Lexical Summary miasma: defilements Original Word: μίασμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pollution, foul deedFrom 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 Originfrom miainó Definition a stain, defilement NASB Translation defilements (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3393: μίασμαμίασμα, 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 Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 3393, μιάσματα, conveys the idea of moral and spiritual pollution that clings to fallen humanity and the world system alienated from God. Appearing only in 2 Peter 2:20, the plural term portrays the contaminating power of sin, especially the corrupting influences that false teachers re-introduce to those who had begun to know the Lord Jesus Christ. Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Context 2 Peter 2 presents a sober portrait of false teachers who “promise them freedom while they themselves are slaves to corruption.” Verse 20 describes the tragedy of those who, “after escaping the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, are again entangled and overcome”. μιάσματα marks the old condition from which genuine converts are delivered; returning to it places them in greater peril than before (2 Peter 2:21-22). The term therefore serves Peter’s overarching warning: apostasy is not a neutral drift but a descent back into pollutants that damn. Background in Greco-Roman and Jewish Thought 1. Greco-Roman usage: In classical literature μίασμα denoted ritual contamination—blood guilt, sacrilege, or contact with death—requiring expiation lest the gods withdraw favor. By Peter’s day it broadened to moral stain that infected society. 2. Jewish purity categories: While μιάσματα is not the primary Septuagint word for Levitical uncleanness, the concept parallels the Hebrew טֻמְאָה (tum’ah, impurity) of Leviticus 11—15. Physical defilement symbolized the deeper pollution of sin that only divine atonement could remove (Leviticus 16:30). Peter, a Jew formed by temple worship and now an apostle of Christ, harnesses both backgrounds to declare that the gospel delivers from an impurity more devastating than ritual uncleanness—sin-born corruption of heart and society. Theological Significance 1. Total contamination of the fallen order The “defilements of the world” (2 Peter 2:20) echo “the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:4). Creation groans under bondage (Romans 8:21); human structures are infected (Ephesians 2:2-3). 2. Cleansing in Christ The gospel offers escape: “the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). In Peter’s words believers “have purified your souls by obedience to the truth” (1 Peter 1:22). Deliverance is relational (“through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior”) and transformative, inaugurating participation in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). 3. Danger of relapse Returning to μιάσματα is portrayed as a dog revisiting vomit (2 Peter 2:22). The image underscores the enslaving power of sin and the heightened accountability of those who have tasted freedom (Hebrews 10:26-27). 4. Eschatological purification Final judgment will eradicate all defilement (Revelation 21:27). The interim call is to “keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 1:27) and to anticipate the “new heaven and new earth, in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). Relation to Sanctification and Holiness • Positionally, believers are cleansed once for all (1 Corinthians 6:11). Historical Reception Early church fathers (e.g., Clement of Alexandria, Origen) cited μιάσματα to urge separation from pagan practices. Reformers used 2 Peter 2:20 in polemics against teachings they viewed as re-enslaving believers to worldly corruption. Puritan writers drew pastoral application, warning that habitual sin after profession reveals an unchanged heart. Pastoral and Ministry Applications 1. Discernment toward false teachers whose lifestyles betray ongoing defilement. Related Biblical Themes • Holiness (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16) Summary μιάσματα in 2 Peter 2:20 concentrates the Bible’s doctrine of defilement: humanity is stained by sin, Christ alone cleanses, and returning to that pollution is catastrophic. The church is called to vigilant holiness, confident that the One who delivers from the world’s defilements will keep His people blameless until the day of Christ. Forms and Transliterations μίασμά μιασματα μιάσματα μιασμάτων miasmata miásmataLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |