Original Word: μάλιστα
Part of Speech: Adverb, Superlative
Transliteration: malista
Pronunciation: mä'-lis-tä
Phonetic Spelling: (mal'-is-tah)
Definition: most of all, especially.
Meaning: The term μάλιστα is an adverb meaning "most of all," "especially," or "particularly." It is used to emphasize a particular aspect or to single out something as being of primary importance.

Word Origin: Superlative of an obsolete adjective μάλα (mala), meaning "very" or "much."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for the Greek adverb μάλιστα, the concept of emphasis or priority can be found in various Hebrew terms that convey similar meanings, such as מְאֹד (me'od, Strong's Hebrew 3966), which means "very" or "exceedingly," often used to intensify an adjective or action.

Usage: The word μάλιστα appears in the New Testament to highlight a specific group, action, or quality as being of utmost importance or relevance. It is often used to draw attention to a particular point or to specify a group within a larger context.

Context: The Greek adverb μάλιστα is employed in the New Testament to underscore the significance or priority of a subject within a given context. It is used to denote a heightened degree of emphasis, often translating to "especially" or "most of all" in English. This term appears in various contexts, from ethical instructions to personal greetings, indicating its versatile application in emphasizing particular aspects of Christian teaching or community life.

For instance, in Galatians 6:10, Paul writes, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially (μάλιστα) to the family of faith." Here, μάλιστα is used to prioritize the care for fellow believers, highlighting the importance of community within the Christian faith.

In 1 Timothy 4:10, the term is used to emphasize God's role as the Savior: "To this end we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially (μάλιστα) of those who believe." This usage underscores the particular relationship between God and believers, while acknowledging His universal role.

The use of μάλιστα in the New Testament reflects a common rhetorical device in Greek literature, where emphasis is placed on a particular group or action to convey its importance. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of prioritizing certain ethical behaviors and relationships within the Christian community.

3122 málista (from mala, "very much") – very much the case; particularly so; especially (mostly) so.

Word Origin
superl. of a prim. adverb mala (very)
Definition
most
NASB Translation
especially (12).

STRONGS NT 3122: μάλιστα

μάλιστα (superlative of the adverb μάλα) (from Homer down), adverb, especially, chiefly, most of all, above all: Acts 20:38; Acts 25:26; Galatians 6:10; Philippians 4:22; 1 Timothy 4:10; 1 Timothy 5:8, 17; 2 Timothy 4:13; Titus 1:10; Philemon 1:16; 2 Peter 2:10; μάλιστα γνώστης, especially expert, thoroughly well-informed, Acts 26:3.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

chiefly, most of all, especially.

Neuter plural of the superlative of an apparently primary adverb mala (very); (adverbially) most (in the greatest degree) or particularly -- chiefly, most of all, (e-)specially.

Forms and Transliterations

μαλιστα μάλιστα malista málista

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts