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Unveiling the Word

Understanding the Greek word μοιχεύω (moicheuō) is crucial in biblical studies, especially when exploring concepts of sin and human relationships. This word, found in Matthew 5:27, deals with the act of adultery, a violation of marital vows and trust. The term holds significant relevance in both the New Testament teachings of Jesus and the moral codes of ancient cultures. By delving into the meaning of moicheuō, we can better understand its importance in biblical texts, as well as its broader implications for marriage, fidelity, and personal integrity in ancient Greek and Jewish contexts.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μοιχεύω (moicheuō), pronounced moy-KHEH-o.

Etymology: Derived from the Greek noun μοιχός (moichos), meaning “adulterer.” The root captures the essence of violating a marital relationship through illicit sexual conduct.

Part of Speech: Moicheuō is a verb, denoting the action of committing adultery. It appears in various grammatical forms throughout the New Testament, conveying the act of marital infidelity.

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Defining Meanings

1. Literal Act of Adultery: The primary meaning of moicheuō refers to the act of adultery, specifically the violation of the marital covenant through sexual relations with someone other than one’s spouse. This is the direct, literal sense found in many biblical passages.

2. Spiritual Unfaithfulness: In a metaphorical sense, moicheuō is used in some contexts to describe spiritual unfaithfulness to God, particularly when the people of Israel turn to idolatry. This concept parallels the breach of trust in a marriage relationship, likening idolatry to adultery.

3. Moral Teaching: Jesus uses the word moicheuō in his teachings to broaden the definition of adultery beyond the physical act, extending it to include lustful thoughts and intentions of the heart (Matthew 5:28). This adds a deeper dimension to the word’s moral implications.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μοιχός (moichos) [pronounced moy-KHOS]: This word refers to the individual who commits adultery, often translated as “adulterer” in English. It differs from moicheuō in that it is the noun form describing the person rather than the action.

2. πορνεύω (porneuō) [pronounced por-NEV-o]: This term refers to general sexual immorality or fornication. While moicheuō specifically denotes adultery within a marriage context, porneuō encompasses a broader range of illicit sexual behavior.

3. ἐπιθυμέω (epithymeō) [pronounced ep-ee-thoo-MEH-o]: This word means “to lust” or “to desire.” Jesus links epithymeō with moicheuō in Matthew 5:28, where lustful intent is equated with the act of adultery, emphasizing the heart’s role in sin.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood: Moicheuō appears in various tenses, including the present, aorist, and future, depending on the context. In Matthew 5:27, it is used in the present indicative active form, emphasizing the continuous nature of the action.

• Person and Number: The verb appears in different persons and numbers, often in the second person singular or plural when Jesus is directly addressing his audience, as in “You shall not commit adultery.”

• Aspect: The present tense conveys a continuous or repeated action, while the aorist tense can indicate a singular completed action of adultery.

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word moicheuō is treated with significant weight in Greek lexicons, which highlight its role in both legal and moral contexts. Theologically, the word stresses the violation of trust and covenant, drawing parallels between marital fidelity and spiritual loyalty to God. In classical contexts, the term is similarly focused on marital transgression, though with less emphasis on the spiritual dimensions. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 5:27 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery [μοιχεύω].’”

2. Luke 18:20 – “You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery [μοιχεύω], do not murder, do not steal.”

3. James 2:11 – “For He who said, ‘Do not commit adultery [μοιχεύω],’ also said, ‘Do not murder.’”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text with Greek Word

Plato Republic “…he shall not commit adultery (μοιχεύω).”

Aristophanes Lysistrata “…those who commit adultery (μοιχεύω).”

Herodotus Histories “…the act of adultery (μοιχεύω) was punishable.”

Noteworthy Summary

The word moicheuō encapsulates more than just the physical act of adultery—it speaks to the heart of covenantal fidelity. Through its use in both moral and spiritual contexts, it underscores the gravity of betrayal in human relationships and one’s relationship with God. As explored in New Testament teachings, moicheuō serves as a central element in understanding Jesus’ call to purity of both action and thought.

Did You Know?

1. Adultery was considered a capital offense in many ancient cultures, including Jewish law.

2. Jesus redefined the understanding of moicheuō by including lustful thoughts as part of the sin.

3. The word moicheuō appears in both the Old Testament (Septuagint) and New Testament, indicating its longstanding importance in moral discourse.