◄ 3120. malakos ►
Strong's Lexicon malakos: Soft, effeminate Original Word: μαλακός Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: malakos Pronunciation: mah-lah-KOS Phonetic Spelling: (mal-ak-os') Definition: (a) soft, (b) of persons: soft, delicate, effeminate. Meaning: The term μαλακός generally means "soft" or "effeminate." In a broader sense, it can refer to something that lacks firmness or is delicate. Word Origin: Derived from the root word μαλάσσω (malassō), meaning "to soften." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for μαλακός in the Strong's Hebrew Dictionary. However, concepts of moral softness or effeminacy might be indirectly related to Hebrew terms that describe moral weakness or lack of resolve, such as רַךְ (rak, Strong's Hebrew 7390), meaning "soft" or "tender," which can be used metaphorically in certain contexts. Usage: In the New Testament, μαλακός is used metaphorically to describe moral softness or effeminacy. It appears in contexts that discuss moral character and behavior. Context: The Greek word μαλακός appears in the New Testament in a moral context, specifically in 1 Corinthians 6:9. In this passage, the Apostle Paul lists behaviors that are inconsistent with inheriting the kingdom of God. The Berean Standard Bible translates this term as "effeminate," indicating a moral softness or lack of firmness in character. The term is often associated with behaviors that deviate from traditional masculine virtues, reflecting a cultural perspective on gender roles and moral conduct during the time of the New Testament. The use of μαλακός in 1 Corinthians 6:9 is part of a broader discussion on righteousness and the transformative power of the Gospel. Paul emphasizes that those who engage in certain behaviors, including being μαλακός, need to repent and embrace a life aligned with Christian teachings. The term is not merely descriptive of physical softness but is used to critique a lifestyle that is seen as contrary to the values of the early Christian community. The cultural and historical context of the term is significant, as it reflects the Greco-Roman views on gender and morality. The early church sought to establish a distinct identity, often in contrast to prevailing societal norms. Thus, the use of μαλακός serves as a call to moral integrity and strength in the face of cultural pressures. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin a prim. word Definition soft, effeminate NASB Translation effeminate (1), soft (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3120: μαλακός μαλακός, μαλακή, μαλακον, soft; soft to the touch: ἱμάτια, Matthew 11:8 R G L brackets; Luke 7:25 (ἱματίων πολυτελῶν καί μαλακων, Artemidorus Daldianus, oneir. 1, 78; ἐσθής, Homer, Odyssey 23, 290; Artemidorus Daldianus, oneir. 2, 3; χιτών, Homer, Iliad 2, 42); and simply τά μαλακά, soft raiment (see λευκός, 1): Matthew 11:8 T Tr WH. Like the Latinmollis, metaphorically, and in a bad sense: effeminate, of a catamite, a male who submits his body to unnatural lewdness, 1 Corinthians 6:9 (Dionysius Halicarnassus, Antiquities 7, 2 under the end; ((Diogenes Laërtius 7, 173 at the end)). Strong's Exhaustive Concordance effeminate, soft. Of uncertain affinity; soft, i.e. Fine (clothing); figuratively, a catamite -- effeminate, soft. Forms and Transliterations εμαλάκυνε μαλακα μαλακά μαλακὰ μαλακή μαλακοι μαλακοί μαλακοὶ μαλακοις μαλακοίς μαλακοῖς μαλακώς malaka malakà malakoi malakoì malakois malakoîs Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts Englishman's Concordance Matthew 11:8 Adj-DNP GRK: ἄνθρωπον ἐν μαλακοῖς ἠμφιεσμένον ἰδοὺ NAS: dressed in soft [clothing]? Those KJV: clothed in soft raiment? behold, INT: a man in fine [clothes] having been dressed Behold Matthew 11:8 Adj-ANP GRK: οἱ τὰ μαλακὰ φοροῦντες ἐν NAS: who wear soft [clothing] are in kings' KJV: they that wear soft [clothing] are INT: those who the fine [clothes] wear in Luke 7:25 Adj-DNP GRK: ἄνθρωπον ἐν μαλακοῖς ἱματίοις ἠμφιεσμένον NAS: A man dressed in soft clothing? Those KJV: clothed in soft raiment? Behold, INT: a man in fine clothing arrayed 1 Corinthians 6:9 Adj-NMP GRK: μοιχοὶ οὔτε μαλακοὶ οὔτε ἀρσενοκοῖται NAS: nor effeminate, nor KJV: nor effeminate, nor INT: adulterers nor effeminate nor homosexuals Strong's Greek 3120 4 Occurrences μαλακὰ — 1 Occ. μαλακοὶ — 1 Occ. μαλακοῖς — 2 Occ.