle” (Ephesians 5:27).

Practical Ministry Applications

1. Personal Holiness: The word pictures the subtle danger of gradual compromise. Pastors can warn that ethical laxity rarely begins with overt rebellion but with small mixtures that erode distinctiveness.
2. Church Discipline: Congregational purity (1 Corinthians 5:6–7) relies on addressing sin before it leavens the whole batch—another metaphor of unwanted mixing.
3. Cultural Engagement: Believers are called to be “in the world but not of it” (John 17:15–18). Healthy engagement avoids syncretism by maintaining doctrinal clarity while showing gospel compassion.
4. Interpersonal Relationships: The wisdom of careful partnership extends beyond marriage to business and ministry alliances (Proverbs 13:20).

Related Concepts

• Hagiasmos (Strong’s 38)—sanctification, the process of being set apart.
• Koinonia (Strong’s 2842)—fellowship or sharing, highlighting the positive side of spiritual union.
• Moluno (Strong’s 3435)—to defile, the result when wrongful mixture corrupts holiness.

Conclusion

Though Strong’s Greek 3245 never surfaces in the New Testament text, its Old Testament usage and conceptual resonance reinforce a timeless biblical motif: God calls His people to unwavering distinctiveness. Whether addressing idolatry, moral compromise, or doctrinal syncretism, Scripture consistently warns against mixing what the Lord has separated, summoning the church to “keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 1:27).

Englishman's Concordance

μελῶν — 2 Occ.
μέλος — 5 Occ.
Μελχὶ — 2 Occ.
Μελχισεδέκ — 8 Occ.
ἔμελεν — 2 Occ.
μέλει — 7 Occ.
μελέτω — 1 Occ.
μεμβράνας — 1 Occ.
μέμφεται — 1 Occ.
μεμφόμενος — 1 Occ.
μὲν — 182 Occ.
Μενοῦν — 1 Occ.
μενοῦνγε — 2 Occ.
μέντοι — 8 Occ.
ἐμείναμεν — 2 Occ.
ἔμειναν — 2 Occ.
ἔμεινεν — 10 Occ.
ἔμενεν — 3 Occ.
ἔμενον — 1 Occ.
μεῖναι — 6 Occ.