Adultery, as defined in the Bible, is the act of engaging in sexual relations with someone who is not one's spouse. It is considered a grave sin and a violation of the marital covenant established by God. The Bible addresses adultery in both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing its moral and spiritual implications.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, adultery is explicitly prohibited in the Ten Commandments: "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). This commandment underscores the sanctity of marriage and the importance of fidelity. The law given to Moses further elaborates on the consequences of adultery, often prescribing severe penalties. Leviticus 20:10 states, "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" . This reflects the seriousness with which God views the breach of the marital bond.

The wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, also warns against the dangers of adultery. Proverbs 6:32-33 cautions, "But he who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. Wounds and dishonor will befall him, and his reproach will never be wiped away" . These verses highlight the personal and social consequences of engaging in such behavior.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ expands on the understanding of adultery, emphasizing not only the physical act but also the condition 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 elevates the standard of purity, focusing on internal desires and thoughts as well as external actions.

Jesus also addresses the issue of adultery in the context of marriage and divorce. In Matthew 19:9, He states, "And I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery" . This underscores the permanence of the marriage covenant and the limited grounds for its dissolution.

The Apostle Paul reiterates the prohibition against adultery in his epistles, listing it among the works of the flesh that are contrary to the Spirit. In Galatians 5:19, Paul writes, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery" . Adultery is seen as incompatible with the life of a believer who is called to live by the Spirit.

Spiritual Implications

Adultery is not only a violation of the marital covenant but also an offense against God, who instituted marriage as a sacred union. The prophet Hosea's marriage to an unfaithful wife serves as a metaphor for Israel's unfaithfulness to God, illustrating how adultery symbolizes spiritual infidelity (Hosea 3:1).

The Bible calls believers to repentance and restoration. In John 8:3-11, 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 highlights the possibility of forgiveness and transformation through Christ.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The biblical teaching on adultery serves as a foundation for Christian ethics regarding marriage and sexuality. It calls for faithfulness, purity, and the honoring of one's spouse. Adultery is seen as destructive not only to individuals and families but also to the community of believers. The call to holiness and fidelity in marriage reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church, as described in Ephesians 5:25-32.

In summary, the Bible's teaching on adultery is clear and consistent, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage, the seriousness of infidelity, and the call to live a life of purity and faithfulness.