perhaps a primary word; a (male) paramour; figuratively, apostate:--adulterer.
Transliteration:moichós
Pronunciation:moy-khos'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G3432 (μοιχός, moichós) primarily denotes a male "adulterer" or "paramour." It refers specifically to a man who engages in sexual intercourse with a married woman, thereby violating the sanctity of marriage and the fidelity owed within that covenant. The word carries a strong pejorative connotation, marking the individual as one who transgresses fundamental moral and social boundaries. Beyond its literal sense, μοιχός extends metaphorically to describe an "apostate" or one who is spiritually unfaithful. This figurative usage is deeply significant, likening spiritual disloyalty to God to the breaking of a marital bond, reflecting a profound betrayal of covenant relationship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G3432 appears in the New Testament in both its literal and figurative senses:
* In [[Luke 18:11]], the self-righteous Pharisee contrasts himself with "tax collectors, unjust, adulterers" (μοιχῶν), using the term in its straightforward literal sense to describe those he considers morally depraved.
* [[1 Corinthians 6:9]] explicitly lists "adulterers" (μοιχοὶ) among those who "will not inherit the kingdom of God." This underscores the gravity of adultery as a sin that precludes participation in God's eternal reign if unrepented, highlighting the early church's commitment to sexual purity.
* [[Hebrews 13:4]] declares, "Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers" (μοιχούς). This verse directly affirms the divine institution of marriage and issues a solemn warning against its violation, emphasizing God's active judgment against those who commit such sins.
* Most notably, [[James 4:4]] employs the term figuratively: "You adulteresses (μοιχαλίδες, a related feminine form) and adulterers (μοιχοὶ), do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." Here, James uses "adulterers" to describe believers who are unfaithful to God by pursuing worldly desires and alliances. This is a powerful indictment of spiritual disloyalty, drawing on the Old Testament prophetic tradition where Israel's idolatry was often depicted as spiritual adultery against Yahweh.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **μοιχάω (moichaō, `{{G3431}}`):** The verb "to commit adultery," describing the action performed by the μοιχός.
* **μοιχαλίς (moichalis, `{{G3439}}`):** The feminine form, "adulteress," as seen in [[James 4:4]].
* **μοιχεια (moicheia, `{{G3429}}`):** The noun, referring to the act of "adultery" itself.
* **πορνεία (porneia, `{{G4202}}`):** A broader term for "sexual immorality" or "fornication." While distinct, μοιχεια (adultery) is a specific and particularly grievous form of πορνεία.
* **Covenant (διαθήκη, `{{G1242}}`):** The figurative use of μοιχός as "apostate" is deeply rooted in the concept of covenant. Spiritual adultery represents a breaking of the covenant relationship between God and His people, mirroring the violation of a marital covenant.
* **Idolatry (εἰδωλολατρεία, `{{G1495}}`):** In the Old Testament prophets (e.g., Hosea, Jeremiah, Ezekiel), Israel's idolatry and unfaithfulness to God are consistently depicted using the imagery of spiritual adultery or prostitution. This prophetic background informs the New Testament's metaphorical use of μοιχός to describe spiritual disloyalty.
### Theological Significance
The term μοιχός carries profound theological weight. In its literal sense, it underscores the sacredness and inviolability of the marital covenant, which is portrayed in Scripture as a reflection of the covenant relationship between Christ and the Church ([[Ephesians 5:32]]). Adultery is not merely a social misstep but a serious sin against God, the betrayed spouse, and the very institution of marriage. Its inclusion in lists of sins that exclude one from the kingdom of God ([[1 Corinthians 6:9]]) highlights the eternal consequences of unrepentant sexual immorality and emphasizes the New Testament's call to holiness and purity for all believers.
The figurative application of μοιχός to describe spiritual unfaithfulness, particularly in [[James 4:4]], is exceptionally significant. It reveals that God views a divided heart—one that seeks "friendship with the world" rather than exclusive devotion to Him—with the same gravity as marital infidelity. This metaphor draws heavily on the Old Testament prophetic tradition, where Israel's turning away from Yahweh to other gods was consistently condemned as spiritual adultery. Thus, μοιχός serves as a powerful theological warning against syncretism, idolatry, and any compromise of one's absolute allegiance to God. It underscores the divine expectation of exclusive and unwavering devotion from His people.
### Summary
The Greek word G3432 (μοιχός, moichós) primarily designates a male "adulterer," signifying one who violates the sacred covenant of marriage through illicit sexual relations. This literal meaning is consistently used in the New Testament to condemn such actions, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and the serious spiritual consequences for those who engage in this sin. Crucially, μοιχός also possesses a potent figurative sense, describing an "apostate" or one who is spiritually unfaithful to God. This metaphorical usage, deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic imagery where Israel's idolatry was likened to spiritual adultery, highlights that a divided heart or "friendship with the world" is viewed by God as a profound betrayal of the divine covenant, akin to marital infidelity. In essence, μοιχός encapsulates both a severe moral transgression and a powerful metaphor for spiritual disloyalty, underscoring the biblical demand for exclusive devotion to God.
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