"most, most of all, chiefly, especially, Acts 20:38; 25:26"
Definition and meaning
most, most of all, chiefly, especially, Acts 20:38; 25:26
In the original Greek the word is written: μάλιστα
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of malista (G3122) across the King James Bible.
Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
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Common questions
Strong's G3122 (malista) is a Greek word that means: most, most of all, chiefly, especially, Acts 20:38; 25:26 It appears 11 times in the King James Bible.
The word malista (G3122) appears 11 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3122 is malista, a Greek word defined as: most, most of all, chiefly, especially, Acts 20:38; 25:26. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
malista is a Greek word found in the New Testament.