μοιχαλίς

an adulteress

Definition

The Greek word μοιχαλίς (moichalis) primarily means 'an adulteress,' specifically a married woman who is unfaithful to her husband. In the New Testament, it is used both literally, as in Romans 7:3 where it describes a woman who breaks her marriage covenant, and metaphorically, to depict spiritual unfaithfulness to God. This metaphorical sense, drawn from Old Testament prophetic language, is prominent in passages like Matthew 12:39 and James 4:4, where it characterizes a generation or people who are unfaithful to God by turning to idolatry or worldly allegiances. The term thus bridges a concrete marital violation and a profound spiritual breach.

Biblical Usage

The word is used six times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels, Pauline epistles, and general epistles. In the Gospels (Matthew 12:39; 16:4; Mark 8:38), Jesus uses it metaphorically to rebuke 'an adulterous generation' seeking signs, highlighting their spiritual unfaithfulness. Paul employs the literal, legal sense in Romans 7:3 to illustrate the binding nature of the law. James 4:4 and 2 Peter 2:14 use it metaphorically to condemn friendship with the world and corrupt desires, portraying them as acts of spiritual adultery against God.

Etymology

Μοιχαλίς is a feminine noun derived from the Greek verb μοιχάω (moichaō), meaning 'to commit adultery.' It is related to the masculine noun μοιχός (moichos, G3432), meaning 'an adulterer.' The root conveys the concept of violating a marriage covenant. This familial of words was used in both secular and biblical Greek to describe sexual infidelity, which the Old Testament prophets (e.g., Hosea, Jeremiah) extensively metaphorized to describe Israel's idolatry, a usage the New Testament authors adopt.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects human covenant relationships with humanity's relationship to God. It vividly illustrates the seriousness of idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness, framing them not merely as mistakes but as covenant-breaking acts of betrayal. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by revealing how New Testament authors, like the Old Testament prophets, use the powerful imagery of marital infidelity to communicate God's expectation of exclusive devotion and the gravity of turning to other 'gods' or worldly systems.

In the first-century Greco-Roman and Jewish contexts, adultery was a severe social and religious offense, violating the marital covenant and often carrying strict penalties. The metaphorical extension of the term to spiritual matters would have been familiar to a Jewish audience from the Hebrew prophets, who routinely depicted Israel's idolatry as adultery (e.g., Jeremiah 3:8-9, Ezekiel 16:32). This cultural backdrop makes the New Testament usage a potent charge, equating spiritual compromise with one of the most serious social breaches of the time.

μοιχός (moichos, G3432) — The masculine form, 'adulterer,' used in contexts addressing both men and women collectively (e.g., James 4:4). πορνεία (porneia, G4202) — A broader term for sexual immorality, including but not limited to adultery, often denoting illicit sexual relations generally.

Word Details

Scripture References