In the biblical context, the term "adultress" refers to a woman who engages in sexual relations outside the bounds of her marriage, violating the covenantal relationship established by God. The Bible addresses the issue of adultery extensively, emphasizing its moral and spiritual implications.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament law explicitly condemns adultery, considering it a grave sin against God and the marital covenant. In the Ten Commandments, God commands, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). The law prescribed severe consequences for those caught in adultery, reflecting the seriousness with which it was regarded. Leviticus 20:10 states, "If a man commits adultery with another man's wife—if he commits adultery with his neighbor's wife—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death" .

The book of Proverbs frequently warns against the allure and danger of the adulteress. Proverbs 5:3-5 cautions, "Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to Sheol" . The adulteress is portrayed as a figure of temptation, leading men away from wisdom and righteousness.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of adultery, expanding its definition to include not only physical acts but also the intentions of the heart. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "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 underscores the importance of purity in thought and intention, not just in action.

The account of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:3-11 illustrates Jesus' approach to sin and forgiveness. When the scribes and Pharisees bring the woman before Him, seeking to test Him, Jesus responds, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her" (John 8:7). After her accusers leave, Jesus tells the woman, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more" (John 8:11). This encounter highlights Jesus' compassion and the call to repentance and transformation.

Spiritual Implications

Adultery is often used metaphorically in the Bible to describe unfaithfulness to God. The prophets frequently liken Israel's idolatry to adultery, portraying the nation as an unfaithful spouse. For instance, in Jeremiah 3:8-9, God speaks of Israel's spiritual adultery: "Because faithless Israel had committed adultery, I gave her a certificate of divorce and sent her away. Yet her treacherous sister Judah had no fear and prostituted herself as well" . This metaphor underscores the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness and the call to return to God.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The biblical teaching on adultery emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the importance of fidelity. Adultery is seen as a violation of the trust and commitment inherent in the marital relationship. The Bible calls believers to uphold the sanctity of marriage and to live lives marked by purity and faithfulness. In Hebrews 13:4, the apostle exhorts, "Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers" .

In summary, the Bible's treatment of adultresses serves as a warning against the destructive nature of adultery, both in personal relationships and in one's relationship with God. It calls for repentance, forgiveness, and a commitment to live according to God's design for marriage and faithfulness.

The Third Part.
... for thy gold? for thy Herodias, &c. O yee adulterers and adultresses, can
yee offer God a baser indignity? What ayleth the world? ...
/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/the third part.htm

Adultresses (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Adultresses (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 16:38 And I
have judged thee -- judgments of adultresses, And of women ...
/a/adultresses.htm - 6k

Adultress (1 Occurrence)

/a/adultress.htm - 6k

Adults (2 Occurrences)

/a/adults.htm - 7k

Shedding (23 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 16:38 And I have judged thee -- judgments of adultresses, And of women shedding
blood, And have given thee blood, fury, and jealousy. (YLT). ...
/s/shedding.htm - 14k

Vengeance (63 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 16:38 And I have judged thee -- judgments of adultresses, And of women shedding
blood, And have given thee blood, fury, and jealousy. (See NIV). ...
/v/vengeance.htm - 26k

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