Adultery is one of the most destructive forces in human relationships, yet its consequences extend far beyond broken marriages.
It is a betrayal of trust, a violation of the sacred covenant between partners, and an offense against the very nature of God’s design for love and fidelity.
In a world where temptation and infidelity often seem normalized or trivialized, the Bible presents adultery as a serious matter that affects not only the individuals involved but also their communities and relationships with God.
The Scriptures challenge us to look deeper into the root causes of adultery, revealing the importance of purity, commitment, and the sanctity of the marital bond.
Understanding God’s perspective on adultery can transform our hearts, guiding us to live with integrity and respect in our relationships.
That said, let’s explore what the Bible says about adultery and how we can protect ourselves and our relationships from its destructive power.
Bible Verses About Adultery
1. Exodus 20:14 – The Seventh Commandment
“You shall not commit adultery.”
The command to not commit adultery is clear and direct. It emphasizes the sacredness of marriage and the trust that should exist between spouses.
Adultery undermines the covenant made between husband and wife, violating the foundation of faithfulness. This command protects the bond of marriage, ensuring its integrity.
God’s command is not merely a rule but a guideline for healthy relationships. Faithfulness is the cornerstone of a strong and lasting marriage, creating stability and peace.
2. Leviticus 20:10 – The Punishment 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.”
The seriousness of adultery in God’s eyes is shown in this verse. It was punishable by death because of the extreme harm it caused to families and society.
This harsh penalty highlights how adultery disrupts the social and spiritual fabric. It’s not just an individual sin, but one that impacts the entire community.
While we no longer enforce this law, the verse underscores the importance of marital faithfulness. It reminds us of the devastating consequences that adultery brings to both parties involved.
3. Proverbs 6:32 – The Foolishness of Adultery
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”
Adultery is portrayed as an act of foolishness. It does not only harm others but destroys the person committing the act, both emotionally and spiritually.
This verse emphasizes the self-destructive nature of adultery. It leads to a broken conscience, fractured relationships, and often irreparable consequences.
It is a warning to consider the long-term damage that infidelity causes. The fleeting pleasure may seem appealing, but it always comes at a high cost.
4. Matthew 5:27-28 – Adultery in the Heart
“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.”
Jesus deepens the understanding of adultery. It’s not just about physical acts but also about the condition of our hearts and minds.
This verse reveals that adultery begins with desire and lust. If left unchecked, these thoughts can lead to actions that betray the trust in a relationship.
Jesus calls us to purity of heart, not just outward obedience. Avoiding adultery involves more than actions—it starts with guarding our hearts and minds.
5. Hebrews 13:4 – The Sanctity of Marriage
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
Marriage is a sacred institution, and its purity must be preserved. This verse affirms that adultery defiles what God has established as holy and honorable.
When we engage in adultery, we dishonor God’s design for marriage. This verse warns of the judgment that comes with sexual immorality, including adultery.
Respecting the sanctity of marriage is crucial. God’s judgment reflects the seriousness with which He views adultery, urging us to maintain integrity in our relationships.
6. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – The Unrighteous and Adultery
“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 will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Adultery is listed alongside other serious sins that prevent individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God. This emphasizes the spiritual consequences of engaging in such actions.
The verse underscores that adultery is not just a social or relational issue but a spiritual one. It can separate us from God’s kingdom if we do not repent.
It is a call to righteousness. The Bible urges us to avoid sexual immorality, including adultery, to live in alignment with God’s will and inheritance.
7. Malachi 2:16 – God’s Hatred of Divorce and Adultery
“I hate divorce, says the Lord God of Israel, and I hate a man’s covering himself with violence as well as with his garment, says the Lord Almighty. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not break faith.”
God condemns adultery because it often leads to divorce, which He hates. Adultery is seen as a violation of the covenant of marriage.
This verse stresses the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in marriage. When adultery occurs, it shatters the sacred trust that binds a couple together.
God’s desire is for spouses to protect their covenant. Adultery and divorce damage this bond, and He calls us to guard our hearts and remain faithful.
8. James 4:4 – Adultery as Spiritual Unfaithfulness
“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.”
