Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About What does the bible say about adultery?
The Bible addresses what does the bible say about adultery in both the Old and New Testament. Here is what scripture teaches about what does the bible say about adultery and how these 8 passages apply to Christian life today.
Exploring 8 Key Passages
1. Exodus 20:14
Thou shalt not commit adultery.KJV
This is the seventh commandment given by God to Moses, establishing adultery as a fundamental violation of God's moral law. It shows that adultery is explicitly forbidden by God as one of the basic principles for holy living.
2. Matthew 5:27-28
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.KJV
Jesus expands the understanding of adultery beyond physical acts to include lustful thoughts and desires. This teaches that adultery begins in the heart and mind, not just in physical actions.
3. Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.KJV
This verse emphasizes God's design for marriage as pure and honorable while warning of divine judgment upon those who violate marriage through adultery. It contrasts the sanctity of marriage with the sin of adultery.
4. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.KJV
Paul lists adultery among the sins that characterize those who will not inherit God's kingdom. This shows the serious spiritual consequences of adultery and places it among grave sins that separate people from God.
5. Proverbs 6:32-33
But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.KJV
This passage warns of the devastating personal consequences of adultery, describing it as self-destructive and bringing lasting shame. It emphasizes that adultery damages both the soul and reputation of the one who commits it.
6. Deuteronomy 22:22
If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel.KJV
Under Old Testament law, adultery was punishable by death for both parties involved. This demonstrates how seriously God viewed the violation of marriage and His desire to remove such evil from His people.
7. Matthew 19:9
And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.KJV
Jesus teaches about divorce and remarriage, indicating that sexual immorality is the only legitimate grounds for divorce. This shows how adultery breaks the marriage covenant and has lasting consequences for future relationships.
8. 1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.KJV
Paul commands believers to flee from sexual immorality, explaining that sexual sins have a unique impact on the person committing them. This emphasizes the importance of avoiding situations that could lead to adultery.
Summary
Key Takeaways About What does the bible say about adultery
- This is the seventh commandment given by God to Moses, establishing adultery as a fundamental violation of God's moral law.
- Jesus expands the understanding of adultery beyond physical acts to include lustful thoughts and desires.
- This verse emphasizes God's design for marriage as pure and honorable while warning of divine judgment upon those who violate marriage through adultery.
- Paul lists adultery among the sins that characterize those who will not inherit God's kingdom.
- This passage warns of the devastating personal consequences of adultery, describing it as self-destructive and bringing lasting shame.
- Under Old Testament law, adultery was punishable by death for both parties involved.
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