### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **moichós**, represented by `{{G3432}}`, defines a male paramour or, figuratively, an apostate. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used to identify a man engaged in adultery, but it also carries a deeper, figurative meaning related to spiritual unfaithfulness to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its scriptural occurrences, `{{G3432}}` is consistently found in lists of behaviors that are contrary to God's law. It is used to describe those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, alongside fornicators and idolaters [[1 Corinthians 6:9]]. In a self-righteous prayer, a Pharisee thanks God that he is not an **adulterer**, illustrating how the term was recognized as a significant sin [[Luke 18:11]]. The term is also used figuratively in [[James 4:4]], where "**adulterers** and adulteresses" describes those whose friendship with the world makes them enemies of God. In [[Hebrews 13:4]], the word is used to warn that God will judge **adulterers** and whoremongers, contrasting this with the honor of an undefiled marriage.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for the sin of adultery and unrighteousness:
* `{{G3428}}` **moichalís** (an adulteress): This is the female counterpart to `{{G3432}}`, as seen in their joint usage in [[James 4:4]]. It is also used figuratively to describe a "sinful generation" [[Mark 8:38]].
* `{{G4205}}` **pórnos** (fornicator, whoremonger): This term for a male prostitute or debauchee is frequently listed alongside **adulterers**, such as in the warning that the unrighteous will not inherit God's kingdom [[1 Corinthians 6:9]] and will face judgment [[Hebrews 13:4]].
* `{{G733}}` **arsenokoítēs** (abuser of self with mankind): This word for a sodomite appears in the same list of grave sins as **adulterers** in [[1 Corinthians 6:9]], highlighting it as another behavior that excludes one from the kingdom of God.
* `{{G94}}` **ádikos** (unjust, unrighteous): This serves as a broader category of sin. In [[1 Corinthians 6:9]], **adulterers** are listed as an example of the **unrighteous** who will not inherit God's kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3432}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of faithfulness and judgment.
* **Exclusion from the Kingdom:** The term is explicitly used to define a lifestyle that is incompatible with inheriting the kingdom of God, as stated in the apostolic warning in [[1 Corinthians 6:9]].
* **Spiritual Apostasy:** The word's figurative use extends the concept of infidelity from a marital covenant to a spiritual one. Being a friend of the world is equated with being an **adulterer** against God [[James 4:4]].
* **Divine Judgment:** Scripture is clear that the behavior of an **adulterer** is subject to God's judgment, contrasting the sanctity of marriage with actions that will be explicitly judged [[Hebrews 13:4]].
* **Categorical Unrighteousness:** Being an **adulterer** is presented as a clear form of unrighteousness, as shown when the Pharisee lists it with being unjust [[Luke 18:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3432}}` is a potent term that denotes both literal and spiritual unfaithfulness. While its direct meaning refers to a man who violates a marriage covenant, its scriptural application expands to include anyone who is unfaithful to their covenant with God. Its consistent placement in lists of sins that result in divine judgment and exclusion from God's kingdom underscores its severity in biblical ethics.
TRV