Lexical Summary moicheuó: To commit adultery Original Word: μοιχεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance commit adultery. From moichos; to commit adultery -- commit adultery. see GREEK moichos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom moichos Definition to commit adultery NASB Translation adultery (1), commit adultery (11), commits adultery (2), committed adultery (1), committing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3431: μοιχεύωμοιχεύω; future μοιχεύσω; 1 aorist ἐμοίχευσα; passive, present participle μοιχευομένη; 1 aorist infinitive μοιχευθῆναι; (μοιχός); from Aristophanes and Xenophon down; the Sept. for נָאַף; to commit adultery; a. absolutely (to be an adulterer): Matthew 5:27; Matthew 19:18; Mark 10:19; Luke 16:18; Luke 18:20; Romans 2:22; Romans 13:9; James 2:11. b. τινα (γυναῖκα), to commit adultery with, have unlawful intercourse with another's wife: Matthew 5:28 (Deuteronomy 5:18; Leviticus 20:10; Aristophanes av. 558; Plato, rep. 2, p. 360 b.; Lucian, dial. deor. 6, 3; Aristaenet. epistles 1, 20; Aeschines dial. Socrates 2, 14); passive of the wife, to suffer adultery, be debauched: Matthew 5:32a L T Tr WH; (Matthew 19:9 WH marginal reading); John 8:4. By a Hebraism (see μοιχαλίς, b.) tropically, μετά τίνος (γυναικός) μοιχεύειν is used of those who at a woman's solicitation are drawn away to idolatry, i. e. to the eating of things sacrificed to idols, Revelation 2:22; cf. Jeremiah 3:9, etc. Strong’s Greek 3431 speaks of the act of adultery, a violation of the marriage covenant. In Scripture it functions on two levels: literal sexual unfaithfulness and spiritual infidelity against God. Its occurrences in the New Testament span Gospel teaching, apostolic exhortation, and prophetic warning, underscoring the unity of biblical morality from Sinai to the New Jerusalem. Biblical Usage • Ethical Lists: In Mark 10:19; Luke 18:20; Romans 13:9; and James 2:11, the verb appears in quotations of the Seventh Commandment, rooting Christian ethics in the Decalogue. Historical Background In the Greco-Roman world, extramarital relations were common and often tolerated for men, yet the Old Testament consistently condemned them (Exodus 20:14; Proverbs 6:32). By employing the same verb in the Septuagint, the New Testament writers tied first-century believers back to Israel’s covenant ethic, distinguishing the church from surrounding cultures. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Fidelity: Marriage mirrors God’s covenant with His people (Hosea 2:19; Ephesians 5:31-32). Adultery therefore assaults a divine symbol, explaining its severity in Scripture. Relation to the Seventh Commandment Quotations in Matthew 19:18 and Romans 13:9 demonstrate that the Decalogue remains authoritative for Christian conduct, yet now fulfilled in the law of love (Romans 13:10). James uses the command to teach the indivisibility of the Law: breaking one point renders a person “a transgressor of the law” (James 2:11). Jesus’ Teaching on Inner Purity By redefining adultery as a matter of the heart, Jesus raises the bar of righteousness, driving His hearers toward dependence on God’s grace and the regenerating work of the Spirit. The radical statements on self-denial (Matthew 5:29-30) emphasize the urgency with which believers must guard their inner lives. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Marriage Counseling: Upholding lifelong covenant faithfulness reflects Christ’s love for the church. Eschatological and Prophetic Dimensions The motif of adultery culminates in Revelation, where spiritual unfaithfulness is judged and the faithful bride is presented to Christ (Revelation 19:7-8). The verb’s final New Testament appearance therefore pushes readers toward vigilance and purity as they await the Bridegroom’s return. Practical Implications for Today 1. Guarding the Mind: Media-saturated cultures require intentional disciplines of thought and accountability. Summary Strong’s 3431 is far more than a legal term; it is a gateway to understanding covenant, holiness, and the gospel’s power to transform desire. From Moses to John, Scripture condemns adultery, yet through Christ offers cleansing, empowerment, and hope for a pure and faithful people awaiting eternal union with their Lord. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 5:27 V-FIA-2SGRK: ἐρρέθη Οὐ μοιχεύσεις NAS: that it was said, YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; KJV: Thou shalt not commit adultery: INT: it was said not You will commit adultery Matthew 5:28 V-AIA-3S Matthew 5:32 V-ANP Matthew 19:18 V-FIA-2S Mark 10:19 V-ASA-2S Luke 16:18 V-PIA-3S Luke 16:18 V-PIA-3S Luke 18:20 V-ASA-2S John 8:4 V-PPM/P-NFS Romans 2:22 V-PNA Romans 2:22 V-PIA-2S Romans 13:9 V-FIA-2S James 2:11 V-ASA-2S James 2:11 V-PIA-2S Revelation 2:22 V-PPA-AMP Strong's Greek 3431 |
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