Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8841 unfaithfulness, to people

8841 unfaithfulness, to people

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8700 Threats to the life of faith » 8839 unfaithfulness » 8841 unfaithfulness, to people

A breach of the trust that is expected within specific relationships, and also a failure of mutual responsibility within a community life; the breaking of the last six of the Ten Commandments.

Unfaithfulness to one another breaks God's commandments

Leviticus 19:18 See also Exodus 20:12-17; Deuteronomy 5:16-21; Matthew 22:39 pp Mark 12:31; Romans 1:29-31

Unfaithfulness to promises made

Numbers 30:2 See also Numbers 30:9; Joshua 9:20; 1 Samuel 20:42

Unfaithfulness in business

Matthew 25:24-26; Luke 16:3-12; Luke 19:8

Unfaithfulness to the marriage covenant

Malachi 2:14-15

The seriousness of marital unfaithfulness

Adultery in the OT punishable by death:

Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22; John 8:3-5

Sexual unfaithfulness is given as a possible ground for divorce in the NT because it undermines the marriage bond:

Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9

Examples of marital unfaithfulness

Judges 19:1-2

Hosea's relationship with his faithless wife reflects God's relationship with his idolatrous people:

Hosea 1:2-3; Hosea 2:2,5

Unfaithfulness among family and friends

Micah 7:5-6

God's people may face opposition from their families

Jeremiah 12:6 See also 2 Samuel 15:10; Matthew 10:21 pp Mark 13:12 pp Luke 21:16

Unfaithful friends cause great sorrow

Psalm 55:12-14 See also Psalm 41:9; Psalm 55:20-21

Times of trouble may prove a friend unfaithful:

Job 6:14-17; Psalm 38:11; Proverbs 25:19

Unfaithfulness to Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry

Jesus Christ deserted by his followers

John 6:66; John 16:32 See also Matthew 26:31 pp Mark 14:27; Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 26:56 pp Mark 14:50

Jesus Christ betrayed by Judas

Matthew 26:47-50 pp Mark 14:43-46 pp Luke 22:47-48; John 18:2-5

Jesus Christ denied by Peter

Matthew 26:74 pp Mark 14:71-72 pp Luke 22:59-61; John 18:26-27

Unfaithfulness to God's appointed leaders

The Israelites challenge their leaders

Exodus 16:3-8 See also 1 Samuel 8:7-8

Paul's friends desert him

2 Timothy 1:15 See also 2 Timothy 4:9-11,16

Examples of treachery and betrayal

Judges 16:18-19 Samson betrayed by Delilah; 2 Samuel 3:27 Joab murders Abner; 2 Samuel 4:5-6 Ish-Bosheth assassinated by Recab and Baanah; 2 Samuel 11:14-15 David has Uriah killed in battle; 2 Samuel 20:9-10 Amasa killed by Joab; 1 Kings 21:8-10 Jezebel's treachery towards Naboth