Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Overview:Adultery, as defined in the Bible, refers to the act of a married individual engaging in sexual relations with someone other than their spouse. It is considered a grave sin and a violation of the marital covenant established by God. The act of adultery is condemned throughout Scripture and is seen as a breach of trust and fidelity, not only between spouses but also in one's relationship with God. Biblical References: The prohibition against adultery is explicitly stated in the Ten Commandments: "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). This commandment underscores the sanctity of marriage and the importance of faithfulness within the marital relationship. In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the understanding of adultery, emphasizing that it is not only the physical act that constitutes sin but also the lustful intent. 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 highlights the importance of purity in thought and intention, as well as action. Consequences and Warnings: The Bible warns of severe consequences for those who commit adultery. In the Old Testament, the penalty for adultery was death, as seen in Leviticus 20:10: "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" . While the New Testament does not prescribe such civil penalties, it continues to affirm the spiritual and relational damage caused by adultery. Proverbs offers wisdom on the dangers of adultery, warning that it leads to destruction and dishonor: "He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself" (Proverbs 6:32). The book of Proverbs also personifies adultery as a seductive force that leads individuals away from righteousness and into ruin. Spiritual Implications: Adultery is not only a sin against one's spouse but also a sin against God. It is a violation of the covenantal relationship that marriage represents, which mirrors the covenant between God and His people. The prophet Hosea's marriage to an unfaithful wife serves as a metaphor for Israel's unfaithfulness to God, illustrating the spiritual adultery of idolatry and turning away from the Lord. The New Testament further emphasizes the spiritual implications of adultery, as seen in James 4:4: "You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?" . Here, adultery is used metaphorically to describe unfaithfulness to God through worldly desires and pursuits. Redemption and Forgiveness: Despite the seriousness of adultery, the Bible also offers hope for redemption and forgiveness. The account of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11 demonstrates Jesus' mercy and the possibility of repentance. When the accusers sought to stone her, Jesus responded, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her" (John 8:7). After her accusers left, Jesus told the woman, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more" (John 8:11). This account highlights the transformative power of grace and the call to a new life of holiness. Through repentance and faith in Christ, individuals who have committed adultery can find forgiveness and restoration. Practical Application: Believers are called to uphold the sanctity of marriage and to guard their hearts and minds against the temptations of adultery. Ephesians 5:3 instructs, "But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed" . Christians are encouraged to cultivate fidelity, love, and respect within their marriages, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church. Topical Bible Verses Exodus 20:14You shall not commit adultery. Topicalbible.org Matthew 19:9 1 Corinthians 6:9 Matthew 5:32 Mark 10:12 Mark 10:11 Hebrews 13:4 Luke 16:18 1 Corinthians 7:2 Leviticus 20:10 Greek 3431. moicheuo -- to commit adultery ... from moichos Definition to commit adultery NASB Word Usage adultery (1), commit adultery (11), commits adultery (2), committed adultery (1), committing (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3431.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 5003. naaph -- to commit adultery... commits adultery (3), committed adultery (5), committing of adultery (1). adultereress, committing adultery, woman that breaks wedlock. ... /hebrew/5003.htm - 6k Library To this Our Answer Is, that if the Scythians... Basilides' Idea of Martyrdom Refuted. Chapter xii. Examples of Such Offences under the Old Dispensation no Pattern ... But if no Authority for Lying Can be Alleged... Touching Next Upon the Training of a virgin, He Speaks of ... Disputed Questions About the Limits of Knowledge and Certainty in ... The Divine Word Chapter xvi. On the Words of the Gospel, John v. 31,"If I Bear Witness of ... Resources Are all sins equal to God? Is all sin the same? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the Nicolaitans mentioned in Revelation 2:6, 14-15? | GotQuestions.org What is the Pure Word Bible? | GotQuestions.org Committing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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