The term "adulteress" in the Bible refers to a woman who engages in sexual relations outside the bounds of her marriage, violating the covenantal relationship established by God. Adultery is consistently condemned throughout Scripture as a grave sin, reflecting the sanctity of marriage and the faithfulness expected within it.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the act of adultery is explicitly prohibited in the Ten Commandments: "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). The law given to Moses further prescribes severe consequences for adultery, underscoring its seriousness. 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" . This reflects the gravity of the offense in the eyes of God and the community.

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 righteousness and into destruction.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of adultery with a focus on the heart's intentions. In the Sermon on the Mount, He expands the understanding of adultery beyond physical acts to include lustful thoughts: "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 emphasizes the importance of inner purity and the need for believers to guard their hearts and minds.

A notable encounter involving an adulteress is found in John 8:3-11, where the scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery before Jesus. They seek to test Him, asking if she should be stoned according to the Law of Moses. Jesus responds, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her" (John 8:7). His response highlights the themes of mercy, forgiveness, and the recognition of one's own sinfulness. After her accusers leave, Jesus tells the woman, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more" (John 8:11), offering her grace and a call to repentance.

Symbolism and Metaphor

Beyond the literal sense, the adulteress is also used metaphorically in Scripture to describe spiritual unfaithfulness. The prophets often depict Israel as an adulteress when the nation turns away from God to worship idols. For example, in the book of Hosea, Israel's infidelity is likened to an adulterous wife, illustrating the pain and betrayal God experiences due to His people's unfaithfulness (Hosea 1-3).

The imagery of adultery serves as a powerful metaphor for idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, reminding believers of the importance of remaining true to God and His commandments. The call to faithfulness in marriage reflects the broader call to faithfulness in one's relationship with God, underscoring the covenantal nature of both.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The biblical portrayal of the adulteress serves as a warning against the destructive nature of infidelity and the importance of maintaining the sanctity of marriage. It calls believers to uphold the values of fidelity, purity, and integrity in their relationships. The teachings of Jesus further emphasize the need for mercy, repentance, and transformation, offering hope and redemption to those who have fallen into sin.