Lexical Summary moichaó: To commit adultery Original Word: μοιχάω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance commit adultery. From moichos; (middle voice) to commit adultery -- commit adultery. see GREEK moichos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom moichos Definition to commit adultery with NASB Translation adultery (1), commits adultery (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3429: μοιχάωμοιχάω, μοίχω: to have unlawful intercourse with another's wife, to commit adultery with: τινα. in Biblical Greek middle μοιχωμαι, to commit adultery: of the man, Matthew 5:32b (yet WH brackets); Topical Lexicon Meaning within Biblical Marriage Strong’s Greek 3429 expresses the act of violating the marriage covenant. In Scripture adultery is never treated as a merely private failing; it strikes at the heart of a God-ordained union designed to mirror His own faithfulness (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:31-32). In both Testaments it is a breach of covenant loyalty, carrying moral, social, and spiritual consequences. Occurrences in the New Testament The verb appears five times, always on the lips of Jesus: Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9 (twice in the verse’s parallel clauses); Mark 10:11; Mark 10:12. Each occurrence is found in teaching on divorce and remarriage. By limiting the verb to these contexts, the Gospels emphasize that adultery is primarily a covenantal violation rather than a random act of immorality. • Matthew 5:32 ― “Whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” Old Testament Foundations The seventh commandment, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14), defines adultery as a capital offense in ancient Israel (Leviticus 20:10). Prophets later use the image to describe Israel’s idolatry (Jeremiah 3:8-9; Hosea 3:1), linking marital infidelity with covenant infidelity toward God. Jesus’ use of 3429 stands squarely in this prophetic tradition, treating marital disloyalty as rebellion against divine order. Jesus’ Teaching on Divorce and Remarriage 1. Permanence of Marriage: By anchoring His ethic in “the beginning” (Matthew 19:4-6), Jesus presents adultery as antithetical to God’s original design, thereby rejecting the lax divorce practices of His day. Historical and Cultural Setting First-century Judaism debated legitimate grounds for divorce, with rabbinic schools ranging from the strict (Shammai) to the permissive (Hillel). Greco-Roman society permitted easy divorce for almost any reason. Against this backdrop Jesus’ pronouncements were counter-cultural, calling citizens of the Kingdom to a higher righteousness (Matthew 5:20). Ethical and Pastoral Implications • Sanctity of the Marriage Vow: Churches are compelled to uphold marital fidelity, viewing adultery not only as sin against a spouse but also as sin against God (Psalm 51:4). Adultery and the Kingdom of God Paul warns that “neither the adulterers” will inherit the Kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Yet he immediately adds, “Such were some of you. But you were washed” (1 Corinthians 6:11). The gospel offers cleansing from the deepest covenant breaches, demonstrating that forgiveness is possible without minimizing the sin’s severity. Related Terms • Porneia (sexual immorality) ― broader category encompassing adultery. Summary The five New Testament uses of Strong’s 3429 form a concise yet weighty testimony: adultery is a willful violation of a sacred covenant that God expects to remain intact for life. Jesus reaffirms Old Testament holiness, applies it equally to men and women, and situates marital fidelity within the larger narrative of God’s faithful love for His people. In ministry, the term calls believers both to guard their own hearts and to extend redemptive grace to those who repent. Forms and Transliterations εμοιχάτο εμοιχώντο μοιχάσθαι μοιχάσθε μοιχαται μοιχάται μοιχᾶται μοιχωμένη μοιχωμένους μοιχώνται moichatai moichâtaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 5:32 V-PIM/P-3SGRK: ἀπολελυμένην γαμήσῃ μοιχᾶται NAS: a divorced woman commits adultery. KJV: her to commit adultery: and INT: her who is divorced shall marry commits adultery Matthew 19:9 V-PIM/P-3S Matthew 19:9 V-PI-3S Mark 10:11 V-PIM/P-3S Mark 10:12 V-PIM/P-3S |
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