μοιχάομαι

I commit adultery

Definition

The verb μοιχάομαι means 'I commit adultery,' specifically referring to the act of sexual infidelity by a married person. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the violation of the marriage covenant, whether by a married man or a married woman, as seen in Jesus's teachings in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9. The term encompasses both the physical act and the broader spiritual unfaithfulness it represents, such as idolatry in the Old Testament sense. In Mark 10:11-12, Jesus applies it equally to both husbands and wives who divorce and remarry unlawfully, emphasizing its mutual application in marital bonds.

Biblical Usage

This word appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew and Mark) within Jesus's teachings on marriage and divorce. It is used in contexts where Jesus reinterprets the Mosaic Law, contrasting mere legal adherence with God's original intent for marriage. For example, in Matthew 5:32, Jesus states that causing divorce (except for sexual immorality) makes one complicit in adultery, while in Mark 10:11-12, He directly labels remarriage after an unjust divorce as adultery. All four occurrences highlight the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of breaking its covenant.

Etymology

Μοιχάομαι is derived from the Greek noun μοιχός (moichos, G3432), meaning 'an adulterer.' It is related to the verb μοιχεύω (moicheuō, G3431), which has a similar meaning of 'to commit adultery.' The root conveys the idea of illicit sexual intercourse, particularly involving a married person. In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), this word group is often used to translate Hebrew terms for adultery, linking it to the violation of covenantal relationships, both marital and spiritual.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores the divine design for marriage as a lifelong, exclusive covenant, reflecting God's faithfulness. Jesus's use of μοιχάομαι in passages like Matthew 19:9 elevates the understanding of adultery beyond a legal offense to a matter of the heart and covenant integrity. It relates to key doctrines of sin, covenant, and sanctity of marriage, enriching Bible reading by highlighting how Jesus fulfills and deepens the Law's requirements, calling for inner righteousness rather than mere external compliance.

In first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, adultery was primarily viewed as a violation of a man's property rights over his wife, often with stricter penalties for women. Jesus's teaching in Mark 10:12, applying the term to a wife who divorces her husband, was countercultural, as Roman law allowed women to initiate divorce, but Jewish law typically did not. By using μοιχάομαι for both genders, Jesus emphasized mutual responsibility and the equal sacredness of the marital bond, challenging societal norms that often excused male infidelity.

μοιχεύω (moicheuō, G3431) — A more common synonym for 'commit adultery,' often used interchangeably but with a slightly more active sense. πορνεύω (porneuō, G4203) — Refers to sexual immorality generally, including but not limited to adultery (broader in scope).

Word Details

Scripture References