67+ Powerful Bible Verses About Adultery For 2024

Adultery, a breach of trust, and a violation of sacred vows is a serious matter addressed throughout the Bible. Scripture offers clear guidance and warnings regarding this sin, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of infidelity.

This article, “Bible Verses About Adultery,” explores a collection of verses that:

Condemn adultery as a sin against God and one’s partner.
Highlight the destructive consequences of infidelity on individuals, families, and communities.
Emphasize the importance of faithfulness and honoring marriage vows.
Offer guidance for those seeking to overcome temptation and live a life of purity.

Let these Adultery Bible verses serve as a reminder of the sacredness of marriage and the importance of upholding fidelity. May they guide you towards a path of righteousness and a deeper understanding of God’s principles.

Table of Contents

Adultery in the Bible: What does the Bible say About Adultery?

Adultery, a profound violation of the sacred covenant of marriage, stands as a sobering theme throughout the pages of Scripture. From the Ten Commandments to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, the Bible consistently condemns this act while also revealing God’s heart for redemption and restoration. As we delve into this challenging topic, we must approach it with both biblical clarity and compassionate understanding, recognizing the devastating consequences of adultery while holding fast to the hope of God’s transformative grace.

The Biblical Definition of Adultery

In its most basic form, adultery is defined as sexual relations between a married person and someone who is not their spouse. The seventh commandment succinctly states, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14), establishing this prohibition as a fundamental moral principle in God’s covenant with His people.

However, Jesus expands this definition in His Sermon on the Mount, declaring, “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). This teaching reveals that adultery is not merely a physical act but can also be a matter of the heart, encompassing lustful thoughts and intentions.

The Gravity of Adultery in Scripture

Throughout the Old Testament, adultery is consistently portrayed as a grave sin with severe consequences. The book of Proverbs warns of its destructive nature:

“Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished.” (Proverbs 6:27-29)

The prophets often used adultery as a metaphor for Israel’s unfaithfulness to God, highlighting the spiritual dimension of this sin. Jeremiah laments, “For the land is full of adulterers; because of the curse the land mourns, and the pastures of the wilderness are dried up” (Jeremiah 23:10). This imagery underscores the far-reaching consequences of adultery, affecting not only individuals but entire communities and even the land itself.

Adultery in the New Testament

The New Testament reaffirms the Old Testament’s stance on adultery while also emphasizing God’s grace and the possibility of forgiveness and restoration. Jesus’ encounter with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) provides a powerful illustration of this tension. While acknowledging the reality of her sin, Jesus extends mercy, saying, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more” (John 8:11).

The Apostle Paul includes adultery in his lists of sinful behaviors that are incompatible with the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21). However, he also emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel, reminding believers that they have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11).

The Spiritual Implications of Adultery

Beyond its immediate relational and societal consequences, adultery carries profound spiritual implications. The Bible often uses the marriage relationship as a metaphor for the covenant between God and His people. The prophet Hosea’s marriage to an unfaithful wife serves as a poignant illustration of God’s enduring love for His wayward people (Hosea 1-3).

In the New Testament, the church is described as the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 19:7-9). This imagery underscores the sacredness of the marriage covenant and the spiritual significance of fidelity. Adultery, therefore, not only violates the human relationship but also mars this divine picture of Christ’s love for His church.

The Path to Restoration from Adultery

While the Bible is unequivocal in its condemnation of adultery, it also offers a message of hope and restoration for those who have fallen into this sin. King David’s adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12) stands as a sobering example of the devastating consequences of this sin, but also as a testament to God’s forgiveness and ability to restore even the most broken situations.

Psalm 51, traditionally attributed to David after his confrontation with the prophet Nathan, provides a model of genuine repentance:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:10-12)

This heartfelt cry for restoration reminds us that no sin, including adultery, is beyond the reach of God’s forgiveness when met with sincere repentance.

Guarding Against Adultery

Given the devastating consequences of adultery, the Bible provides wisdom for guarding against this sin. Proverbs exhorts believers to “drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well” (Proverbs 5:15), emphasizing the importance of finding satisfaction and fulfillment within one’s own marriage.

The New Testament echoes this sentiment, with Paul advising, “But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband” (1 Corinthians 7:2). He further counsels married couples not to deprive one another, recognizing the importance of physical intimacy within the marriage covenant (1 Corinthians 7:3-5).

What is Adultery in the Bible?

Adultery in the Bible, is a grievous sin with far-reaching consequences. It violates the sacred covenant of marriage, damages relationships, and carries profound spiritual implications. Yet, the overarching message of Scripture is one of hope and redemption, even in the face of such a devastating betrayal.