In this verse, adultery is used metaphorically to describe unfaithfulness to God. Just as marital adultery is a betrayal, so is spiritual adultery against God.
When we prioritize worldly desires over God’s will, we betray Him. This is a form of spiritual adultery, where we place our hearts elsewhere.
This verse challenges us to be faithful to God alone. Spiritual adultery involves loving the world more than God, and it brings about separation from Him.
9. Proverbs 5:3-5 – The Consequences of 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. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.”
Adultery may seem alluring at first, but it ultimately leads to destruction. The sweetness of temptation quickly turns into regret and pain.
This verse paints a vivid picture of the deceptive nature of adultery. What seems like pleasure will result in bitter consequences, including spiritual and emotional death.
It serves as a warning to avoid the enticement of sin. The path of adultery is a destructive one, filled with sorrow and loss, not satisfaction or fulfillment.
10. Matthew 19:9 – Adultery as a Reason for Divorce
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
Jesus acknowledges that adultery can be grounds for divorce, but He also highlights the importance of preserving marriage. Adultery creates a rift that may justify divorce, but God desires reconciliation.
This verse shows that marriage should be protected, and adultery disrupts that sacred bond. Divorce, though permitted in cases of adultery, is not God’s first desire.
God’s ultimate desire is forgiveness and restoration. While adultery may break the marital covenant, God calls for healing, forgiveness, and the pursuit of reconciliation.
11. Romans 13:13 – Living Honorably
“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.”
This verse calls us to live honorably, avoiding sexual immorality, including adultery. It emphasizes integrity and purity in both our actions and relationships.
Adultery thrives in darkness and secrecy, but God calls us to live openly and honestly. Living decently means avoiding the lustful desires that lead to betrayal.
When we choose purity and righteousness, we avoid the destructive path of adultery. Living honorably allows us to build trust and honor our relationships with God and others.
12. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 – Living in Purity
“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.”
God calls us to live sanctified lives, avoiding sexual immorality. Adultery stems from a lack of self-control and a disregard for holiness.
This verse encourages believers to exercise self-control. When we surrender our passions to God, we honor Him and our relationships.
Living a holy and honorable life involves resisting the temptation of adultery. By honoring God with our bodies, we preserve the sanctity of marriage and our spiritual well-being.
13. 2 Samuel 11:2-4 – David’s Adultery with Bathsheba
“One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, ‘She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah.’ Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her.”
King David’s adultery with Bathsheba serves as a powerful reminder of how sin can begin with a simple glance. Even those in power can fall into temptation.
David’s actions highlight the danger of lust and how it can lead to betrayal. His adultery didn’t just hurt Bathsheba and her husband—it affected his entire kingdom.
This story serves as a warning. Adultery can begin with small actions that spiral into grave consequences, impacting not just individuals but entire communities.
14. 1 Corinthians 10:13 – No Temptation is Too Great
“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.”
This verse reassures us that no temptation, including adultery, is beyond our ability to resist. God provides a way of escape when we face temptation.
When faced with temptation, we are not powerless. God offers the strength to endure, and He provides a way out of situations that might lead to adultery.
Adultery is a choice, and God equips us to resist it. Through His faithfulness, we can choose purity and honor in our relationships, avoiding the consequences of infidelity.
15. Galatians 5:19-21 – The Acts of the Flesh
“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.”
Sexual immorality, including adultery, is listed among the acts of the flesh. These behaviors separate us from God’s kingdom, warning us of their spiritual consequences.
Living by the flesh leads to destructive behaviors. Adultery is one of the many actions that harm our relationship with God and others.
The verse serves as a reminder to live by the Spirit. By walking in the Spirit, we can avoid the temptations of the flesh, including adultery, and remain faithful to God’s will.
16. 1 John 2:16 – The Temptation of the World
“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.”
This verse highlights how adultery often stems from worldly temptations. It teaches us that our desires, if not kept in check, lead us away from God’s plan.
The lust of the flesh and eyes can pull us into sinful behaviors, including adultery. We must recognize these as distractions from our true purpose.
