Lexical Summary molusmos: Defilement, pollution Original Word: μολυσμός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance filthiness, immoralityFrom moluno; a stain; i.e. (figuratively) immorality -- filthiness. see GREEK moluno NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom molunó Definition defilement NASB Translation defilement (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3436: μολυσμόςμολυσμός, μολυσμοῦ, ὁ (μολύνω), defilement (Vulg.inquinamentum); an action by which anything is defiled: with the genitive of the thing defiled, σαρκός καί πνεύματος, 2 Corinthians 7:1. (Jeremiah 23:15; 1 Esdr. 8:80; 2 Macc. 5:27; Plutarch, mor., p. 779 c.; (Josephus, contra Apion 1, 32, 2; 2, 24, 5; etc.); often in ecclesiastical writings.) Topical Lexicon Concept of DefilementThe word μολυσμός denotes a pollution or stain that renders a person, object, or community unfit for fellowship with God. Scripture treats defilement as both tangible (touching a corpse, consuming unclean food) and intangible (idolatry, immorality, false worship). Whether ritual or moral, the result is the same: distance from God’s presence and a call to purification. Old Testament Background In the Septuagint the term frequently translates Hebrew words for uncleanness (Leviticus 22:5; Numbers 19:13; 2 Chronicles 29:16). It appears in contexts such as: These passages teach that defilement disrupts covenant fellowship and demands atonement and cleansing. The priesthood, sacrifices, and ritual washings foreshadow the ultimate cleansing accomplished by Christ. Use in 2 Corinthians 7:1 “Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) Paul applies the Old Testament concept to the New Covenant believer. “Body and spirit” underscores that no aspect of life is exempt: physical habits, relational conduct, thought life, and worship all fall under the call to holiness. This exhortation follows promises of God’s indwelling (2 Corinthians 6:16-18), linking divine presence with the believer’s responsibility to remove corruption. Theological Significance 1. Holiness of God: Defilement violates God’s pure nature (Habakkuk 1:13). Related Biblical Terms and Themes • Katharizō (“to cleanse”)—emphasizes the process by which defilement is removed. Historical Reception in Early Church Early Christian writers linked μολυσμός with baptismal vows and Eucharistic preparation. The Didache urges believers to confess sins so that “your sacrifice may be pure.” Clement of Alexandria equates moral laxity with Temple pollution, urging believers to live as “unblemished sacrifices.” Liturgical prayers commonly plead for deliverance “from every defilement of flesh and spirit,” echoing Paul. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Personal Examination: Regular self-assessment guards against subtle corruptions. Reflection Questions 1. What “defilements of body and spirit” most threaten modern believers? Forms and Transliterations μολυσμός μολυσμου μολυσμού μολυσμοῦ molusmou molysmou molysmoûLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |