μίασμα

pollution, defilement

Definition

μίασμα (miasma) refers to a state of moral or spiritual pollution, a defilement that contaminates a person's soul. In the New Testament, it specifically denotes the profound moral stain acquired by those who, having escaped the world's corruption through knowledge of Christ, become entangled again in sinful practices and are overcome by them. This concept is vividly illustrated in 2 Peter 2:20, where it describes the final, worsened condition of apostates. The word carries a strong sense of an active, corrupting influence, not merely a passive spot.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Peter 2:20. It is employed in a severe warning about the danger of apostasy. The context describes individuals who have known the way of righteousness but have turned back to their former sinful ways. The term 'miasma' is used to characterize their ultimate, defiled state, which is said to be worse than their first condition before knowing Christ.

Etymology

Derived from the verb μιαίνω (miainō, G3392), meaning 'to stain,' 'defile,' or 'pollute.' The noun form μίασμα specifically denotes the resulting 'stain' or 'pollution' itself. It is related to words in the μι- (mi-) root family that convey ideas of defilement and uncleanness, often in a ritual or moral sense.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores the serious nature of sin and apostasy. It teaches that turning away from Christ after genuine knowledge does not return a person to a neutral state but to a state of greater defilement (2 Peter 2:20). It enriches the reading of 2 Peter by highlighting the New Testament's stark warning against willful rejection of salvation, framing it as an active, polluting corruption of the soul.

In ancient Greek thought, 'miasma' often referred to a ritual pollution or stain that could be incurred through acts like murder, bringing a person or community under divine disfavor. The New Testament adapts this concept, applying it primarily to moral and spiritual corruption in the context of covenant relationship with God, moving it from a primarily ritual to an ethical and relational sphere.

μιαίνω (miainō, G3392) — the verb 'to defile' or 'to stain,' the action that causes a μίασμα. μολυσμός (molusmos, G3436) — also means 'defilement,' but can emphasize the act of soiling or the state of being soiled, used in 2 Corinthians 7:1.

Word Details

Scripture References