Topical Encyclopedia The term "unfaithful" in the biblical context generally refers to a lack of faithfulness or loyalty, particularly in one's relationship with God, but also in human relationships such as marriage. The concept of unfaithfulness is addressed throughout the Bible, often highlighting the spiritual and moral consequences of such behavior.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, unfaithfulness is frequently associated with idolatry and the abandonment of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The prophets often used the metaphor of marital unfaithfulness to describe Israel's spiritual adultery. For example, in the book of Hosea, God commands the prophet to marry an unfaithful woman to symbolize Israel's unfaithfulness to Him: "The LORD said to Hosea, 'Go, take for yourself a wife of prostitution and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is committing blatant acts of unfaithfulness by forsaking the LORD'" (Hosea 1:2). The theme of unfaithfulness is also evident in the historical books, where the Israelites repeatedly turn away from God to worship foreign gods, despite His continuous faithfulness to them. In Judges 2:17, it is written, "Yet they would not listen to their judges, but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them. They quickly turned from the way of their fathers, who had walked in obedience to the LORD’s commands" . New Testament Context In the New Testament, unfaithfulness is addressed in both spiritual and relational contexts. Jesus speaks against unfaithfulness in marriage, emphasizing the sanctity of the marital bond. In Matthew 19:9, He states, "And I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery" . The apostle Paul also addresses unfaithfulness in his epistles, urging believers to remain faithful to God and to one another. In 1 Corinthians 4:2, Paul writes, "Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful" , highlighting the importance of faithfulness in the life of a believer. Spiritual Implications Unfaithfulness is seen as a serious offense against God, as it reflects a breach of trust and a turning away from His commandments. The Bible consistently calls for repentance and a return to faithfulness. In 1 John 1:9, the promise of forgiveness is extended to those who confess their sins: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" . Moral and Ethical Considerations The Bible presents faithfulness as a key virtue, essential for maintaining healthy relationships with God and others. Unfaithfulness, whether in the form of idolatry, adultery, or betrayal, is condemned as it undermines the trust and integrity that are foundational to these relationships. Believers are encouraged to cultivate faithfulness as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and to strive for a life that reflects God's unwavering faithfulness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Not faithful; not observant of promises, vows, allegiance, or duty; violating trust or confidence; treacherous; perfidious; as, an unfaithful subject; an unfaithful agent or servant.2. (a.) Not possessing faith; infidel. Greek 569. apisteo -- to disbelieve, be faithless ... to disbelieve, be faithless. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: apisteo Phonetic Spelling: (ap-is-teh'-o) Short Definition: I am unfaithful, I disbelieve ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/569.htm - 8k 4203. porneuo -- to commit fornication Strong's Hebrew 4604. maal -- an unfaithful or treacherous act... 4603, 4604. maal. 4605 . an unfaithful or treacherous act. Transliteration: maal Phonetic Spelling: (mah'-al) Short Definition: unfaithfully. ... /hebrew/4604.htm - 6k 4603. maal -- to act unfaithfully or treacherously 2181. zanah -- to commit fornication, be a harlot 898. bagad -- to act or deal treacherously Library Granted that the Apostles Transmitted the Whole Doctrine of Truth ... Psalm CI. Application of these Motives Self-Scrutiny in God's Presence. Will the Knowledge that Some of Our Own are Lost, Mar Our ... The Promises of the Christian Home. The Unknown Giver and the Misused Gifts Malachi An Evening on the Mount of Olives. (Of Accusations against Doctors. ) Thesaurus Unfaithful (58 Occurrences)... a.) Not faithful; not observant of promises, vows, allegiance, or duty; violating trust or confidence; treacherous; perfidious; as, an unfaithful subject; an ... /u/unfaithful.htm - 23k Faithless (46 Occurrences) Unfaithfulness (27 Occurrences) Faithlessly (5 Occurrences) Mammon (4 Occurrences) Swell (9 Occurrences) Asunder (37 Occurrences) Portion (227 Occurrences) Unfaithfully (19 Occurrences) Knoweth (152 Occurrences) Resources Did God divorce Israel? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God tell Hosea to marry a prostitute (Hosea 1:2)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Lo-ruhamah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Unfaithful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Unfaithful (58 Occurrences)Luke 12:46 Romans 3:3 1 Corinthians 4:4 2 Timothy 2:13 James 4:4 Revelation 21:8 Leviticus 26:40 Numbers 5:6 Numbers 5:12 Numbers 5:27 Deuteronomy 32:20 Joshua 22:16 Joshua 22:22 Joshua 22:31 1 Chronicles 10:13 2 Chronicles 12:2 2 Chronicles 26:16 2 Chronicles 26:18 2 Chronicles 28:19 2 Chronicles 28:22 2 Chronicles 29:6 2 Chronicles 30:7 2 Chronicles 36:14 Ezra 10:2 Ezra 10:10 Nehemiah 1:8 Nehemiah 13:27 Job 31:28 Psalms 73:27 Proverbs 2:22 Proverbs 11:3 Proverbs 11:6 Proverbs 13:2 Proverbs 13:15 Proverbs 14:14 Proverbs 21:18 Proverbs 22:12 Proverbs 23:28 Proverbs 25:19 Jeremiah 3:7 Jeremiah 3:8 Jeremiah 3:10 Jeremiah 3:11 Jeremiah 3:20 Jeremiah 5:11 Jeremiah 9:2 Jeremiah 31:22 Jeremiah 49:4 Ezekiel 14:13 Ezekiel 15:8 Ezekiel 17:20 Ezekiel 39:23 Daniel 9:7 Hosea 4:12 Hosea 5:7 Hosea 6:7 Hosea 9:1 Hosea 11:12 Subtopics Related Terms |