Greek word · G3122

μάλιστα

malista

especially

The highest degree of μάλα ("very"): "most of all, especially, above all, particularly". A smaller set of examples is argued to mean "that is to say, namely", narrowing or defining what came before.

Appears 12 times in 12 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

μάλιστα, see: μάλα.

μάλα

adv., [in LXX for אֲבָל, 3Ki.1:43, Dan LXX 10:21, al.; compar. for מ, Numbers 13:32 (31), al.; μᾶλλον ἠ (מ), Genesis 19:9, al.; superlat., 2Ma.8:7, 4Ma.4:22 12:9 15:4 ;]

I. Pos., very, very much, exceedingly (cl.; LXX ut supr.; in NT its place is taken by λίαν, σφόδρα, etc.).

II. Compar., μᾶλλον.

1. Of increase, more; with qualifying words: πολλῷ, Mark 10:48, Luke 18:39, Romans 5:15, 17, Philippians 2:12, al.; πόσῳ, Luke 12:24, Romans 11:12, al.; τοσούτῳ . . . ὅσῳ, Hebrews 10:25.

2. Of comparison, the more: Luke 5:15, John 5:18, Acts 5:14, 1 Thessalonians 4:1, 10, 2 Peter 1:10; ἔτι μ. καὶ μ., Philippians 1:9; with compar., Mark 7:36, 2 Corinthians 7:13; πολλῴ μ. κρεῖσον, Philippians 1:23; μ. διαφέρειν, with genitive, Matthew 6:26; μ. ἤ, Matthew 18:13; with genitive, 1 Corinthians 14:18; as periphr. for compar., Acts 20:35, 1 Corinthians 9:15, Galatians 4:27; μ. δέ (EV, yea rather), Romans 8:34.

3. Of preference, rather, the rather, sooner: with qualifying words, πολλῷ, Matthew 6:30, al.; πολύ, Hebrews 12:25; πόσῳ, Matthew 7:11, al.; in a question, οὐ μ., 1 Corinthians 9:12; after a neg., Matthew 10:6, al.; θέλω (εὐδοκῶ) μ., 1 Corinthians 14:5, 2 Corinthians 5:8; ζηλῶ, 1 Corinthians 14:1; with subst., τ. σκότος ἢ τ. φῶς, John 3:19; μ. δέ, Galatians 4:9.

III. Superl., μάλιστα

, most, most of all, above all: Acts 20:38 25:26, Galatians 6:10, Philippians 4:22, 1 Timothy 4:10 5:8, 17, 2 Timothy 4:13, Titus 1:10, Phm 16, 2 Peter 2:10; μ. γνώστης, Acts 26:3

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of 1 Timothy 4:10

Range of meaning

The highest degree of μάλα ("very"): "most of all, especially, above all, particularly". A smaller set of examples is argued to mean "that is to say, namely", narrowing or defining what came before.

Against the English

Almost all English versions say "especially" or "particularly", which presents believers as a special part of a larger whole.

Used elsewhere in the period

Common in classical and Koine Greek with the sense "especially" (e.g. Acts 20:38; 25:26; Gal 6:10; Phil 4:22; 1 Tim 5:8, 17). T. C. Skeat (Journal of Theological Studies, 1979) drew on papyri and 2 Tim 4:13 to argue for "that is" in some passages. Major commentators (e.g. Marshall, ICC) grant it is possible but find the "especially" sense much better attested.

From the study of Titus 1:10

Range of meaning

Superlative adverb from mala ('very'): 'most of all, especially, above all'. Some scholars argue it can also mean 'that is, namely, I mean' in some papyri and in the Pastoral Letters.

Against the English

All the major English versions say 'especially' or 'specially', which presents the circumcision group as the leading part of a larger body of opponents.

Used elsewhere in the period

Common in Greek of every period in the sense 'especially'. T. C. Skeat argued (1979) that in some papyrus letters, and in 1 Tim 4:10, 5:8, 5:17 and 2 Tim 4:13, it works to define or specify ('namely'). Others have challenged the papyrus evidence.

Where it appears

Acts · 3

  1. Acts 20:38 μάλιστα especially

    They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

    Here: Picks out one cause of the grief above the rest. Parting hurt, but the thought of never meeting again hurt most.

  2. Acts 25:26 μάλιστα especially

    I have nothing definite to write to our sovereign about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this inquiry I may have something to write.

  3. Acts 26:3 μάλιστα Especially

    especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.

Galatians · 1

  1. Galatians 6:10 μάλιστα especially

    Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

    Here: The superlative of mala, "very": "above all." It singles out one part of the larger "all" for particular attention. It does not replace the larger group.

Philippians · 1

  1. Philippians 4:22 μάλιστα especially

    All the saints send you greetings, especially those from the household of Caesar.

1 Timothy · 3

  1. 1 Timothy 4:10 μάλιστα especially

    To this end we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, and especially of those who believe.

    Here: Usually "especially, above all": believers stand out within the "all". A minority argue that it can mean "that is, namely" (see debates).

  2. 1 Timothy 5:8 μάλιστα especially

    If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

    Here: Narrows things down: the duty covers relatives in general, and above all the members of one's own household. A minority reading takes it as "that is" (see debates).

  3. 1 Timothy 5:17 μάλιστα especially

    Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

    Here: Normally 'especially', picking out a subgroup within the well-leading elders. A minority view takes it as 'that is, namely', which would make the two phrases describe the same people.

2 Timothy · 1

  1. 2 Timothy 4:13 μάλιστα especially

    When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

Titus · 1

  1. Titus 1:10 μάλιστα especially

    For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision,

    Here: Picks out the leading or most prominent group among the opponents. Some scholars argue it can mean 'that is, namely' (see debates).

Philemon · 1

  1. Philemon 1:16 μάλιστα especially

    no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.

    Here: A superlative: Onesimus is supremely dear to Paul. It sets up the 'how much more' that follows.

2 Peter · 1

  1. 2 Peter 2:10 μάλιστα especially

    Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings.

    Here: Picks out one group from 'the unrighteous' of v.9: the Lord keeps all of them for judgment, and these false teachers most of all.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.