Lexical Summary (Not Used): (Not Used) (Not Used)Part of Speech: Transliteration: (Not Used) (Not Used) Topical Lexicon Definition and Linguistic Background Strong’s Greek 3278 designates an adjective meaning “blame-worthy” or “worthy of censure.” It belongs to the same word–family as the verb “to blame, find fault,” and the cognate adjective “blameless.” While 3278 itself never appears in the extant Greek New Testament, it is attested in broader Koine and Classical literature, where it conveys moral fault, culpability, or conduct that invites criticism. By contrast, other members of the family appear in the New Testament to describe either human accusation (2 Corinthians 8:20) or the believer’s call to live “above reproach” (Philippians 2:15). Old Testament and Septuagint Parallels Though 3278 is missing from the canonical Greek Old Testament, its idea runs through many passages that address divine displeasure or human guilt. The Hebrew term ʾāšām (“guilt,” “offense”) is frequently translated by Greek equivalents that highlight blame (for example, Isaiah 53:10). The concept also underlies the sacrificial system, where offerings remove the blame resting on the offender (Leviticus 5:15-19). These precedents prepare the ground for New Testament teaching on Christ’s atonement, where He bears the blame we deserved (Isaiah 53:6; 1 Peter 2:24). Classical and Cultural Setting In wider Greek usage, the adjective could describe anything deemed socially or morally unacceptable—actions, motives, political policies, even architectural flaws. A “blame-worthy” person had fallen short of communal virtues such as justice, moderation, and piety. Understanding this cultural weight sharpens New Testament calls to live “irreproachable” lives among outsiders (1 Thessalonians 4:12) so that the gospel message is not discredited. Theological Themes 1. Human Accountability Scripture consistently affirms that humanity stands responsible before a holy God. Romans 3:19 declares, “so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.” The moral category conveyed by 3278 underscores that accountability. 2. Divine Standard of Blamelessness God’s own character defines what is praiseworthy and what is blame-worthy. “The LORD is righteous in all His ways” (Psalm 145:17). His holiness exposes human fault, yet also provides the pattern for redeemed living (1 Peter 1:15-16). 3. Substitutionary Atonement The gospel announces that the blameless One bore our blame. “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). The contrast between what is “blame-worthy” and the spotless Lamb (John 1:29) magnifies grace. 4. Sanctification and Christian Witness Believers are saved not only from condemnation but also for a life increasingly free from conduct God would deem blame-worthy. “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence” (Ephesians 1:4). The pastoral epistles repeatedly set “above reproach” as a qualification for leaders (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6). Related New Testament Vocabulary • ἀμέμπτως (amemptōs) – “blamelessly” (Philippians 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:10). These terms fill a semantic field in which 3278 would have stood had it been employed. Together they paint the New Testament vision of lives that refute accusation and point others to Christ. Ministry and Pastoral Application • Self-examination: Leaders and congregants alike are urged to ask whether attitudes or behaviors might rightly be deemed blame-worthy, hindering testimony (Romans 14:16). Conclusion Although Strong’s Greek 3278 is absent from the New Testament text, the idea it represents is woven deeply into the biblical storyline: humanity’s blame-worthiness, the blamelessness of Christ, and the Spirit-wrought pursuit of a life above reproach. Recognizing this thread enriches our understanding of salvation, ethics, and witness, urging every follower of Jesus toward conduct that brings no reproach on the gospel but rather adorns the doctrine of God our Savior (Titus 2:10). Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman'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. |
    |