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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding the term μοιχός (moichos) is essential for grasping the moral and ethical standards in the New Testament. The word is particularly significant because it directly addresses the issue of adultery, a topic central to both Jewish law and the teachings of Jesus. The term appears in Luke 18:11, where a Pharisee thanks God for not being like “other men,” specifically mentioning moichoi (adulterers) as an example of moral failure. Beyond its immediate reference to sexual infidelity, moichos often serves as a metaphor for unfaithfulness to God in spiritual contexts. Understanding this word helps elucidate the gravity of both personal and spiritual integrity in biblical texts.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: μοιχός (moichos), pronounced moy-KHOS.

Etymology: The word μοιχός is rooted in the concept of marital unfaithfulness. It comes from the Greek verb moicheuō (to commit adultery), which signifies the act of engaging in sexual relations with someone other than one’s spouse.

Part of Speech: Moichos is a noun, specifically a masculine noun, used to describe a person who commits adultery. In biblical contexts, it generally refers to a male adulterer, though the underlying meaning of unfaithfulness applies to either gender when used in metaphorical senses.

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Defining Meanings

1. Literal Meaning: Adulterer: The primary meaning of moichos is “adulterer,” referring to a man who violates the marital bond by engaging in sexual relations with someone other than his spouse. This was a serious offense in both Jewish and Greco-Roman societies, carrying legal and moral consequences.

2. Spiritual Unfaithfulness: In addition to its literal meaning, moichos is often used metaphorically in the Bible to describe those who are unfaithful to God. Just as adultery violates a covenant between two people, idolatry or turning away from God is seen as a form of spiritual adultery, violating the covenant between God and His people.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μοιχεύω (moicheuō) [pronounced moy-KHEH-o]: This is the verb form of moichos, meaning “to commit adultery.” While moichos refers to the individual, moicheuō refers to the action of engaging in adultery.

2. πορνεύω (porneuō) [pronounced por-NEV-o]: This word refers to general sexual immorality or fornication. While moichos specifically denotes adultery, porneuō encompasses a broader range of illicit sexual activities.

3. ἐπιθυμέω (epithymeō) [pronounced ep-ee-thoo-MEH-o]: This term means “to lust” or “to covet,” and is linked to the sin of adultery in passages where Jesus warns that even lusting after someone is akin to committing adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:28).

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns/Adjectives:

• Case, Number, Gender: As a noun, moichos is masculine, and can appear in singular or plural forms depending on the context (e.g., “adulterer” or “adulterers”). It is often used in the nominative case when serving as the subject of a sentence.

• Declension: Moichos belongs to the second declension of Greek nouns. Here is a basic declension table for the word in its singular form:

Case Singular

Nominative μοιχός

Genitive μοιχοῦ

Dative μοιχῷ

Accusative μοιχόν

Vocative μοιχέ

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

Studying Lexicon Insights

Insights from multiple lexicons reveal that moichos is consistently understood as one who commits adultery, both literally and spiritually. In classical Greek contexts, moichos often referred to an individual who violated the sanctity of marriage. In New Testament contexts, particularly in passages like Luke 18:11, it becomes a symbol of moral failing and personal pride. Additionally, the metaphorical use of moichos in describing idolatry highlights the theological importance of faithfulness, not only in marriage but in one’s relationship with God. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 18:11 – “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers [μοιχός], or even as this tax collector.’”

2. 1 Corinthians 6:9 – “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers [μοιχός], nor homosexuals, nor sodomites…”

3. Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers [μοιχούς] God will judge.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text with Greek Word

Plato Republic “…but for adulterers (μοιχός), the laws were strict.”

Xenophon Memorabilia “He who is caught as an adulterer (μοιχός) shall pay the penalty.”

Herodotus Histories “Adulterers (μοιχός) were judged severely by the council.”

Noteworthy Summary

The term moichos plays a significant role in biblical morality, particularly in the context of marriage and fidelity. The word appears in key teachings of Jesus, Paul, and other New Testament authors, underscoring the gravity of adultery not only as a social offense but also as a spiritual breach. Both in classical Greek literature and biblical texts, moichos is a term laden with moral implications.

Did You Know?

1. In ancient Greek law, adultery was punishable by severe penalties, including fines and public humiliation.

2. Jesus expanded the definition of adultery beyond physical acts, condemning even lustful thoughts as adultery of the heart (Matthew 5:28).

3. In some Jewish texts, spiritual unfaithfulness to God is likened to adultery, with moichos symbolizing Israel’s idolatry.