Adulteries

Adultery, as defined in the Bible, refers to the act of a married person engaging in sexual relations with someone other than their spouse. It is considered a grave sin and a violation of the marital covenant established by God. The Seventh Commandment explicitly prohibits adultery: "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). This command underscores the sanctity of marriage and the importance of fidelity.

In the Old Testament, adultery is often equated with idolatry, symbolizing unfaithfulness to God. The prophet Hosea's marriage to an unfaithful wife serves as a metaphor for Israel's infidelity to God through idol worship (Hosea 1-3). The consequences of adultery were severe under Mosaic Law, with Leviticus 20:10 stating, "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 New Testament reiterates the sinfulness of adultery, emphasizing the internal aspect of sin. Jesus expands the understanding of adultery in the Sermon on the Mount: "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). This teaching highlights the importance of purity in thought as well as in action.

Adultery is also addressed in the context of divorce. Jesus teaches that divorce, except on the grounds of sexual immorality, leads to adultery: "And I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery" (Matthew 19:9). The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment, urging believers to honor the marriage bed and remain faithful (Hebrews 13:4).

Prostitution

Prostitution, the act of engaging in sexual activity in exchange for payment, is consistently condemned in the Bible. It is often associated with moral and spiritual corruption. In the Old Testament, the Israelites are warned against engaging in prostitution, as it defiles both the individual and the community: "Do not degrade your daughter by making her a prostitute, lest the land be prostituted and filled with depravity" (Leviticus 19:29).

Prostitution is frequently linked with idolatry, as seen in the practices of pagan worship that included ritual prostitution. The prophet Ezekiel condemns Israel for engaging in such practices, likening the nation to an unfaithful wife and a harlot (Ezekiel 16:15-34).

In the New Testament, prostitution is addressed within the broader context of sexual immorality. The Apostle Paul admonishes the Corinthians to flee from sexual immorality, warning that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and should not be united with a prostitute: "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!" (1 Corinthians 6:15).

Despite the condemnation of prostitution, the Bible also offers a message of redemption and grace. The account of Rahab, a prostitute in Jericho who aids the Israelite spies, demonstrates God's willingness to forgive and use those who turn to Him in faith (Joshua 2; Hebrews 11:31). Similarly, Jesus' interaction with the woman caught in adultery illustrates His mercy and call to repentance: "Neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Now go and sin no more" (John 8:11).

In summary, both adultery and prostitution are viewed as serious sins in the Bible, representing unfaithfulness to God's design for human relationships. They are condemned for their destructive impact on individuals, families, and society. However, the Bible also emphasizes the possibility of forgiveness and transformation through repentance and faith in God.