As believers, we are called to uphold the sanctity of marriage, guarding our hearts and minds against the allure of adultery. We must also extend grace and compassion to those who have fallen, recognizing that the power of the gospel is sufficient to bring healing and restoration even to the most broken situations.

May we heed the words of the writer of Hebrews, who exhorts, “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous” (Hebrews 13:4). And may we always remember that in Christ, there is hope for forgiveness, healing, and a new beginning, for “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Bible Verses About Adultery or Cheating

Here are 10 significant Bible verses about adultery:

Exodus 20:14: You shall not commit adultery.
Proverbs 6:32: But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.
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.
Hebrews 13:4: Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
1 Corinthians 6:18: Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.
Proverbs 5:3-4: 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.
Jeremiah 23:14: And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen something horrible: They commit adultery and live a lie. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that not one of them turns from their wickedness.
John 8:11: “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5: It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.
Galatians 5:19-21: The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Bible Verses About Adultery and God’s Commandments

Exodus 20:14: “You shall not commit adultery.”
Deuteronomy 5:18: “You shall not commit adultery.”
Matthew 19:18: “Jesus replied, ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony.'”
Romans 13:9: “The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
James 2:11: “For he who said, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘You shall not murder.’ If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.”

Bible Verses About Adultery and Temptation

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.”
James 1:14-15: “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
Proverbs 6:25-26: “Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread, but another man’s wife preys on your very life.”
2 Timothy 2:22: “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
Galatians 5:16: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Betrayal Bible Verses About Adultery

Proverbs 6:32: “But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”
Malachi 2:14-16: “You ask, ‘Why?’ It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.”
Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
Jeremiah 3:20: “But like a woman unfaithful to her husband, so you, Israel, have been unfaithful to me,” declares the Lord.
Ezekiel 16:32: “You adulterous wife! You prefer strangers to your own husband!”
Hosea 4:2: “There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.”

Bible Verses About Adultery and Fornication

1 Corinthians 6:18-20: “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Galatians 5:19-21: “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
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.”
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5: “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.”
Colossians 3:5: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”

Bible Verses about Adultery and Consequences

Proverbs 6:32-33: He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away.
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.
Proverbs 5:22-23: The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly, he is led astray.
Proverbs 7:22-23: All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life.
Proverbs 6:27-29: Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished.
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.
Jeremiah 29:23: Because they have done an outrageous thing in Israel, they have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives, and they have spoken in my name lying words that I did not command them. I am the one who knows, and I am witness, declares the LORD.
Proverbs 2:18-19: For her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the departed; none who go to her come back, nor do they regain the paths of life.

Bible Verses on Adultery of the Heart

Matthew 5:27-28: You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Matthew 15:19: For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.
Proverbs 6:25: Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes.
Proverbs 23:26: My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
Mark 7:20-23: And he said, ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.’
James 1:14-15: But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Proverbs 24:9: The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.
Ezekiel 6:9: Then those of you who escape will remember me among the nations where they are carried captive, how I have been broken over their whoring heart that has departed from me and over their eyes that go whoring after their idols. And they will be loathsome in their own sight for the evils that they have committed, for all their abominations.

Bible Verses About Adultery and Marriage Restoration

Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
1 Corinthians 7:10-11: “To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband… And a husband must not divorce his wife.”
Hosea 3:1-3: “The Lord said to me, ‘Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress… You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man.'”
Joel 2:25: “‘I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten…’ declares the Lord.”
Matthew 19:26: “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'”

Bible Verses About Adultery and Healing from Betrayal

Psalm 147:3: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Isaiah 54:5: “For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.”
Joel 2:25: “‘I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten…’ declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 30:17: “‘But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord.”
Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Bible Verses About Adultery Punishment

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 are to be put to death.”
Deuteronomy 22:22: “If a man is found sleeping with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel.”
Proverbs 6:32-33: “But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-10: “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
Revelation 21:8: “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

Bible Verses on Adultery and Lust

Matthew 5:27-30: “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. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”
Job 31:1: “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.”
2 Peter 2:14: “With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood!”
Proverbs 6:25: “Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.”
1 John 2:16: “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
Colossians 3:5: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”

Scriptures on Adultery and Divorce

Matthew 5:31-32: “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
Mark 10:11-12: “He answered, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.’”
1 Corinthians 7:10-11: “To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.”
Matthew 19:9: “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
Malachi 2:16: “‘The man who hates and divorces his wife,’ 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.”

