Adultery is a deeply sensitive topic that can cause intense emotional and spiritual turmoil. Whether you have been personally affected by adultery or are seeking to understand God’s perspective on the matter, the Bible offers guidance, wisdom, and hope for healing.
The scriptures provide powerful words that not only speak about the consequences of infidelity but also encourage forgiveness, repentance, and restoration.
In this blog post, we will explore 15 Bible verses about adultery, each offering a distinct message of wisdom and hope.
1. Exodus 20:14
“You shall not commit adultery.”
Explanation:
This is one of the Ten Commandments, which establishes the sacredness of marriage. Adultery is considered a breach of the covenant between spouses, reflecting a deeper violation of trust and commitment. God commands His people to uphold the sanctity of marriage, as it reflects His covenant with His people.
2. Matthew 5:27-28
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Explanation:
In this verse, Jesus expands the definition of adultery to include even lustful thoughts. This emphasizes that sin begins in the heart and mind before it manifests in actions. It calls believers to strive for purity in both thought and deed, showing that adultery goes beyond just physical actions.
3. Proverbs 6:32
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”
Explanation:
Adultery is portrayed here as a destructive act that harms not only others but also the person who engages in it. The verse emphasizes the foolishness of such actions, highlighting that infidelity can lead to long-lasting consequences for both the individual and their relationships.
4. Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
Explanation:
This verse speaks to the sanctity of marriage, urging believers to honor the sacredness of the marital relationship. God condemns sexual immorality, including adultery, and promises to judge those who violate the purity of marriage.
5. Proverbs 5:3-5
“For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.”
Explanation:
This passage warns about the allure of temptation and how it can be deceiving. It describes adultery as sweet at first but ultimately destructive, leading to pain, regret, and spiritual death. The verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding the enticements of sin and staying faithful to one’s spouse.
6. Romans 13:9
“The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and any other commandment, are summed up in this one rule: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Explanation:
In this verse, Paul reminds us that all commandments about human relationships boil down to one principle: love. Adultery is ultimately a failure to love and honor your spouse. It is a violation of the love and respect that should exist between a married couple and in the community.
7. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Explanation:
This passage speaks about the serious nature of various sins, including adultery, and warns that those who live in unrepentant sin will not inherit the Kingdom of God. However, it also calls people to repentance, as the following verses (1 Corinthians 6:11) affirm that some of the Corinthian believers were once sinners but were washed clean by Christ.
8. James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
Explanation:
While this verse addresses spiritual adultery, it highlights how infidelity in a relationship with God can mirror the betrayal seen in physical adultery. It emphasizes that turning to worldly desires over God’s will is a form of spiritual unfaithfulness, which God condemns.
9. Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Explanation:
Paul lists various sinful behaviors that include adultery and sexual immorality. This serves as a warning to believers to live by the Spirit and avoid actions that lead to destruction. Adultery is not only a violation of marriage but also a sinful act that can keep someone from inheriting the Kingdom of God if left unrepented.
10. Malachi 2:16
“For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, does violence to the one he should protect, says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.”
Explanation:
This verse reminds men of the importance of honoring and protecting their wives. Adultery is seen as a betrayal not just of the spouse but of God’s commandments regarding love and loyalty in marriage. The warning is clear: faithfulness is required, and unfaithfulness is condemned.
11. John 8:3-11
“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ … ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.'”
Explanation:
This passage demonstrates Jesus’ compassion and understanding of human weakness. Instead of condemning the woman caught in adultery, Jesus reminds the crowd of their own sinfulness. This teaches us about forgiveness, mercy, and the importance of not judging others harshly for their mistakes.
12. Matthew 19:9
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
Explanation:
Jesus addresses the issue of divorce and remarriage, noting that adultery is the only acceptable reason for divorce. This emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the serious nature of adultery as a cause for the breakdown of the marital relationship.
13. Ephesians 5:3
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”
Explanation:
This verse calls for a high standard of moral purity for Christians. Even a hint of sexual immorality, including adultery, is not fitting for those who are part of God’s holy family. It emphasizes living a life of integrity and honor.
14. Proverbs 7:25-27
“Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.”
Explanation:
This passage serves as a warning against the temptation of adultery. It describes the destructive path that leads to death, both spiritually and physically. The verse emphasizes how the consequences of unfaithfulness are severe and far-reaching.
15. 1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Explanation:
This verse offers hope and grace for anyone who has committed adultery. It assures believers that if they confess their sins, God will forgive them and purify them from all unrighteousness. This is a reminder that no sin is too great for God’s forgiveness when we come to Him in repentance.
Conclusion
The Bible verses about adultery remind us of the profound impact infidelity has on individuals and relationships. However, they also offer grace, mercy, and a call to repentance. These scriptures highlight both the seriousness of adultery and the hope for forgiveness and healing through Christ. As we reflect on these verses, may we be encouraged to live faithfully in our relationships and trust in God’s love and forgiveness.
Call to Action:
How have these Bible verses impacted your understanding of adultery and faithfulness? Do you have a favorite verse on this topic? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.