μομφή
momphḗ
G3437 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A reproach, blame, or charge brought against someone; the expression of criticism or finding of fault. The primary sense is 'blame'—an accusation or censure directed at someone's conduct, with additional nuances including a specific fault, matter of reproach, or reason for complaint. In some contexts, it may refer to an actual dispute or quarrel resulting from the identification of a fault.
Semantic Range
blame, reproach, reason for criticism, fault, matter of complaint, charge, censure, ground for blame, occasion of reproach
Root / Etymology
Derived from the verb μέμφομαι ('to blame, find fault with, censure'). The noun form μομφή denotes the act or result of blaming or reproaching.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, μομφή commonly denotes censure, blame, or a reason for reproach. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, including New Testament usage (e.g., Hebrews 8:8), it refers to the act of finding fault or making a charge against someone, often in a formal sense. In the Septuagint and other Greek literature, it tends not to denote a 'quarrel' in the sense of an ongoing dispute, but rather the blame or fault that might instigate one. English translations sometimes render it as 'fault,' 'blame,' or 'reproach,' but the sense is usually focused on the act or reason of censure rather than mere accusation. It contrasts with related terms such as κατηγορία (formal accusation), as μομφή more often emphasizes reproach or moral blame than legal prosecution.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μέμφομαι; blame, i.e. (by implication), a fault:--quarrel.
Root Family
μομφή (momphē) — blame, reproach, censure, charge of fault
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3437-01 |
μομφήν | momphen | N ACC F SG |
complaint | a reproach | a complaint | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3437-01 |
Colossians 3:13 | μομφήν | momphen | N ACC F SG |
complaint | a reproach | a complaint |