"trans. to commit adultery with, debauch, Mt. 5:28; absol. and mid. to commit adultery, Mt. 5:27; Jn. 8:4; to commit spiritual adultery, be guilty of idolatry, Rev. 2:22"
Definition and meaning
trans. to commit adultery with, debauch, Mt. 5:28; absol. and mid. to commit adultery, Mt. 5:27; Jn. 8:4; to commit spiritual adultery, be guilty of idolatry, Rev. 2:22
In the original Greek the word is written: μοιχεύω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of moicheuo (G3431) across the King James Bible.
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
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Common questions
Strong's G3431 (moicheuo) is a Greek word that means: trans. to commit adultery with, debauch, Mt. 5:28; absol. and mid. to commit adultery, Mt. 5:27; Jn. 8:4; to commit spiritual adultery, be guilty of idolatry, Rev. 2:22 It appears 11 times in the King James Bible.
The word moicheuo (G3431) appears 11 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3431 is moicheuo, a Greek word defined as: trans. to commit adultery with, debauch, Mt. 5:28; absol. and mid. to commit adultery, Mt. 5:27; Jn. 8:4; to commit spiritual adultery, be guilty of i. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
moicheuo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.