Lexical Summary molunó: To defile, to stain, to pollute Original Word: μολύνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance defile. Probably from melas; to soil (figuratively) -- defile. see GREEK melas HELPS Word-studies 3435 molýnō – properly, to soil, make mucky (dirty); (figuratively) defile; (passive) become spiritually besmirched (soiled). 3435 /molýnō (literally "besmear with mud") is used of sin smearing a person with its spiritual filth. For the antonym of this term, see 2511 /katharízō ("to purge what is foul or polluted"). [3435 /molýnō used of "moral soil (smut)" that defouls and besmirches the soul (so also in Aristotle and Plato).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition to stain, defile NASB Translation defiled (2), soiled (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3435: μολύνωμολύνω: 1 aorist active ἐμόλυνα; passive present μολύνομαι; 1 aorist ἐμολυνθην; from Aristophanes down; to pollute, stain, contaminate, defile; in the N. T. used only in symbolic and figurative discourse: οὐκ ἐμόλυναν τά ἱμάτια αὐτῶν, of those who have kept themselves pure from the defilement of sin, Revelation 3:4 (cf. Zechariah 3:3f); μετά γυναικῶν οὐκ ἐμολύνθησαν, who have not soiled themselves by fornication and adultery, Revelation 14:4; ἡ συνείδησις μολύνεται, of a conscience reproached (defiled) by sin, 1 Corinthians 8:7 (inexplebili quodam laedendi proposito conscientiam polluebat, Ammianus Marcellinus 15, 2; opposed to καθαρά συνείδησις, 1 Timothy 3:9; 2 Timothy 1:3; μολύνειν τήν ψυχήν, Sir. 21:28; but see μιαίνω, 2). (Synonym: see μιαίνω, at the end.) Topical Lexicon Overview of New Testament Usage The verb occurs three times in the Greek New Testament, each time painting a vivid picture of spiritual contamination in contrast to the holiness God requires. Whether the focus is personal conscience (1 Corinthians 8:7), moral integrity (Revelation 14:4), or corporate faithfulness (Revelation 3:4), the term underscores that any alliance with sin, idolatry, or impurity leaves a stain incompatible with fellowship with the Lord. Old Testament and Intertestamental Background The idea of “defilement” permeates the Torah, where contact with death, idolatry, or sexual sin rendered one unclean (Leviticus 18:24; Numbers 19:13). The Septuagint frequently employs the same verb family to translate Hebrew words for ceremonial or moral pollution. By the Second Temple era, the term carried both ritual and ethical dimensions, preparing readers of the New Testament to feel the weight of even intangible defilement such as a troubled conscience. Defilement of Conscience in 1 Corinthians 8 Paul cautions believers who possessed knowledge that idols are nothing to refrain from wounding brothers whose consciences were “defiled” by eating idol-food. “Since their conscience is weak, it is defiled” (1 Corinthians 8:7). Here the stain is not physical but internal, showing that sin resides first in the heart (Mark 7:20–23) and that liberty must be balanced by love. The passage lays a template for ethical decision-making in disputable matters: anything that dulls a believer’s sensitivity to God’s holiness pollutes the inner life. Defilement and White Garments in Revelation 3:4 To the church in Sardis, Christ contrasts a spiritually lifeless majority with “a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes” (Revelation 3:4). Garments symbolize character (Isaiah 61:10). Soiling them depicts participation in sin or accommodation to the pagan culture of Asia Minor. The promise that these faithful ones “will walk with Me in white” highlights two truths: purity before God is possible in a compromised age, and perseverance will be honored with intimate fellowship in the age to come. The 144,000 and Moral Purity in Revelation 14:4 “These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins” (Revelation 14:4). In apocalyptic literature, sexual imagery often signifies idolatry or covenant infidelity (Hosea 1:2; Revelation 17:2). Whether understood literally or symbolically, the text emphasizes single-hearted devotion to the Lamb. The group stands on Mount Zion, set apart from a defiled world system, illustrating that end-time victory belongs to those who keep themselves unstained. Holiness and Purity in Christian Life The verb’s threefold appearance forms a Biblical triangulation of holiness: James 1:27 unites these strands: “to keep oneself unstained by the world.” Defilement is not merely ritual failure but any attitude or action that disrupts communion with a holy God. Ministerial and Pastoral Applications 1. Discipleship must address the conscience. Teaching that builds knowledge without guarding weaker believers risks leaving them spiritually stained. Eschatological Significance Revelation links present purity to future reward. Those who refuse defilement now will share in the Lamb’s triumph, don white garments, and enjoy unbroken fellowship. Therefore, holiness is not optional; it is the necessary preparation for the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7–8). Conclusion The three occurrences of Strong’s Greek 3435 remind believers that sin leaves a stain God alone can cleanse, yet He calls His people to active, vigilant purity. Whether guarding the conscience, resisting cultural idolatry, or preserving the church’s witness, followers of Christ are to keep their garments white as they await the day when defilement will be no more. Forms and Transliterations εμολυναν εμόλυναν ἐμόλυναν εμολύνατε εμολυνθησαν εμολύνθησαν ἐμολύνθησαν μεμολυμμένα μεμολυσμέναι μολυνεται μολύνεται μολυνθήσονται μολυνώ emolunan emolunthesan emolunthēsan emolynan emólynan emolynthesan emolynthēsan emolýnthesan emolýnthēsan molunetai molynetai molýnetaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 8:7 V-PIM/P-3SGRK: ἀσθενὴς οὖσα μολύνεται NAS: being weak is defiled. KJV: being weak is defiled. INT: weak being is defiled Revelation 3:4 V-AIA-3P Revelation 14:4 V-AIP-3P Strong's Greek 3435 |
    |