Adultery, defined as voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone who is not their spouse, is consistently condemned throughout the Bible. It is considered a grave sin that not only violates the sanctity of marriage but also disrupts the moral and social order established by God.

Biblical Condemnation

The Bible unequivocally condemns adultery, beginning with the Ten Commandments. In Exodus 20:14 , it is stated, "You shall not commit adultery." This commandment underscores the importance of marital fidelity and the sanctity of the marriage covenant. Similarly, Deuteronomy 5:18 reiterates this command, emphasizing its foundational role in the moral law given to Israel.

Consequences of Adultery

The consequences of adultery are severe and multifaceted. Proverbs 6:32-33 warns, "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." This passage highlights the personal and social disgrace that accompanies the act, as well as the self-destructive nature of such behavior.

In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the understanding of adultery, addressing not only the physical act but also the intentions of the heart. In Matthew 5:27-28 , He teaches, "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This teaching emphasizes the importance of purity in thought and intention, not just in action.

Adultery as a Breach of Covenant

Adultery is seen as a breach of the marriage covenant, which is a sacred agreement before God. Malachi 2:14-16 speaks to the seriousness of this covenant, stating, "The LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant." This passage underscores the divine witness to the marriage covenant and the spiritual implications of breaking it.

Adultery and Idolatry

The Bible often uses the metaphor of adultery to describe idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. In Jeremiah 3:8-9 , God speaks of Israel's unfaithfulness, saying, "Because faithless Israel had committed adultery, I gave her a certificate of divorce and sent her away. Yet her treacherous sister Judah had no fear and prostituted herself as well." This metaphor illustrates the spiritual adultery of turning away from God to worship other gods, highlighting the seriousness of both physical and spiritual unfaithfulness.

Redemption and Forgiveness

Despite the severity of adultery, the Bible also offers hope for redemption and forgiveness. In John 8:3-11 , the account of the woman caught in adultery demonstrates Jesus' mercy and call to 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." After they left, He told the woman, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more." This account illustrates the possibility of forgiveness and transformation through Christ.

Adultery in the Early Church

The early church continued to uphold the biblical teaching against adultery. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 , Paul warns, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts... will inherit the kingdom of God." This passage reinforces the seriousness of adultery and other sexual sins within the Christian community.

Conclusion

The Bible's consistent message is that adultery is a serious sin with profound personal, social, and spiritual consequences. It is a violation of the marriage covenant and an affront to God's design for human relationships. However, through repentance and faith in Christ, forgiveness and restoration are possible.