What does the Bible Teach about Adultery?

from Questions and Answers

by Neil McBride

What the Bible Says About Adultery?

Adultery, defined as engaging in a sexual relationship with someone who is not one’s spouse, is a serious moral violation, according to the Bible. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, adultery is consistently condemned as a sin that deeply violates the sacred covenant of marriage and undermines the principles of faithfulness, trust, and integrity that God established in human relationships. The Bible does not just address the physical act of adultery but also the emotional and spiritual consequences that it brings about. From the commandments given in the Old Testament to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, adultery is presented as an offence not only against one’s spouse but against God Himself.

In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about adultery by examining key biblical verses, the cultural and spiritual implications, and how these teachings apply to modern life. By doing so, we aim to understand the depth of God’s moral standards and the importance of maintaining faithfulness within marriage while recognizing the potential for redemption and forgiveness for those who have fallen short.

The Foundation: The Ten Commandments and Adultery

The Bible’s stance on adultery is rooted in the foundational laws given by God to the Israelites in the Old Testament. Among the Ten Commandments, which are considered some of the most important moral guidelines for human conduct, the seventh commandment is straightforward:

“You shall not commit adultery.”

— Exodus 20:14 (NIV)

This simple yet profound commandment highlights the sanctity of marriage as a covenant ordained by God. The commandment is clear: a married person must remain faithful to their spouse, and the marital bond should not be broken by infidelity. Adultery, in this context, is not just a breach of personal loyalty but a violation of a sacred relationship that reflects God’s covenant with His people.

The Ten Commandments are not merely moral suggestions; they are direct instructions from God intended to guide human behaviour and protect the integrity of societal structures. By this standard, adultery is not only a private matter between individuals but an offense with far-reaching consequences for the entire community.

Adultery in the Old Testament: Serious Consequences

In the Old Testament, adultery is viewed as a grave offence with serious consequences. Leviticus 20:10 reflects the severity of this sin within the Israelite community:

“If a man has sexual relations with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel.”

— Leviticus 20:10 (NIV)

This may seem harsh by today’s standards, but the severity of the punishment illustrates the seriousness with which adultery was regarded in ancient Israel. The death penalty for adultery was designed to maintain the purity and holiness of the community by ensuring that such destructive actions did not corrupt the social fabric. In this sense, adultery was not only a personal betrayal but a sin that threatened the moral and spiritual health of the entire nation.

Additionally, the story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11 is a powerful example of how adultery can lead to devastating consequences. King David, a man after God’s own heart, committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, which ultimately led to Uriah’s murder and a series of personal and national crises. David’s sin resulted in the death of the child born from the affair, and his family suffered turmoil for generations as a result of his actions. Though David repented and received God’s forgiveness, the consequences of his adultery were far-reaching and served as a sombre reminder of the destructive power of infidelity.

Adultery in the New Testament: Jesus’ Teaching on Purity and the Heart

While the Old Testament emphasises the physical act of adultery and its consequences, the New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus, deepens the understanding of adultery by focusing on the heart and mind. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus expands on the commandment against adultery:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

— Matthew 5:27-28 (NIV)

Here, Jesus reveals that adultery is not confined merely to the outward act of infidelity but also includes internal attitudes and desires. Lustful thoughts and intentions are just as sinful as the physical act of adultery. Jesus’ teaching emphasizes that sin originates in the heart, and God calls for purity in actions and thoughts, desires, and intentions.

This teaching radically shifts the way people should understand and approach their sexuality. Adultery is a matter of physical boundaries and the internal moral compass. Jesus challenges His followers to live with integrity, urging them to guard their hearts and minds, as these ultimately shape their actions.

Adultery, Divorce, and the Kingdom of God

In Matthew 19:3-9, when the Pharisees question Jesus about divorce, He underscores God’s original intent for marriage, which is lifelong fidelity:

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

— Matthew 19:4-6 (NIV)

In this passage, Jesus reaffirms the sacredness of marriage as a covenant established by God. He emphasizes that marriage is a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman, designed to reflect the unity between Christ and His Church. However, Jesus acknowledges one exception for divorce—adultery. In this context, He teaches that while God’s ideal for marriage is faithfulness, adultery is a legitimate reason for divorce, as it breaks the sacred bond between husband and wife.

“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

— Matthew 19:9 (NIV)

Jesus’ teaching on adultery and divorce highlights the deep pain that infidelity causes within a marriage. While God’s ideal is for couples to remain united, He also recognizes that adultery, as a severe violation of the marriage covenant, creates a situation in which divorce may be necessary. Jesus’ words serve as a reminder of the sanctity of marriage and the high cost of infidelity.

The Spiritual and Emotional Consequences of Adultery

Adultery is not only a physical act but a sin that has profound spiritual and emotional consequences. In the book of Proverbs, adultery is described as an act of foolishness that leads to personal ruin:

“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”

— Proverbs 6:32 (NIV)

The Bible teaches that adultery can lead to broken relationships, personal destruction, and emotional scars. It breaks trust, breeds resentment, and fractures families. The consequences of adultery can be long-lasting, affecting not only the individuals involved but also their children, extended families, and communities. Spiritually, it creates a rift between the adulterer and God, as it is a direct violation of His commandments.

