Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the term "adulteress" refers to a woman who engages in sexual relations outside the bounds of her marriage, violating the covenantal relationship established between her and her husband. The concept of adultery is addressed extensively in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting its moral and spiritual implications.Old Testament Context The Old Testament law explicitly condemns adultery, considering it a grave sin against God and the marital covenant. In the Ten Commandments, God commands, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). The Mosaic Law prescribed severe penalties for adultery, reflecting its seriousness. 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." The book of Proverbs frequently warns against the dangers of engaging with an adulteress. Proverbs 6:32-33 states, "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." The adulteress is often depicted as a seductress leading men astray, as seen in Proverbs 7, where she is described as a woman with a "crafty intent" (Proverbs 7:10). New Testament Context In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of adultery, expanding its definition to include not only physical acts but also lustful thoughts. 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 emphasizes the importance of purity in thought and intention, not just in action. The account of the woman caught in adultery, found in John 8:1-11, illustrates Jesus' approach to sin and forgiveness. When the Pharisees bring the adulteress before Jesus, seeking to stone her 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). After her accusers leave, Jesus tells the woman, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more" (John 8:11). This account highlights Jesus' mercy and the call to repentance and transformation. Spiritual Implications Adultery is often used metaphorically in the Bible to describe unfaithfulness to God. The prophets frequently liken Israel's idolatry to adultery, portraying the nation as an unfaithful spouse. For instance, the book of Hosea uses the prophet's marriage to an adulterous woman as a symbol of Israel's infidelity to God (Hosea 1-3). The New Testament continues this metaphor, with James 4:4 stating, "You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?" Here, spiritual adultery is equated with worldliness and a divided heart. Moral and Ethical Considerations From a biblical perspective, adultery undermines the sanctity of marriage, a divine institution established by God. It is seen as a violation of trust and a destructive force within families and communities. The Bible calls believers to uphold the sanctity of marriage and to pursue holiness in all aspects of life, including sexual purity. In summary, the concept of the adulteress in the Bible serves as a warning against the physical and spiritual consequences of unfaithfulness. It underscores the importance of fidelity, repentance, and the transformative power of God's grace. Concordance Adultress (1 Occurrence)Proverbs 6:26 Thesaurus Adultress (1 Occurrence)...Adultress (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 6:26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life. ... /a/adultress.htm - 6k Whorish (5 Occurrences) Adultresses (1 Occurrence) Adultery (49 Occurrences) 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 Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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