An "affair" in the context of biblical teachings typically refers to a romantic or sexual relationship outside the bounds of marriage, often characterized by infidelity or adultery. The Bible addresses the concept of affairs primarily through its teachings on marriage, fidelity, and sexual morality.

Biblical Teachings on Marriage and Fidelity

Marriage is depicted in the Bible as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, instituted by God. Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This union is intended to be exclusive and lifelong, reflecting the faithfulness and commitment that God desires in human relationships.

The Bible strongly condemns adultery, which is often synonymous with having an affair. The seventh commandment explicitly states, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). This commandment underscores the importance of marital fidelity and the sanctity of the marriage covenant.

Consequences of Adultery

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the consequences of adultery. In Proverbs, the dangers and destructive nature of engaging in an affair are vividly described. Proverbs 6:32 warns, "But he who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself." This passage emphasizes the self-destructive nature of infidelity, affecting not only the individuals involved but also their families and communities.

The account of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11 serves as a poignant narrative illustrating the severe repercussions of an affair. King David's adulterous relationship with Bathsheba led to a series of tragic events, including deceit, murder, and the eventual death of their child. This account demonstrates how an affair can lead to a cascade of sin and suffering.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus reinforces the Old Testament teachings on adultery and expands on the concept by addressing the heart's intentions. In Matthew 5:27-28 , Jesus teaches, "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 highlights the importance of purity in thought and intention, not just in action.

The Apostle Paul also addresses sexual immorality in his epistles, urging believers to honor God with their bodies. In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 , Paul writes, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body."

Forgiveness and Restoration

While the Bible clearly condemns affairs, it also offers hope for forgiveness and restoration. The account of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11 illustrates Jesus' compassion and willingness to forgive those who repent. Jesus tells the woman, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more" (John 8:11). This encounter demonstrates that, despite the gravity of the sin, God's grace is available to those who seek forgiveness and turn away from their sinful ways.

In summary, the Bible presents affairs as a violation of God's design for marriage and a sin with serious consequences. However, it also offers a path to redemption through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.1. (n.) That which is done or is to be done; matter; concern; as, a difficult affair to manage; business of any kind, commercial, professional, or public; -- often in the plural. At the head of affairs. Junius.

2. (n.) Any proceeding or action which it is wished to refer to or characterize vaguely; as, an affair of honor, i. e., a duel; an affair of love, i. e., an intrigue.

3. (n.) An action or engagement not of sufficient magnitude to be called a battle.

4. (n.) Action; endeavor.

5. (n.) A material object (vaguely designated).

4229. pragma -- a deed, a matter
... Transliteration: pragma Phonetic Spelling: (prag'-mah) Short Definition: a thing
done, a matter Definition: a thing done, a deed, action; a matter, an affair. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4229.htm - 7k

4230. pragmateia -- careful application, hard work
... pragmateia Phonetic Spelling: (prag-mat-i'-ah) Short Definition: a business, an
occupation Definition: a business, an occupation, affair, transaction. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4230.htm - 6k

5532. chreia -- need, business
... From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, ie An affair; also (by implication)
occasion, demand, requirement or destitution -- business, lack, necessary ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5532.htm - 6k

5931. illah -- matter, affair, occasion
... 5930b, 5931. illah. 5932 . matter, affair, occasion. Transliteration: illah
Phonetic Spelling: (il-law') Short Definition: accusation. ...
/hebrew/5931.htm - 6k

7595. sheelah -- affair
... 7594, 7595. sheelah. 7596 . affair. Transliteration: sheelah Phonetic
Spelling: (sheh-ay-law') Short Definition: decision. Word ...
/hebrew/7595.htm - 6k

6600. pithgam -- a command, word, affair
... 6599, 6600. pithgam. 6601 . a command, word, affair. Transliteration: pithgam
Phonetic Spelling: (pith-gawm') Short Definition: answer. ...
/hebrew/6600.htm - 6k

1697. dabar -- speech, word
... Word Origin from dabar Definition speech, word NASB Word Usage account (2), account*
(2), act (1), acts (52), advice (3), affair (3), affairs (3), agreement (1 ...
/hebrew/1697.htm - 8k

