Topical Encyclopedia
The term "unfaithfully" in the biblical context refers to actions or attitudes that betray trust, violate covenants, or deviate from the faithfulness expected by God. It is often associated with idolatry, adultery, and other forms of spiritual or moral infidelity. The Bible frequently addresses the concept of unfaithfulness, highlighting its consequences and urging believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to God.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, unfaithfulness is often depicted in the context of Israel's relationship with God. The Israelites are frequently described as acting unfaithfully by turning to other gods and breaking the covenant established with Yahweh. For instance, in the book of Judges, the Israelites repeatedly fall into cycles of unfaithfulness, leading to oppression by surrounding nations.
Judges 2:17 states, "Yet they would not listen to their judges, but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them. They quickly turned from the way of their fathers, who had walked in obedience to the LORD’s commands."
The prophets also address the theme of unfaithfulness, using vivid imagery to describe Israel's spiritual adultery. Hosea, for example, is commanded to marry an unfaithful woman as a symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness to God.
Hosea 1:2 says, "When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, He said to him, 'Go, take for yourself a wife of prostitution and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is committing blatant acts of prostitution by forsaking the LORD.'"
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, unfaithfulness is addressed in both personal and communal contexts. Jesus warns against unfaithfulness in relationships, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage. In
Matthew 19:9 , Jesus states, "Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery."
The apostle Paul also speaks to the issue of unfaithfulness, particularly in the context of the church. In
1 Corinthians 4:2 , he writes, "Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." This underscores the expectation that believers remain faithful in their service to God and to one another.
Spiritual ImplicationsUnfaithfulness is not only a breach of human relationships but also a spiritual failing that affects one's relationship with God. The Bible consistently calls believers to faithfulness, reflecting God's own faithfulness to His people. In 1
John 1:9 , the promise of forgiveness is extended to those who confess their sins: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Consequences of UnfaithfulnessThe consequences of unfaithfulness are severe, both in temporal and spiritual terms. In the Old Testament, Israel's unfaithfulness often leads to divine judgment and exile. In the New Testament, unfaithfulness can result in broken relationships and spiritual alienation.
Revelation 2:10 warns, "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Call to FaithfulnessDespite the prevalence of unfaithfulness, the Bible offers hope and redemption through repentance and a return to faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to emulate God's faithfulness and to rely on His strength to remain steadfast.
Hebrews 10:23 exhorts, "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."
In summary, the concept of unfaithfulness in the Bible serves as a warning and a call to repentance, urging believers to maintain their covenant relationship with God and to live in accordance with His commands.
Strong's Hebrew
4603. maal -- to actunfaithfully or treacherously... maal. 4604 . to act
unfaithfully or treacherously. Transliteration: maal Phonetic
Spelling: (maw-al') Short Definition: committed. Word Origin a prim.
...4604. maal -- an unfaithful or treacherous act
... 4603, 4604. maal. 4605 . an unfaithful or treacherous act. Transliteration:
maal Phonetic Spelling: (mah'-al) Short Definition:unfaithfully....
898. bagad -- to act or deal treacherously
... deal deceitfully, treacherously,unfaithfully, offend, transgressor, depart.
A primitive root; to cover (with a garment); figuratively...
Library
The Gains of the Faithful Steward
... proceeds of an unsavoury tax. But the moneyunfaithfully won does stink
when it is thrown into God's treasury. 'The price of a dog...
How You Should Teach the Uneducated to Confess
... sin. I specifically admit to you that I am a servant, maid, etc., but
I'm afraid that I have served my masterunfaithfully. >From...
A Preliminary Discourse to Catechising
... gospel, which will not go unpunished. Psalm 78:87, 59. They turned back,
and dealtunfaithfully. When God heard this, he was wroth...
Sermons on the Card.
... Yes, truly: the said captain cannot deny himself but that he had true justice,
considering howunfaithfully he behaved him to his prince, contrary to his own...
Psalm 78
... did not incline their will: ^57But, like their fathers, turned back,. and dealt
unfaithfully: Aside they turned, like a bow. that shoots deceitfully....
Lenten Thoughts
... yourself, to remember that you are an immortal being, and that you have a Saviour
in heaven, whom you are serving faithfully, orunfaithfully,"if this work...
Josiah
... Not an example to be imitated, and the sure way to lead subordinates sooner or later
to dealunfaithfully; but a pleasant indication of the spirit animating...
part ii
... lives; and long he abode, not long he lived.' Will it not comfort us more at death,
to review a short time faithfully spent, than a long life spentunfaithfully...
The Nature of Heavenly Contemplation; with the Time, Place, and...
... in them that come nigh him." These spiritual, excellent, soul-raising duties, are,
if well used, most profitable; but, when usedunfaithfully, most dangerous....
Luther's Small Catechism. AD 1529.
... a man-servant, maid-servant, etc.; but, alas ! I serve my masterunfaithfully,
for I. was sie mich hie??en; habe sie erz?�rnt und...
Thesaurus
Unfaithfully (19 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Unfaithfully (19 Occurrences). Exodus 21:8 If she
is unacceptable in the eyes of her master, who had taken
...Unfaithful (58 Occurrences)
... Numbers 5:27 And when he hath made her drink the water, then it shall come to pass,
if she be defiled, and have actedunfaithfully against her husband, that...
Unfaithfulness (27 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 39:26 and they shall bear their confusion, and all their unfaithfulness
in which they have actedunfaithfully against me, when they shall dwell safely...
Unacceptable (1 Occurrence)
... who had taken her for himself, then shall he let her be ransomed: to sell her unto
a foreign people he hath no power, after having dealtunfaithfully with her....
Wronged (22 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 6:2 If any one sin and actunfaithfully against Jehovah, and lie to his
neighbour as to an entrusted thing or a deposit or that in which he hath...
Inadvertence (13 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 5:15 If any one actunfaithfully and sin through inadvertence in the holy
things of Jehovah, then he shall bring his trespass-offering to Jehovah, a...
Robbed (27 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 6:2 If any one sin and actunfaithfully against Jehovah, and lie to his
neighbour as to an entrusted thing or a deposit or that in which he hath...
Ransomed (27 Occurrences)
... who had taken her for himself, then shall he let her be ransomed: to sell her unto
a foreign people he hath no power, after having dealtunfaithfully with her....
Acted (98 Occurrences)
... Ezra 10:10 And Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, Ye have actedunfaithfully,
and have taken foreign wives, to increase the trespass of Israel. (DBY)....
Entrusted (55 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 6:2 If any one sin and actunfaithfully against Jehovah, and lie to his
neighbour as to an entrusted thing or a deposit or that in which he hath...
Resources
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