To protect ourselves from adultery, we need to avoid the temptation of worldly desires. True fulfillment is found in God, not in the fleeting pleasures of sin.
17. Matthew 18:8-9 – Cutting Off Temptation
“If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into eternal fire.”
Jesus teaches us to eliminate anything that leads us to sin, including adultery. If certain actions or relationships cause temptation, they must be removed from our lives.
This verse is a call to take drastic measures to protect our purity. If we recognize areas of weakness, we must act decisively to avoid falling into sin.
Adultery often begins with small compromises. By cutting off the sources of temptation, we avoid letting sin take root in our hearts and lives.
18. Proverbs 7:25-27 – The Allure of Adultery
“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.”
This passage describes the dangerous allure of adultery. It warns that the temptation may seem enticing, but it ultimately leads to destruction and death.
The “woman” in this verse represents the temptation of adultery. It is a path that seems attractive but leads only to heartache and regret.
Adultery doesn’t just affect the people directly involved; it harms everyone around them. Recognizing the destructive consequences can help us resist temptation and stay faithful.
19. Matthew 5:31-32 – Divorce and Adultery
“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.”
Jesus teaches that divorce, except in the case of sexual immorality, is linked to adultery. This underscores the seriousness of both adultery and the resulting brokenness in marriage.
Divorce is not the ideal solution. In cases of adultery, reconciliation and restoration are the godly paths, but Jesus acknowledges that broken marriages may still involve consequences.
This verse calls us to value the sanctity of marriage. Faithfulness, even in the face of sin, brings healing and restoration rather than a cycle of divorce and adultery.
20. 2 Samuel 12:13 – David’s Repentance After Adultery
“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.'”
David’s acknowledgment of his adultery with Bathsheba and his repentance shows us that no sin is too great for God’s forgiveness. God offers mercy to those who repent.
Even after his grievous sin, David’s sincere repentance restored his relationship with God. This teaches us that we must take responsibility for our actions and seek God’s forgiveness.
Adultery does not have to define us. Through repentance and grace, we can find restoration and healing, even from the consequences of our past mistakes.
21. 1 Corinthians 6:18 – Fleeing from Sexual Immorality
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
Paul warns that sexual sin, including adultery, is unique in how it affects the individual. It damages both our relationship with God and our physical well-being.
Adultery is not just a spiritual issue—it has deep, personal consequences. Fleeing from temptation is the best way to protect ourselves from its harmful effects.
The verse calls us to be proactive, not passive. We must avoid situations that could lead to adultery and make the conscious choice to protect our bodies and our hearts.
22. Galatians 6:7-8 – Reaping What We Sow
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
Adultery is a form of sowing to the flesh. While it may seem pleasurable, the consequences are destructive. The verse reminds us that we reap what we sow.
The choices we make in our relationships have lasting effects. If we sow faithfulness and purity, we reap peace and joy. If we sow infidelity, we invite destruction.
This verse emphasizes the importance of wise choices. By choosing to honor God with our relationships, we ensure that the fruit of our lives reflects His goodness.
23. Proverbs 6:32 – The Self-Destruction of Adultery
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”
Adultery is a form of self-destruction. This verse highlights that it not only harms others but also deeply damages the individual committing the act.
The consequences of adultery are far-reaching. It damages trust, creates guilt, and disrupts lives, ultimately leading to destruction in many areas of life.
This warning calls us to consider the long-term effects. The fleeting pleasure of adultery is not worth the irreversible harm it causes to our souls and relationships.
24. Romans 7:2-3 – The Law and Adultery
“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.”
This passage clarifies that adultery is a violation of the marital covenant. It teaches that faithfulness is an enduring principle, even in the face of temptation.
Marriage binds spouses together, and adultery is a violation of that bond. This verse underscores the gravity of marital faithfulness and the consequences of breaking that commitment.
While divorce may be allowed in cases of adultery, this verse shows the serious nature of infidelity. God values the covenant of marriage and calls us to honor it.
25. 1 Timothy 5:11-15 – Adultery Among Widows
“As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry and thus bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge.”