Adultery also brings dishonour to the marriage covenant and to the God who designed it. It undermines the witness of Christian marriage as a reflection of Christ’s unbreakable love for His Church.

Redemption and Forgiveness: The Hope of Restoration

While the Bible condemns adultery as a serious sin, it also offers hope for those who have fallen into this sin. In the New Testament, the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11 is a powerful example of Jesus’ mercy and grace. When the religious leaders brought the woman before Jesus, hoping to trap Him, Jesus responded by saying:

“Let any of you without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

— John 8:7 (NIV)

Jesus did not condemn the woman but instead offered her forgiveness, instructing her to go and sin no more. This demonstrates that even adultery is forgivable if one repents and seeks God’s mercy. The apostle John reminds believers that God is faithful to forgive:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

— 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

While adultery carries serious consequences, it is never beyond the reach of God’s grace. Those who have committed this sin can find healing, restoration, and forgiveness through repentance and faith in Christ.

Conclusion

Adultery is not just a personal mistake; it is a serious violation of God’s commandments and a betrayal of the sacred covenant of marriage. It deeply impacts individuals, families, and entire communities, causing emotional and spiritual harm that ripples through every aspect of life. The Bible consistently condemns adultery, not merely as a breach of human trust but as an offence against God Himself. From the Old Testament to the New, Scripture underscores the destructive power of adultery, detailing the relational, emotional, and spiritual consequences that arise when the sanctity of marriage is dishonoured. Infidelity undermines the core of marriage, which is meant to be a picture of God’s unbreakable, faithful love for His people.

Adultery, in the biblical view, is not a trivial matter. It is a sin that, if left unchecked, can lead to broken relationships, shattered families, and long-lasting emotional wounds. The consequences for those directly involved are often immediate: trust is broken, families are torn apart, and hearts are shattered. Yet, the emotional toll is not confined to the spouses or families of those involved. The damage extends to the community as well, as adultery brings disorder, mistrust, and pain to the wider circle of relationships. It leaves scars that can take years to heal, sometimes affecting future generations. The Bible portrays adultery as an act that fractures not only human relationships but the connection between the individual and God, creating a separation that is difficult to mend without repentance and healing.

However, despite the seriousness of this sin, the Bible also offers hope for redemption and forgiveness. The scriptures make it clear that no sin, however grievous, is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, forgiveness is available to anyone who sincerely repents. In 1 John 1:9, we are reminded, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” This is the heart of the gospel: God’s grace is greater than our failings, and His love is unconditional. Those who have committed adultery and who truly seek forgiveness can experience God’s restorative grace. This is not to say that there are no consequences, as adultery brings real pain and division, but it is an invitation to healing, a call to turn from sin and be reconciled with God and those who have been hurt.

The Bible calls believers to uphold marriage’s sacredness and honour the covenant of faithfulness, purity, and integrity. This is more than just a call to avoid adultery—it is to live with the utmost respect for the relationship that reflects God’s faithfulness toward His people. The sacredness of marriage, established by God from the beginning, is to be upheld with reverence. Jesus teaches in Matthew 19:6 that, “What God has joined together, let no one separate.” Marriage is not a contract to be broken at will but a covenant, a sacred bond meant to reflect God’s unity and steadfast love for His people. It is a reflection of God’s commitment, and adultery is the antithesis of that divine faithfulness.

Believers are called to honour integrity, trust, and fidelity in all relationships. This goes beyond avoiding the act of adultery itself; it calls for a heart of purity, a commitment to guarding one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, challenges believers to take seriously the state of their hearts and minds, teaching that even lustful thoughts are as sinful as the physical act of adultery. This call to purity is not about legalistic rule-following but about cultivating a heart that honours God and seeks to reflect His love in every aspect of life.

Maintaining faithfulness in marriage is a principle that strengthens individual relationships and serves as a witness to the world. As believers, our relationships, including marriages, should reflect God’s love, grace, and faithfulness. When we uphold the sanctity of marriage and live out the principles of purity and integrity, we honour our spouse and bring glory to God. In doing so, we help to create stable, loving environments for families to thrive, for communities to be built on trust, and for the message of God’s redeeming love to be witnessed by those around us.

Ultimately, the Bible teaches that adultery, though a serious sin, is not the end of the story. There is always hope in Christ. For those who have fallen into adultery, there is an invitation to repentance, to seek forgiveness, and to experience the transforming power of God’s grace. There is the possibility of healing, restoration, and reconciliation for those hurt by it. The Bible consistently emphasizes that no matter how far we may stray, God’s love remains constant, and He offers a way back to restoration and wholeness.

As believers, we are called to uphold the principles of fidelity in our marriages and support and encourage others to maintain the sacredness of their relationships. In doing so, we honour God’s original design for marriage, reflect His love for the world, and uphold the values that make for healthy, flourishing families and communities. Faithfulness, purity, and integrity are not merely individual virtues but foundational principles that strengthen the body of Christ and reflect the character of God in a broken world.