6640. tsebu -- thing, anything
... purpose. (Aramaic) from tsba'; properly, will; concretely, an affair (as a matter
of determination) -- purpose. see HEBREW tsba'. 6639, 6640. tsebu. 6641 . ...
/hebrew/6640.htm - 6k

6045. inyan -- occupation, task
... business, travail. From anah; ado, ie (generally) employment or (specifically) an
affair -- business, travail. see HEBREW anah. 6044, 6045. inyan. 6046 . ...
/hebrew/6045.htm - 6k

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... to you, and in the course of a few days I hope to write again, when I shall probably
be able to announce the happy termination of the affair which brought me ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 12.htm

Against the Heresy of Artemon.
... I shall, at any rate, remind many of the brethren of an affair that took place in
our own time,"an affair which, had it taken place in Sodom, might, I think ...
/.../caius/fragments of caius/ii against the heresy of artemon.htm

Mr. Beecher in England
... The feeling on both sides was intensified by the "Trent Affair." Two Confederate
envoys, sent to Europe to secure the recognition of the Confederacy, were ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/mr beecher in england.htm

Appendix B: Forgery Procured by Mary of Guise
... in Leith, not in Edinburgh Castle, where she went on April 1. In that letter she
is made to say that de Seurre has "very evil misunderstood" the affair of the ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/appendix b forgery procured by.htm

The Divinity of the Son of God
... on which to rest, and is at such an immense distance from all reason and truth,
that, whatever reports have been spread abroad respecting this affair to the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/viii the divinity of the.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... intelligence which has filled him with much uneasiness, and he has entreated me
to write home in conjunction with himself respecting the affair, with which ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 37.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... PISO 3RO. REVD. AND DEAR SIR,"The affair is settled"thank God!!! and
we may begin to print whenever we think proper. Perhaps ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 13.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... the letter I have little to observe, save that I showed it to various individuals
(who took copies) in order that an incorrect account of the affair might not ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 66.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... First, there was my affair with the Alcalde still pending; second, I wished to get
my papers into some order; third, I wished to effect a little more in the ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 68.htm

A Very Sweet Example on this Subject.
... Upon a day S. Frances was reciting Our Lady's Office, and, as it commonly happens
that if there is but one affair in the whole day, it presses most at time of ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter v a very sweet.htm

Affair (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) That which is done or is to be done; matter; concern; as, a difficult affair
to manage; business of any kind, commercial, professional, or public ...
/a/affair.htm - 8k

Korah (51 Occurrences)
... Aaron in the wilderness (Numbers 16; Numbers 17). Korah is presented as the
principal in the affair. The company is spoken of as his ...
/k/korah.htm - 44k

Transaction (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The doing or performing of any business;
management of any affair; performance. 2. (n.) That which ...
/t/transaction.htm - 7k

Matter (263 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) That which one has to treat, or with which one has to do; concern;
affair; business. 5. (n.) Affair worthy of account; thing ...
/m/matter.htm - 39k

Cause (1309 Occurrences)
... right; case; ground of action. 5. (n.) Any subject of discussion or debate;
matter; question; affair in general. 6. (n.) The side of ...
/c/cause.htm - 39k

Affairs (27 Occurrences)

/a/affairs.htm - 14k

Yesterday (13 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Fig.: A recent time; time not long past. 3. (adv.) On the day last past;
on the day preceding to-day; as, the affair took place yesterday. ...
/y/yesterday.htm - 10k

Voluntary (17 Occurrences)
... an established or state church. 8. (n.) One who engages in any affair
of his own free will; a volunteer. 9. (n.) A piece played ...
/v/voluntary.htm - 14k

Negotiate (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (vi) To treat with another respecting purchase and sale or some business affair;
to bargain or trade; as, to negotiate with a man for the purchase of goods ...
/n/negotiate.htm - 7k

Oracle (57 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The answer of a god, or some person reputed to be a god, to an inquiry
respecting some affair or future event, as the success of an enterprise or battle ...
/o/oracle.htm - 26k

What should be the response of a Christian whose spouse has had an affair? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian spouse handle an adulterous affair that has resulted in a child? | GotQuestions.org

How can married Christians avoid emotional affairs? | GotQuestions.org

Affair: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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