Bible Verses About Adultery and Repentance

John 8:3-11: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery… Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.'”
2 Samuel 12:13: “Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan replied, ‘The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.'”
Psalm 51:1-4: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love… For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.”
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.”
Proverbs 28:13: “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
Acts 3:19: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

Bible Verses About Adultery and Purity

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5: “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.”
Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
1 Corinthians 6:18: “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Psalm 119:9: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure… think about such things.”

Bible Verses About Adultery and Faithfulness

Proverbs 5:15-20: “Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well… May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.”
Malachi 2:14-15: “You ask, ‘Why?’ It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth… Be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.”
Hosea 3:1: “The Lord said to me, ‘Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites.'”
1 Corinthians 7:2-5: “Each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.”
Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
Proverbs 31:10-11: “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.”

Bible Verses About Adultery Forgiveness

John 8:10-11: Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Psalm 51: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Proverbs 28:13: Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
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.
Jeremiah 3:1: “If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him and marries another man, should he return to her again? Would not the land be completely defiled? But you have lived as a prostitute with many lovers—would you now return to me?” declares the LORD.
Hosea 2:14-16: “Therefore, I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will respond as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt.”
Matthew 6:14-15: For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Ephesians 1:7-8: In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.

Spiritual Adultery Verses

Jeremiah 3:6-10: “During the reign of King Josiah, the Lord said to me, ‘Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill… and there committed adultery.'”
Ezekiel 16:32: “You adulterous wife! You prefer strangers to your own husband!”
James 4:4: “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?”
Hosea 1:2: “When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, ‘Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.'”
Revelation 2:22: “So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.”
Isaiah 1:21: “See how the faithful city has become a prostitute! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her—but now murderers!”

Bible Verse about Adultery: Exodus 20:14

This is a succinct Bible verse about adultery:

“You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14, NIV)

This Bible verse about adultery is one of the Ten Commandments given by God to the Israelites. Exodus 20:14 clearly and unequivocally prohibits adultery. This Bible verse about adultery underscores the importance of faithfulness in marriage and the sanctity of the marital bond in God’s eyes. It sets a foundational ethical standard for sexual behavior and relationships within the context of biblical morality.

Adultery Bible Verse: Proverbs 6:32

This is a cautionary adultery Bible verse:

“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.” (Proverbs 6:32, NIV)

This adultery Bible verse highlights the foolishness and destructive nature of adultery. Proverbs 6:32 warns that engaging in adultery demonstrates a lack of wisdom and leads to self-destruction. This adultery Bible verse emphasizes the severe consequences of infidelity, not just in terms of external punishment, but in terms of personal ruin and the damage one inflicts upon oneself.

Bible Verse on Adultery: Matthew 5:27-28

This is a thought-provoking Bible verse on adultery:

“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.” (Matthew 5:27-28, NIV)

This Bible verse on adultery expands the understanding of adultery beyond physical acts. Matthew 5:27-28 presents Jesus’ teaching that adultery begins in the heart with lustful thoughts. This Bible verse on adultery challenges us to consider not just our actions, but also our thoughts and intentions, emphasizing the importance of purity in both mind and body.

Bible Verse for Adultery: Leviticus 20:10

This is a severe Bible verse for adultery:

“If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress are to be put to death.” (Leviticus 20:10, NIV)

This Bible verse for adultery reflects the gravity with which adultery was viewed in Old Testament law. Leviticus 20:10 prescribes capital punishment for both parties involved in adultery. This Bible verse for adultery underscores the seriousness of violating the marriage covenant in ancient Israelite society and the severe consequences attached to such actions under Mosaic law.

Verse about Adultery: Hebrews 13:4

This is a comprehensive verse about adultery:

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” (Hebrews 13:4, NIV)

This verse about adultery emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the importance of sexual purity. Hebrews 13:4 calls for universal respect for the institution of marriage and warns of divine judgment for those who engage in adultery or sexual immorality. This verse about adultery reminds us of the honor due to marriage and the serious spiritual consequences of violating marital fidelity.

Scripture on Adultery: Deuteronomy 5:18

This is a direct scripture on adultery:

“You shall not commit adultery.” (Deuteronomy 5:18, NIV)

This scripture on adultery is part of the Ten Commandments as reiterated in Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 5:18 reaffirms the prohibition of adultery that was first stated in Exodus. This scripture on adultery emphasizes the enduring nature of God’s command against marital infidelity, underscoring its importance in maintaining the social and moral fabric of society as well as honoring God’s design for marriage.

