Lexical Summary moichos: Adulterer Original Word: μοιχός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance adulterer. Perhaps a primary word; a (male) paramour; figuratively, apostate -- adulterer. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition an adulterer NASB Translation adulterers (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3432: μοιχόςμοιχός, μοιχοῦ, ὁ, an adulterer: Luke 18:11; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Hebrews 13:4. Hebraistically (see μοιχαλίς, b.) and figuratively, faithless toward God, ungodly: James 4:4 R G. (Sophocles, Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plutarch, and following; the Sept..) Topical Lexicon Definition and Conceptual Scope μοιχός designates a person—typically male—who violates the exclusivity of the marriage covenant by engaging in sexual relations with someone else’s spouse. Rooted in the seventh commandment of Exodus 20:14, the term evokes legal, moral, covenantal, and relational dimensions rather than merely sexual misconduct. Occurrences in the New Testament The noun appears three times: • Luke 18:11—The self-righteous Pharisee thanks God that he is “not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers.” While the contexts differ—self-justification, eschatological warning, and pastoral exhortation—the indictment of adultery remains uncompromising. Old Testament and Jewish Background In Mosaic Law adultery was a capital offense (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22), stressing the sanctity of marriage as a covenantal microcosm of Israel’s relationship with the LORD. Prophets often used adultery metaphorically for idolatry (Jeremiah 3:8-9; Ezekiel 16:32). Second Temple Judaism continued to regard adultery as both sin and social crime, carrying severe stigma. New Testament Theology 1. Covenant Integrity: Hebrews 13:4 roots marital faithfulness in God’s ongoing judgment, underscoring marriage as His institution. Christological Significance Jesus fulfills the law not only by avoiding adultery but by embodying covenant loyalty. His union with the Church is portrayed as the flawless marriage (Ephesians 5:25-32). By contrast, the adulterer images covenant breach; thus the term illuminates the purity of Christ’s faithfulness. Ecclesiological Implications Church discipline addresses unrepentant adultery (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:11), aiming to protect the flock and restore the sinner. Marriage, upheld in Hebrews 13:4, serves as a testimony to the gospel; therefore clergy qualification lists require marital faithfulness (1 Timothy 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6). Pastoral and Ethical Applications • Guarding the Heart: Believers cultivate purity by renewing the mind (Romans 12:2) and fleeing sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). Eschatological Warning and Promise Revelation’s catalogs of the judged include “sexually immoral persons” (Revelation 21:8; 22:15), echoing 1 Corinthians 6:9. Yet the New Jerusalem is described as a Bride prepared for her Husband (Revelation 21:2), assuring that redeemed humanity will enjoy an unbreakable covenant. Summary μοιχός exposes the gravity of adultery as covenant violation, threatens divine judgment, and calls the Church to holiness. By highlighting God’s unwavering standard and providing a path of grace-empowered repentance, Scripture transforms former adulterers into faithful disciples who magnify the fidelity of Christ. Forms and Transliterations μοιχοι μοιχοί μοιχοὶ μοιχός μοιχού μοιχους μοιχούς μοιχοὺς μοιχών μόλιβδον μόλιβδος μολίβδου μολίβδω moichoi moichoí moichoì moichous moichoùsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 18:11 N-NMPGRK: ἅρπαγες ἄδικοι μοιχοί ἢ καὶ NAS: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even KJV: unjust, adulterers, or INT: swindlers unrighteous adulterers or even 1 Corinthians 6:9 N-NMP Hebrews 13:4 N-AMP Strong's Greek 3432 |
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