This passage speaks to the temptation to commit adultery when a widow remarries. It emphasizes the importance of loyalty and faithfulness to God, even when desires stir.
The warning about sensual desires highlights that temptation often begins in the heart. By staying focused on God, we avoid sin and remain faithful to our commitments.
This verse is a call to loyalty, both to God and to the commitments we make. Adultery is a break in this loyalty, and it leads to spiritual consequences.
26. Proverbs 9:17-18 – The Deceptiveness of Adultery
“Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious! But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.”
Adultery is deceptive—it seems appealing but leads to death. This verse illustrates how the pleasures of sin are temporary, ultimately leading to destruction.
What seems sweet at the moment is actually harmful. Adultery promises satisfaction but leads only to regret, pain, and spiritual death.
This verse calls us to be aware of the seductive nature of sin. What we think is enticing often ends in destruction. True satisfaction is found in faithfulness.
27. Proverbs 5:8-10 – Avoiding Adultery
“Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house, lest you lose your honor to others and your dignity to one who is cruel.”
This passage teaches us to avoid even the appearance of temptation. It calls for distance from situations that could lead to adultery, urging us to be proactive in protecting our honor.
By keeping a distance from temptation, we safeguard our integrity. This verse calls for wisdom and vigilance, deciding to stay away from situations that invite sin.
Adultery doesn’t happen overnight. It often begins with small compromises. This verse reminds us that avoiding temptation is key to maintaining purity and protecting our relationships.
28. 2 Samuel 11:4 – Bathsheba’s Adultery
“Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness. Then she went back home.”
David’s adultery with Bathsheba shows how a moment of weakness can lead to devastating consequences. This act of sin initiated a tragic series of events.
Adultery often begins with a choice to ignore boundaries. David’s actions here led to further sin, including deception and the murder of Bathsheba’s husband.
This passage serves as a warning. Sinful decisions, even those made in private, can snowball and affect many lives. It is crucial to maintain purity in all circumstances.
29. 2 Peter 2:14 – Eyes Full of Adultery
“With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood!”
This verse condemns those who persist in adultery, seeking to lead others into sin. It highlights the ongoing nature of sexual immorality and its destructive power.
The eyes, symbolizing desire, are often the gateway to sin. When someone’s heart is consumed by lust, it leads to continuous sin, affecting not only themselves but others around them.
The verse calls for vigilance and repentance. Adultery doesn’t stop with one act; it often spirals. We must guard our hearts and minds against such temptation.
30. Revelation 21:8 – The Final Judgment
“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.”
This verse warns of the eternal consequences of unrepentant sin, including adultery. It places sexual immorality among those sins that separate us from God forever.
Adultery, when unrepented, is not just a relational issue but a spiritual one. It can lead to eternal separation from God if we do not turn away from it.
This final warning in Revelation highlights the urgency of dealing with sin, including adultery. Repentance and forgiveness through Christ are the only ways to avoid this eternal fate.
Our Thoughts On What The Bible Says About Adultery
Adultery is not only a betrayal of trust between spouses, but it is also a betrayal of the covenant with God.
The Bible consistently highlights the destructive nature of adultery, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and purity in relationships.
It is clear that God values the sanctity of marriage and calls us to live in purity, both physically and spiritually.
Whether through direct commandments or warnings about the consequences of sin, Scripture teaches us that adultery is damaging—not only to the individuals involved but also to communities and our relationship with God.
However, the Bible also offers hope for redemption. It calls us to repentance and forgiveness, encouraging us to rebuild what has been broken.
The key to avoiding adultery lies in guarding our hearts, resisting temptation, and seeking God’s strength in our relationships.
Faithfulness is central to God’s design for marriage and relationships, and we must protect it.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your grace and faithfulness. I ask for Your strength to remain faithful in all my relationships, especially in my marriage.
Help me to guard my heart against temptation and to honor the vows I have made. I pray for forgiveness for any past wrongs and for the strength to rebuild trust where it has been broken.
Lead me to live a life of purity and faithfulness, and help me honor You in my actions and thoughts.
May my heart be wholly devoted to You, and may I live in a way that reflects Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.