Bible Verse on Infidelity: Luke 16:18

This is a challenging Bible verse on infidelity:

“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” (Luke 16:18, NIV)

This Bible verse on infidelity addresses the connection between divorce and adultery. Luke 16:18 presents Jesus’ teaching that equates remarriage after divorce with adultery. This Bible verse on infidelity highlights the seriousness with which Jesus viewed the marriage covenant, challenging common practices of His time and emphasizing the permanence God intends for marriage.

Bible Verse about Adulterous Woman: John 8:3-4

This is a narrative Bible verse about an adulterous woman:

“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.'” (John 8:3-4, NIV)

This Bible verse about an adulterous woman sets the scene for Jesus’ famous response to those seeking to stone her. John 8:3-4 describes how religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, testing His response to the law. This Bible verse about an adulterous woman introduces a pivotal moment where Jesus demonstrates both justice and mercy, challenging the accusers’ self-righteousness while also calling for repentance.

Scripture about Adultery: Proverbs 5:3-4

This is a cautionary scripture about adultery:

“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.” (Proverbs 5:3-4, NIV)

This scripture about adultery warns of the deceptive allure of adultery. Proverbs 5:3-4 uses vivid imagery to contrast the initial appeal of adultery with its ultimately destructive consequences. This scripture about adultery cautions against being seduced by flattery and smooth talk, emphasizing that what seems sweet at first can lead to bitterness and pain.

Bible Verse about Infidelity: Malachi 2:16

This is a strong Bible verse about infidelity:

“‘The man who hates and divorces his wife,’ 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.” (Malachi 2:16, NIV)

This Bible verse about infidelity addresses both divorce and unfaithfulness. Malachi 2:16 expresses God’s disapproval of those who treat their spouses with contempt and break their marriage vows. This Bible verse about infidelity emphasizes the protective nature of marriage and how infidelity violates this protection. It calls for vigilance in maintaining faithfulness in marriage, highlighting the seriousness with which God views marital commitment.

Bible Verse for Infidelity: Mark 10:11-12

This is a definitive Bible verse for infidelity:

“He answered, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.'” (Mark 10:11-12, NIV)

This Bible verse for infidelity presents Jesus’ teaching on divorce and remarriage. Mark 10:11-12 equates remarriage after divorce with adultery, applying this standard to both men and women. This Bible verse for infidelity emphasizes the permanence of marriage in God’s eyes and challenges the cultural norms of the time by holding both genders equally accountable for marital fidelity.

Adultery Scripture: Romans 7:2-3

This is an illustrative adultery scripture:

“For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.” (Romans 7:2-3, NIV)

This adultery scripture uses marriage as an analogy to explain spiritual principles. Romans 7:2-3 outlines the binding nature of marriage and defines adultery within that context. This adultery scripture emphasizes the lifelong commitment of marriage and the circumstances under which remarriage is not considered adultery, providing a clear definition of marital fidelity in biblical terms.

Committing Adultery Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 6:18

This is a cautionary committing adultery Bible verse:

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18, NIV)

This committing adultery Bible verse advises believers to actively avoid sexual immorality, which includes adultery. 1 Corinthians 6:18 emphasizes the unique nature of sexual sin as one that affects the body directly. This committing adultery Bible verse highlights the serious consequences of sexual immorality, encouraging believers to maintain physical and spiritual purity.

Bible Verse about Adultery in Your Heart: Matthew 5:28

This is a profound Bible verse about adultery in your heart:

“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28, NIV)

This Bible verse about adultery in your heart expands the definition of adultery beyond physical acts. Matthew 5:28 presents Jesus’ teaching that lustful thoughts constitute adultery in God’s eyes. This Bible verse about adultery in your heart challenges believers to maintain purity not just in actions but also in thoughts, emphasizing the importance of inner moral integrity.

God Hates Adultery Bible Verse: Jeremiah 3:8-9

This is a powerful God hates adultery Bible verse:

“I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery. Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood.” (Jeremiah 3:8-9, NIV)

This God hates adultery Bible verse uses the metaphor of marital infidelity to describe Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. Jeremiah 3:8-9 portrays God’s pain and judgment in response to spiritual adultery. This God hates adultery Bible verse demonstrates the seriousness with which God views both literal and spiritual adultery, emphasizing the devastating consequences of unfaithfulness in covenant relationships.

Pastoral Perspective: Probing Deeper Into Bible Verses About Adultery

What do these Bible Verses About Adultery teach us?

