Lexical Summary momphé: Blame, reproach, fault Original Word: μομφή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance quarrel, blame, faultFrom memphomai; blame, i.e. (by implication), a fault -- quarrel. see GREEK memphomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom memphomai Definition blame NASB Translation complaint (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3437: μομφήμομφή, μομφης, ἡ (μέμφομαι), blame: ἔχειν μομφήν πρός τινα, to have matter of complaint against anyone, Colossians 3:13. (Pindar, Tragg., others.) Topical Lexicon Scriptural Context and Meaning Strong’s Greek 3437 (μομφή) appears once in the New Testament, at Colossians 3:13, where the Berean Standard Bible renders it “complaint”: “Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” In its lone occurrence, the word conveys a grievance, reproach, or charge leveled against another person. Within the larger biblical canon, the idea of harboring a grievance is repeatedly set in contrast to the call to forgiveness, patience, and love (Proverbs 19:11; Matthew 6:12; Ephesians 4:32). Though μομφή is rare, the concept it represents is woven throughout Scripture’s ethics of interpersonal relationships. Colossians 3:13 and the New Man in Christ The verse belongs to Paul’s exhortation to “put on the new self” (Colossians 3:10), clothing oneself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12). A community that bears with one another and relinquishes every μομφή embodies the reconciled life made possible through Christ’s cross (Colossians 1:20–22). Refusal to forgive contradicts the believer’s new identity and the gospel’s reconciling power. The single use of μομφή thus functions as a diagnostic term: lingering complaints reveal remnants of the old nature, while their release evidences genuine renewal. Old Testament Roots and Prophetic Echoes Although μομφή itself does not occur in the Septuagint, the impulse to hold grievances appears in passages where Israel “murmured” or “grumbled” against the Lord (Exodus 16:7; Numbers 14:27). The prophets condemn internal bitterness even when couched in ritual piety (Isaiah 58:3–4; Malachi 2:13). Paul’s language in Colossians resonates with the recurring divine call to forbearance and covenantal faithfulness rather than accusation. Theological Significance 1. Reflection of Divine Character: The command to forgive “as the Lord forgave you” grounds interpersonal reconciliation in the atonement. God keeps no “complaint” record against the repentant (Psalm 103:10–12; Micah 7:18–19). Pastoral and Practical Applications • Conflict Resolution: Leaders guide believers to articulate grievances honestly, pursue reconciliation swiftly (Matthew 5:23–24), and conclude with forgiveness modeled on Christ. Historical Reception Early church fathers highlighted Colossians 3:13 in teaching on communal life. Chrysostom exhorted his congregation to “wipe away every reproach” before Eucharist. Augustine linked the verse to the daily petition, “Forgive us our debts,” insisting that harboring complaints nullifies one’s own plea for mercy. Reformers likewise appealed to it in shaping congregational discipline, stressing that gospel liberty releases believers from vindictiveness. Contemporary Relevance Modern societies normalize grievance culture; social media amplifies offenses and memorializes them indefinitely. Colossians 3:13 offers a counter-culture of grace: believers absorb wrongs, extend pardon, and refuse to curate grudges. In families, workplaces, and churches, relinquishing μομφή reflects the cruciform love that worldliness cannot replicate. Summary Though occurring only once, μομφή crystallizes a perpetual challenge: will God’s people nurse complaints or extend Christlike forgiveness? Colossians 3:13 summons the church to embody the gospel by abandoning every reproach and living in the freedom of mutual forbearance. Forms and Transliterations μομφην μομφήν μονάζον momphen momphēn momphḗnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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