Lexical Summary moichalis: Adulteress Original Word: μοιχαλὶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance adulteressA prolonged form of the feminine of moichos; an adulteress (literally or figuratively) -- adulteress(-ous, -y). see GREEK moichos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the fem. of moichos Definition an adulteress NASB Translation adulteress (2), adulteresses (1), adulterous (3), adultery (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3428: μοιχαλίςμοιχαλίς, μοιχαλίδος, ἡ (μοιχός), a word unknown to the earlier writers but found in Plutarch, Heliodorus, others; see Lob. ad Phryn., p. 452; (Winers Grammar, 24); the Sept. for נֹאֶפֶת (Ezekiel 16:38; Ezekiel 23:45) and מְנָאֶפֶת (Hosea 3:1; Proverbs 24:55 a. properly: Romans 7:3; ὀφθαλμοί μεστοί μοιχαλίδος, eyes always on the watch for an adulteress, or from which adulterous desire beams forth, 2 Peter 2:14. b. As the intimate alliance of God with the people of Israel was likened to a marriage, those who relapse into idolatry are said to commit adultery or play the harlot (Ezekiel 16:15ff; 23:43ff, etc.); hence, μοιχαλίς is figuratively equivalent to faithless to God, unclean, apostate: James 4:4 (where cf. Alford); as an adjective (cf. Matthiae, § 429, 4), γενεά ... μοιχαλίς: Matthew 12:39; Matthew 16:4; Mark 8:38. (Cf. Clement of Alexandria, strom. vi. c. 16 § 146, p. 292, 5 edition Sylb.) Strong’s Greek 3428 designates the feminine noun translated “adulteress.” The term appears seven times in the Greek New Testament and functions both literally (a woman who violates the marriage covenant) and figuratively (a people who break covenant with God). Old Testament Background The prophets frequently portrayed Israel’s idolatry as marital unfaithfulness (for example, Jeremiah 3:8-9; Hosea 2:2-5). This prophetic backdrop prepares the reader to recognize “adulteress” as a covenantal category: abandoning exclusive devotion to the LORD equals spiritual adultery. The New Testament writers inherit and sharpen that imagery. New Testament Usage 1. Literal illustration 2. Prophetic indictment of an unfaithful generation “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38) 3. Rebuke of worldly compromise within the church Theological Significance Covenant Fidelity: Scripture consistently frames God’s relationship with His people in marital terms—He is the faithful Husband; His people are called to faithful, exclusive love. The label “adulteress” marks the most serious breach of that covenant. Holiness and Judgment: Passages using 3428 warn that divine judgment falls on those who persist in unfaithfulness, whether an individual breaking the marriage bond (Romans 7:3) or a generation rejecting Christ (Mark 8:38). Grace and Release: Paul’s use in Romans 7 underscores that through union with the crucified and risen Christ believers are freed from the penalty of the Law, just as the death of a husband frees a woman from marital bonds. Grace does not lessen the seriousness of adultery; rather, it fulfills the Law’s demands and calls the believer to a higher covenant loyalty. Moral and Pastoral Applications Marriage Ethics: The literal meaning reinforces the call to marital fidelity (Matthew 5:27-32; Hebrews 13:4). Pastoral care must hold high the sanctity of marriage while offering repentance and restoration to the repentant adulterer. Spiritual Vigilance: James and Peter show that spiritual adultery begins in the heart’s affections before manifesting in visible compromise. Churches must cultivate friendship with God through worship, Scripture, and obedience, resisting the allure of worldly values. Discipleship in a Hostile Culture: Jesus’ warning in Mark 8:38 equips believers to stand unashamed of the gospel amid an “adulterous and sinful generation.” Public loyalty to Christ is a litmus test of covenant faithfulness. Christological and Ecclesiological Dimensions Bridegroom Theology: The Church is the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 19:7-9). The term “adulteress” implicitly contrasts with the Bride’s calling to purity. Sanctification is therefore bridal preparation. Eschatological Accountability: Mark 8:38 links present allegiance to future judgment. The Bridegroom will evaluate whether His people maintained faithful witness. Assurance of salvation coexists with sober warnings that expose false professions. Relevance for Contemporary Discipleship In an age that normalizes both marital infidelity and spiritual pluralism, the New Testament’s use of Strong’s 3428 summons believers to: • Uphold biblical marriage as a covenant reflecting God’s own faithfulness. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 12:39 N-NFSGRK: πονηρὰ καὶ μοιχαλὶς σημεῖον ἐπιζητεῖ NAS: to them, An evil and adulterous generation KJV: and adulterous generation INT: evil and adulterous a sign seeks for Matthew 16:4 N-NFS Mark 8:38 N-DFS Romans 7:3 N-NFS Romans 7:3 N-AFS James 4:4 N-VFP 2 Peter 2:14 N-GFS Strong's Greek 3428 |
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