These Bible Verses about Adultery reveal that:

Adultery is clearly prohibited in Scripture (Exodus 20:14, Deuteronomy 5:18, Leviticus 20:10).
Adultery constitutes unfaithfulness and betrayal of the marriage covenant (Proverbs 2:16-19, Malachi 2:14-16).
Adultery has destructive spiritual and relational consequences (Proverbs 5:7-14, Proverbs 6:32-33).
Lustful intent equals adultery of the heart (Matthew 5:27-28, Matthew 15:19).
Adultery must be resisted through wisdom, self-control, and avoiding temptation (Proverbs 5:1-14, Job 31:1, James 4:7-8).
Adultery contradicts sexual purity; repentance brings forgiveness (Leviticus 18:20, 1 Corinthians 6:18, John 8:1-11).

Nuances and Subtleties of Scriptures About Adultery

While clear in theme, these Scriptures for Adultery contain important nuances:

Adultery encompasses emotional and physical unfaithfulness in all its forms.
Repentance and forgiveness are available, but consequences may remain.
Guarding your heart and mind is key to avoiding adultery (Proverbs 4:23, Philippians 4:8).
Healthy intimacy in marriage is protective against the lure of adultery (Proverbs 5:15-19, 1 Corinthians 7:3-5).
Occasions of adultery often stem from unaddressed conflicts in marriage.
Spiritual adultery also occurs when believers are unfaithful to God through idolatry (Jeremiah 3:6-10, Ezekiel 23, Revelation 2:22).

Practical Steps from Bible Verses for Adultery

Some practical tips include:

Flee from tempting situations immediately (2 Timothy 2:22).
Seek pastoral counsel if facing marital difficulties (1 Corinthians 7:5).
Pray together as a couple for unity and intimacy (Matthew 18:19-20).
Memorize adultery scriptures to recite when tempted (Psalm 119:11).
Attend discipleship groups for marriage enrichment.
Establish safeguards and internet/device accountability.
Serve together in ministry to avoid idleness.
Schedule regular date nights to cultivate intimacy.

Practical Strategies to Incorporate Bible Verses On Adultery into Daily Life

Memorize and meditate on an adultery bible verse regularly.
Discuss scriptures on adultery with your spouse.
Post bible verses on adultery around the house as marital fidelity reminders.
Study adultery bible verses during devotional times together.
Share verses on marital purity with friends struggling in this area.
Review adultery bible verses before attending social gatherings without your spouse.
Pray together through scriptures on resisting temptation.

The Transformative Force of Bible Verses for Adultery

I’ve seen Bible Verses for Adultery help heal and transform many marriages:

Couples on the brink of divorce finding restoration after going through biblical counseling and repenting of adultery.
Wives rebuilding trust in unfaithful husbands as they undergo processes of confession, repentance and accountability guided by verses on reconciliation.
Men trapped in pornography renouncing destructive habits through relying on Psalms that promote purity.
Believers gaining a renewed eternal perspective on marriage’s sanctity from studying Ephesians 5.

I’m continually amazed by God’s grace in using His Word to produce purity from brokenness and bind up wounded marriages.

Additional Resources to Help Deepen Our Understanding of Adultery

Additional Adultery resources:

Books: Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas, The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller
Marriage enrichment classes and seminars at local churches
Pre-marital and marital counseling based on Scripture
Ministries like Family Life Today offering marriage videos and conferences
Pastors and teachers well-versed in Scripture’s view of marriage such as John Piper, Paul Washer

Moving Beyond this Article on Bible Verses About Adultery

As we conclude our exploration of Bible verses about adultery, remember, that these scriptures offer guidance and hope for those facing this challenging issue. Adultery can bring significant pain and consequences, but through God’s grace and forgiveness, it is possible to find healing and restoration.

Deepen Your Understanding:

Explore our “Bible Verses” section: Discover additional scriptures that address the importance of fidelity, the consequences of infidelity, and the power of God’s forgiveness.
Embrace the Power of Prayer: Visit our prayers section to find prayers for repentance, forgiveness, and healing from the wounds of adultery.
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- Prayer Request Page: Are you struggling with the consequences of adultery? Share your needs anonymously on our prayer request page and find support from our faith-filled community.
- Leave a Comment Below: Share your experiences with overcoming adultery or how these verses have provided comfort and guidance.

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May the Bible verses on Adultery you’ve discovered offer hope and guidance on your journey toward healing. Remember, God’s love is limitless, and His forgiveness is available to those who seek it with a sincere heart. With His help, you can overcome the challenges of adultery and find restoration in your relationship with God and others.