3393. miasma

Lexicon

miasma: Defilement, pollution

Original Word: μίασμα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: miasma
Pronunciation: mee-AS-mah
Phonetic Spelling: (mee'-as-mah)
Definition: Defilement, pollution
Meaning: pollution, defilement; a stain.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

pollution, foul deed

From miaino ("miasma"); (morally) foulness (properly, the effect) -- pollution.

see GREEK miaino

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 3393 míasma(from 3392 /miaínō) – pollution (spiritual stain) that results from vice, i.e. spiritually contaminating a person (used only in 2 Pet 2:20). See 3392 (miainō).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from miainó
Definition
a stain, defilement
NASB Translation
defilements (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3393: μίασμα

μίασμα, μιασματος, τό (μιαίνω), "that which defiles (cf. καύχημα, 2); defilement" (Vulg.coinquinatio): tropically, μιάσματα τοῦ κόσμου, vices the foulness of which contaminates one in his contact with the ungodly mass of mankind, 2 Peter 2:20. (Tragg., Antiphanes, Demosthenes, Polybius, Josephus, Plutarch; the Sept., Leviticus 7:8 (18); Jeremiah 39:34 (); Judith 9:2; 1 Macc. 13:50.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb μιαίνω (miainō), meaning "to stain" or "to pollute."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 2930: טָמֵא (tame) • to be unclean, become impure
• Strong's Hebrew 2931: טָמֵא (tame) • unclean, impure
• Strong's Hebrew 2932: טֻמְאָה (tum'ah) • impurity, filthiness

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the concept of impurity and defilement, often in the context of ceremonial law and moral conduct. The connection between the Greek and Hebrew terms underscores the continuity of the biblical theme of purity across both Testaments.

Usage: The term μίασμα is used in contexts that discuss defilement or impurity, often in a moral or spiritual sense. It is not frequently found in the New Testament but is relevant in discussions of purity and holiness.

Context: The Greek term μίασμα, though not commonly used in the New Testament, carries significant implications in understanding the biblical concepts of purity and defilement. Rooted in the verb μιαίνω, which means "to stain" or "to pollute," μίασμα is associated with the idea of contamination, whether physical, moral, or spiritual.

In the cultural and religious context of the Bible, purity was a critical aspect of worship and community life. The concept of μίασμα would have been understood as anything that rendered a person or object unfit for sacred use or divine presence. This could include physical impurities, such as those outlined in the Levitical laws, as well as moral impurities, such as sin or idolatry.

The New Testament emphasizes the importance of inner purity and holiness, often contrasting the external observance of purity laws with the internal state of the heart. While the term μίασμα itself may not appear frequently, the underlying concept is integral to the biblical narrative, highlighting the need for cleansing and redemption through Christ.

In the Berean Standard Bible, the emphasis on purity and the avoidance of defilement is evident in passages that call believers to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes. The call to holiness is a recurring theme, urging believers to avoid moral and spiritual contamination and to seek righteousness.

Forms and Transliterations

μίασμά μιασματα μιάσματα μιασμάτων miasmata miásmata

Englishman's Concordance

2 Peter 2:20 N-ANP
GRK: ἀποφυγόντες τὰ μιάσματα τοῦ κόσμου
NAS: after they have escaped the defilements of the world
KJV: after they have escaped the pollutions of the world
INT: having escaped the pollutions of the world

Strong's Greek 3393
1 Occurrence

μιάσματα — 1 Occ.