Brief Overview of μοιχάω (Strong’s G3429: moichaō)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding the Greek word μοιχάω (moichaō) is crucial for interpreting several significant New Testament passages related to marital fidelity and spiritual allegories. The word μοιχάω, which appears in Matthew 5:32, refers directly to committing adultery. In biblical studies, exploring such terms offers insights not only into personal moral conduct but also into the theological implications of spiritual unfaithfulness. The use of μοιχάω is deeply rooted in the cultural, legal, and moral contexts of the ancient world, where adultery was not merely a personal failing but also a serious social and religious transgression.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: μοιχάω (moichaō)

Transliteration: moichaō

Pronunciation: /moy-KHA-oh/

Etymology:

The root of μοιχάω comes from the noun μοιχός (moichos), which refers to “an adulterer” or someone who violates the marital covenant. It is connected to other related terms involving unlawful sexual relations or covenant-breaking behaviors. In its verbal form, moichaō directly translates to the act of committing adultery, underscoring the violation of trust and faithfulness inherent in both marital and spiritual contexts.

Part of Speech:

μοιχάω is a verb, indicating an action—specifically, the act of adultery. This verb often carries legal, relational, and religious overtones, given the gravity of adultery in both civil law and spiritual doctrine during the time of the New Testament. The verb form emphasizes the action’s ongoing, repeated, or specific occurrence.

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Defining Meanings

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1. “To Commit Adultery” (Literal):

The most straightforward and primary meaning of μοιχάω is the literal act of engaging in sexual relations with someone other than one’s spouse. This was a violation of both the Mosaic law (Exodus 20:14) and Greco-Roman legal codes, which treated marital fidelity as a foundation of society.

2. “To Be Spiritually Unfaithful” (Metaphorical):

In many biblical passages, adultery is used metaphorically to describe spiritual unfaithfulness, where believers break their covenant with God. The word μοιχάω, when used in this sense, reflects Israel’s idolatry and turning away from God to pursue other gods or allegiances, echoing themes from the Old Testament prophets.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μοιχός (moichos) [moy-KHOS]: This is the masculine noun for “adulterer.” It refers specifically to a man who engages in adultery. While μοιχάω refers to the act itself, moichos refers to the person committing the act.

2. πορνεύω (porneuō) [por-NEW-oh]: This verb means “to commit fornication” or engage in unlawful sexual acts more broadly, including adultery. Unlike μοιχάω, porneuō can refer to any sexual immorality, not just adultery.

3. παραβαίνω (parabainō) [pa-ra-BAI-noh]: This word means “to transgress” or “to break a law.” While it can refer to many types of violations, it is relevant when discussing breaking the marriage covenant, particularly in reference to μοιχάω.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

μοιχάω is a regular verb following typical conjugation patterns of Greek verbs. Its tense, voice, and mood variations provide nuances of meaning in different contexts. Below is a sample of how μοιχάω conjugates in the present indicative form, which expresses a current or ongoing action:

Person Singular Plural

1st Person μοιχάω μοιχῶμεν

2nd Person μοιχᾷς μοιχᾶτε

3rd Person μοιχᾷ μοιχῶσι(ν)

For a beginner’s guide to reading Greek, click here for a helpful resource.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons agree that μοιχάω focuses on the act of adultery. In biblical contexts, it often serves as more than just a legal term; it is imbued with theological meaning, particularly in relation to breaking the covenant with God. Some lexicons highlight the broader moral implications of μοιχάω, stressing its relevance to teachings on fidelity, community trust, and spiritual purity. Furthermore, in its metaphorical usage, it becomes a critical term in describing the relationship between Israel and God, where unfaithfulness to God is equated with the act of adultery.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 5:32 – “But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery [μοιχάω], and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery [μοιχάω].”

2. Matthew 19:9 – “And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery [μοιχάω].”

3. Mark 10:11 – “And he said to them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery [μοιχάω] against her.’”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Here are examples from classical Greek and the Septuagint, showing how μοιχάω was used:

Author Name of Work Example Text

Plato Laws “The adulterer [μοιχάω] must face justice.”

Septuagint Jeremiah 3:9 “She polluted the land with her adultery [μοιχάω].”

Herodotus Histories “In all matters of law, the adulterer [μοιχάω] was treated as the gravest of offenders.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb μοιχάω (moichaō) carries a heavy moral and legal weight in the New Testament. It primarily means “to commit adultery,” an act that breaches both human and divine covenants. In its theological sense, μοιχάω serves as a metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness, highlighting the importance of fidelity in relationships and worship. Understanding μοιχάω deepens one’s appreciation of its implications in biblical teachings on marriage, covenant, and divine expectation.

Did You Know?

1. In Jewish law, adultery was one of the most serious offenses, punishable by death according to Leviticus 20:10.

2. The concept of spiritual adultery, linked to μοιχάω, was often used by prophets to describe Israel’s idolatry and turning away from God.

3. Jesus’ teachings on divorce and adultery in the New Testament are directly connected to this understanding of μοιχάω, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and covenant faithfulness.