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Unveiling the Word

Understanding the Greek word μοιχεία (moicheía), often translated as “adultery,” is key to exploring both the moral and spiritual dimensions of biblical teachings. In the context of the New Testament, this word goes beyond physical infidelity and often symbolizes spiritual unfaithfulness to God. Adultery, in the ancient world, was seen as a serious breach of both personal trust and social norms, carrying significant legal and moral weight. In Matthew 15:19, Jesus lists moicheía as one of the sinful acts that originate from the heart, underscoring its deep spiritual and relational implications.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μοιχεία (moicheía)

Transliteration: moicheía

Pronunciation: /moy-KHI-ah/

Etymology:

μοιχεία is derived from the root word μοιχός (moichós), meaning “adulterer.” This noun form directly refers to the act of adultery. The root carries the notion of unlawful sexual relations, typically within the context of breaking the marriage covenant. It is related to the verb μοιχάω (moichaō), which means “to commit adultery.” Together, these terms highlight both the act and the identity of one involved in marital unfaithfulness.

Part of Speech:

μοιχεία is a noun, specifically a feminine noun. As a substantive, it refers to the act or condition of adultery, rather than the person committing it. It frequently appears in contexts discussing legal, moral, and theological concerns about marital faithfulness.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. “Adultery” (Literal):

The primary and most direct meaning of μοιχεία is the act of adultery, the violation of the marital covenant through sexual infidelity. In both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, adultery was considered a serious offense, carrying legal and social consequences. This meaning is especially prevalent in the Gospels, where Jesus addresses issues of moral purity and relational faithfulness.

2. “Spiritual Unfaithfulness” (Metaphorical):

In addition to its literal meaning, μοιχεία is often used metaphorically to describe spiritual unfaithfulness, particularly in the prophetic tradition. In this sense, it conveys the idea of idolatry or turning away from God, often seen in the writings of the Old Testament prophets, where Israel’s unfaithfulness to God is likened to the act of adultery.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μοιχός (moichós) [moy-KHOS]: A noun referring to “an adulterer.” This term focuses on the individual who commits the act of adultery, while μοιχεία refers to the act itself.

2. πορνεία (porneía) [por-NAY-ah]: A broader term that encompasses various forms of sexual immorality, including fornication and adultery. While moicheía specifically refers to marital infidelity, porneía can include other types of illicit sexual behavior.

3. παρανομία (paranomía) [pa-ra-no-MEE-ah]: This word means “lawlessness” or “illegality” and refers to behavior that violates established moral or legal codes. Adultery, as a violation of the law, can sometimes fall under this broader category.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun, μοιχεία is declined according to the first declension in Greek. Here is a basic declension table for μοιχεία in the singular form:

Case Singular

Nominative μοιχεία

Genitive μοιχείας

Dative μοιχείᾳ

Accusative μοιχείαν

Vocative μοιχεία

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

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word μοιχεία, as examined in various lexicons, consistently emphasizes its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts. It is widely agreed that μοιχεία refers to the act of adultery, but lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s highlight its metaphorical usage in describing spiritual unfaithfulness to God. In the New Testament, μοιχεία is often used in moral teachings, particularly in the Gospels, where Jesus contrasts inner purity with outward legalism. Classical Greek usage of the term also stresses its seriousness as a violation of societal and legal norms.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 15:19 – “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries [μοιχεία], fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.”

2. Mark 7:21 – “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries [μοιχεία].”

3. Galatians 5:19 – “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery [μοιχεία], fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness…”

Analyzing Classical Usage

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

Author Name of Work Example Text

Plato Laws “Adultery [μοιχεία] shall be punished severely in the city.”

Septuagint Hosea 4:2 “There is swearing, lying, killing, stealing, and committing adultery [μοιχεία].”

Herodotus Histories “The destruction of a family begins with adultery [μοιχεία].”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μοιχεία (moicheía) serves as a significant term in both legal and theological contexts in the New Testament. While its primary meaning refers to the act of adultery, breaking the marital covenant, it also carries deeper spiritual connotations of unfaithfulness to God. In many biblical teachings, particularly in the Gospels, μοιχεία is linked to the broader theme of moral and spiritual purity. Understanding this word deepens one’s perspective on the nature of human relationships, fidelity, and the call to spiritual devotion.

Did You Know?

1. In the ancient world, adultery was often punishable by death or severe social ostracism.

2. The prophets of the Old Testament frequently used the imagery of adultery to describe Israel’s idolatry and unfaithfulness to God.

3. Jesus’ teachings on adultery in the New Testament expand on the concept by focusing not only on the act but also on the internal motivations of the heart.