In biblical terms, an adulterer is a man who engages in sexual relations with a woman who is not his wife, while an adulteress is a woman who engages in sexual relations with a man who is not her husband. Adultery is considered a grave sin in the Bible, violating the sanctity of marriage, which is ordained by God as a covenantal relationship between one man and one woman.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament explicitly condemns adultery, reflecting its seriousness in the eyes of God. The Seventh Commandment, found in Exodus 20:14, states, "You shall not commit adultery." This commandment underscores the importance of marital fidelity and the sanctity of the marriage covenant. In Leviticus 20:10, the law prescribes severe consequences for those who commit adultery: "If a man commits adultery with another man's wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death."

The wisdom literature also addresses the dangers and consequences of adultery. Proverbs 6:32 warns, "But he who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself." This passage highlights the self-destructive nature of adultery, emphasizing the moral and spiritual decay it brings upon individuals.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ reaffirms the prohibition against adultery and expands its understanding. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that adultery is not only a physical act but also a matter of the heart. Matthew 5:27-28 states, "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This teaching emphasizes the importance of purity in thought and intention, not just in action.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of adultery in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, he lists adulterers among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God: "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God."

Spiritual Implications

Adultery is seen as a violation of the marriage covenant, which is a reflection of the covenantal relationship between God and His people. In the prophetic literature, adultery is often used metaphorically to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God through idolatry. For example, in Jeremiah 3:8-9, God speaks of Israel's spiritual adultery: "I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery."

Redemption and Forgiveness

Despite the severity of adultery, the Bible also offers hope for redemption and forgiveness. In John 8:3-11, the account of the woman caught in adultery illustrates Jesus' mercy and the possibility of repentance. When the Pharisees bring the woman to Jesus, seeking to stone her according to the Law of Moses, Jesus responds, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her." After her accusers leave, Jesus tells the woman, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."

This narrative highlights the transformative power of grace and the call to a renewed life of holiness. Through repentance and faith in Christ, even those who have committed adultery can find forgiveness and restoration.