Topical Encyclopedia Adultery, defined as voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone who is not their spouse, is explicitly forbidden in the Bible. This prohibition is rooted in the sanctity of marriage as ordained by God and is consistently upheld throughout both the Old and New Testaments.Old Testament Teachings The commandment against adultery is prominently featured in the Ten Commandments, which serve as a foundational moral code for the Israelites. Exodus 20:14 (BSB) states succinctly, "You shall not commit adultery." This commandment underscores the importance of marital fidelity and the preservation of the family unit. The consequences of adultery in the Old Testament were severe. Leviticus 20:10 (BSB) prescribes, "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." This harsh penalty reflects the gravity with which adultery was viewed in ancient Israelite society. The wisdom literature also addresses the dangers and folly of adultery. Proverbs 6:32 (BSB) warns, "But he who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself." This verse highlights the self-destructive nature of adultery, emphasizing the moral and spiritual consequences that accompany such actions. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms the prohibition against adultery and expands upon its implications. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:27-28 (BSB), "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." Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of purity not only in actions but also in thoughts and intentions. The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of adultery in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (BSB), he lists adulterers among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, stating, "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." Theological Implications Adultery is seen as a violation of the covenant relationship between husband and wife, which mirrors the covenant relationship between God and His people. The prophet Hosea's marriage to an unfaithful wife serves as a poignant illustration of Israel's unfaithfulness to God, yet also highlights God's enduring love and willingness to forgive. The Bible consistently calls for repentance and offers forgiveness for those who have committed adultery. In John 8:3-11 (BSB), Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery and, after challenging her accusers, tells her, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more." This passage underscores the possibility of redemption and the call to a transformed life. Moral and Ethical Considerations Adultery is not only a personal sin but also a social one, affecting families, communities, and the moral fabric of society. The biblical prohibition against adultery serves to protect the integrity of marriage, promote trust and fidelity, and uphold the values of love and commitment. The Bible's teachings on adultery call believers to honor their marital vows and to live lives marked by purity and faithfulness. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 20:14You shall not commit adultery. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 18:20 Leviticus 19:29 Deuteronomy 5:18 Deuteronomy 23:17 Matthew 5:27 Matthew 19:18 Luke 18:20 Acts 15:20 Romans 13:9,13 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 1 Corinthians 6:13,15,18 1 Corinthians 10:8 Ephesians 4:17,19,20 Ephesians 5:3,11,12 Colossians 3:5 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5,7 James 2:11 Library Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery. Whether the Other Six Precepts of the Decalogue are Fittingly ... The Right Understanding of the Law Whether Wife-Murder is an Impediment to Marriage? Whether the Precepts of the virtues Annexed to Temperance are ... Relative Magnitude of Sins of the Heart and Actual Sins. The Second Commandment: Gross Sin Forbidden. Whether the Precepts of Temperance are Suitably Given in the ... What are the Sins Forbidden in the Seventh Commandment? Fulfilling of the Law in the Higher Sense. --Particular Examples ... Resources What does the Bible say about adultery? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the biblical punishment for adultery? | GotQuestions.org Why is "You shall not commit adultery" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org Adultery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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