Is committing adultery acceptable?

Definition and Biblical Context

Adultery, in Scripture, refers to a married individual engaging in a sexual relationship outside the covenant of marriage. It is distinct from other forms of sexual immorality in that it specifically violates the exclusive bond between spouses. The command, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14), forms part of the Ten Commandments, underscoring its foundational role in biblical ethics.

From the earliest portions of the Old Testament onwards, adultery is treated as a serious offense against the sanctity of marriage, the family, and one’s relationship with God. Alongside practices like theft, idolatry, and murder, it is listed as a grievous sin that disrupts social order and dishonors one’s commitments (Deuteronomy 5:18).

Old Testament Teachings

The Book of Leviticus sets forth numerous moral and ceremonial laws, including sexual ethics. There, adulterous behavior appears among the most condemned transgressions (Leviticus 18:20). This emphasis reflects the broader scriptural principle that the marital covenant is a symbolic reflection of God’s covenant faithfulness to His people. Violating that covenant is portrayed not only as sin against one’s spouse but also as sin against the One who designed marriage.

In the history of Israel, various references confirm the gravity of adultery. Proverbs speaks frequently of the destructive power of stepping outside the marriage relationship, warning that “the adulteress reduces you to a loaf of bread” (Proverbs 6:26). Such poetic language underlines the ruinous consequences: social shame, personal regret, and spiritual estrangement.

Archaeological evidence, including ancient Near Eastern law codes (e.g., portions of the Code of Hammurabi), reveals societies that shared similar views on the sacredness of marriage vows. Though these documents are not divinely inspired, their parallels with the Mosaic instructions shed light on how distinctly the biblical commandments aimed to protect families and covenant fidelity in a cultural context where betrayal was seen as a violation of civic trust.

New Testament Affirmations

Jesus consistently upholds and intensifies the warnings against adultery. In Matthew 5:27–28, He teaches that “anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart,” sharpening the law’s focus to include intentional thoughts and desires that lead to the act. This emphasis shows that the issue extends beyond outward appearance to the inward condition of the heart.

Additionally, in passages like John 8:3–11, Jesus shows compassion to the individual yet never endorses the act of adultery. He neither condemns the woman caught in adultery to public execution nor permits further sin, issuing instead a call for repentance: “Go now and sin no more” (John 8:11). This account affirms mercy for sinners but underscores that the wrongdoing of adultery remains unacceptable.

Elsewhere, Paul counsels believers that marriage is to be held in honor, and he encourages spouses to fulfill their commitments faithfully. Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians 7 highlight the importance of mutual responsibility within marriage, a commitment that guards against the temptations leading to infidelity.

Moral and Theological Implications

Adultery is not merely a personal or private choice. Biblically, it is seen as a breach of trust in one’s closest human relationship and a transgression before God, who ordained marriage. It disfigures the picture of Christ’s faithfulness to His church in the New Testament and offends the Creator’s design.

Socially, research even in modern behavioral science identifies the broken trust, emotional pain, and relational trauma that typically result from extramarital affairs. Such findings provide practical confirmation of the biblical principle that fidelity fosters healthier families and communities. Marital commitment has long been observed to promote stability in societies, and widespread archaeological and historical documentation of family structures across civilizations supports the enduring, cross-cultural principle that faithfulness in marriage contributes to societal strength.

Repentance and Restoration

Though the question is whether adultery is acceptable—and the Scriptural stance is an unequivocal “no”—the Bible also underscores God’s grace toward those who repent. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, individuals who commit serious violations (including adultery) find forgiveness upon genuine admission of wrongdoing and turning away from the sinful behavior (Psalm 51).

James 5:16 illustrates the importance of confessing and praying for one another, pointing to healing and restoration in community. While committing adultery is unacceptable, there is forgiveness and a path to spiritual renewal and reconciliation available through sincere repentance. That path preserves the high standard of righteousness while holding open the door of mercy for every person willing to change.

Answer to the Question

Based on the consistent witness of Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, committing adultery is never condoned. The direct prohibition against adultery appears in the Ten Commandments, and Jesus affirms and expands this teaching in the Gospels. Contemporary findings in archaeology and historical record-keeping corroborate the high value that ancient societies, and particularly Israel, placed on faithfulness in marriage. Behavioral science also aligns with the Scriptural position by demonstrating that marital fidelity fosters emotional well-being, stable family structures, and communal health.

No matter how culture may shift, the biblical definition and stance remain unambiguous: adultery stands in direct opposition to the holiness, faithfulness, and honor that marriage embodies. In sum, the question can be resolved with an unequivocal answer from Scripture and supporting evidence: adultery is unacceptable. Yet, through repentance, transformation, and the power of divine grace, there is hope and restoration for individuals and marriages that have experienced this breach of trust.