Adultery is a term that carries weight in both everyday conversations and religious teachings. However, its implications stretch to moral and spiritual dimensions that have been debated and discussed for centuries.
In biblical contexts, adultery is not only condemned as a breach of marital fidelity but also as a violation of deeper spiritual principles. Its moral teachings in religious traditions have helped to shape marital, personal integrity, and community standards.
This exposition aims to expose the nature of adultery from a biblical perspective and examine its definitions, implications, stories of infidelity, and bible verses on infidelity.
What is Adultery?
What is adultery is a question so many people ask and the answers often given to them do not sometimes portray everything the word portrays. Adultery, in simple terms, refers to the act of being unfaithful in a marriage or committed relationship by engaging in a sexual relationship with someone other than one’s spouse or partner.
It involves breaking the trust and commitment that partners have made to each other, and it is widely considered a serious breach of marital or relational fidelity across different cultures and religious beliefs.
Biblical Definitions of Adultery
This act violates the sacred bond of marriage and is considered a grievous sin in the Bible.
Old Testament Perspective
Exodus 20:14
The commandment is clear and straightforward: “You shall not commit adultery.” This is one of the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai.
Key Points
- God’s law explicitly forbids adultery.
- This commandment sets a standard for moral conduct among the Israelites.
- The prohibition of adultery underscores the importance of faithfulness in marriage, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people.
New Testament Perspective
Matthew 5:27-28
In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the concept of adultery in 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.”
Key Points
- Jesus teaches that adultery is not just a physical act but also a matter of the heart and mind.
- He points out inner purity, calling believers to guard their thoughts and desires.
- Jesus sets a higher standard for moral behavior, urging followers to address sin at its root.
Who Committed Adultery in the Bible?
The Bible has many stories about adultery, showing what happens and the lessons we can learn. These stories warn us about the dangers of unfaithfulness and show that forgiveness and redemption are possible.
1. David and Bathsheba
The adulterous story of David and Bathsheba is found in 2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12.
In Chapter 11 verse 1, David remained in Jerusalem when kings usually went to war. From his rooftop, he sees Bathsheba bathing and is captivated by her beauty.
David inquires about Bathsheba, and learns she is married to Uriah the Hittite (one of his loyal soldiers), but summons her and sleeps with her regardless.
In verses 6-13, Bathsheba becomes pregnant, prompting David to attempt to conceal his sin. He calls for Uriah to return from battle, hoping he will sleep with Bathsheba and believe the child is his.
In verses 14-27, Uriah, devoted to his comrades at war, refuses to enjoy domestic comforts while his fellow soldiers are in the field and refuse to return from the battlefield.
In further attempts to lure Urriah home, David resorts to deception, getting Uriah drunk to induce him to return home to his wife. Still, Uriah remains steadfast in his dedication to duty.
When he saw that his motives for putting the pregnancy on Uriah had failed and the thoughts of confronting Uriah over this outrageous act made him do the unthinkable in verse 14 by writing a letter to Joab through Uriah and he wrote: “put Uriah in the front line, where the fighting is heaviest, then retreat and let him be killed”.
When Bathsheba heard that her husband had died on the battlefield, she wept and mourned him profusely. After the mourning period, King David sent for her to become his wife.
In 2 Samuel 12:1-15, Prophet Nathan was sent by God to challenge King David by using a parable about a wealthy man who stole a poor man’s lamb. At first King David was angry that such a person deserves to be punished but he later realized that the parable was about him.
David admits his guilt and repents. Still, the child conceived with Bathsheba dies, and his kingdom faces future turmoil.
Lessons Learned
1. When someone does something wrong (sin), it doesn’t just affect them. It can also cause problems for their family and the whole community. This is because actions can have consequences that spread out and impact many people around them.
2. Nathan, a person sent by God, talked to David about his mistakes. This shows how important it is for people to take responsibility for what they do wrong and to listen to advice that helps them make good choices.
3. When David realized he did something wrong, he truly felt sorry and asked God for forgiveness. This shows how important it is to admit mistakes, feel sorry for them, and try to do better in the future.
4. David’s mistakes show that leaders need to be honest and responsible in how they behave. They should understand that what they do affects many people, so they need to set a good example and make wise decisions.
5. Even though David faced consequences for his actions, God showed him kindness and forgiveness. David continued to be king, and God even blessed him with a son named Solomon, who became an important leader in Israel’s history. This shows that God is merciful and gives second chances, even when people make mistakes.
6. This story shows that even after making big mistakes if someone truly feels sorry and wants to change, there’s hope for them to make things right again. It teaches us that God is willing to forgive and restore those who sincerely repent.
7. When people neglect their responsibilities or duties, they can end up in situations where they’re tempted to do something wrong. For example, King David stayed back from war, which led him to see Bathsheba bathing and eventually commit adultery with her.
8. In the quest to cover up sin, you might do the unthinkable. This can lead to more wrongdoing and make the situation worse. When people try to hide their mistakes or sins, they might do things they wouldn’t normally do, like King David ordering Uriah’s death.
9. Sometimes we are the bearers of our death sentence just as Uriah carried a letter of authorization to put him in a spot on the battlefield where he will never come back. Say a brief prayer against it.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you acknowledging our human frailty and the temptations that surround us. Like Uriah, who carried a letter that led to his death, we recognize that sometimes we can unknowingly walk into situations that bring harm to us.
Help us to discern what is right from wrong and to have the courage to stand firm in our convictions, even in difficult circumstances. Protect us from schemes and plots that would lead to harm or danger.
In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
10. We may not want to commit adultery or become an accomplice to a crime but circumstances surrounding it might not allow us to refuse it just like Bethsheba being commanded to lie with the king and Joab being commanded to lead Uriah to his untimely death.
Of course, it was a law that you could never refuse to carry out a king’s command. Let us pray that God should not allow us to be in such a situation where we honor men more than God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before you recognizing that we are prone to temptations. We ask for your protection and guidance, Lord.
Just as Bathsheba and Joab faced difficult situations where they were pressured to go against your will, we pray that you would shield us from such circumstances.
Help us to always honor you above all else, even when faced with commands or pressures that go against your righteousness.
Your word tells us in Acts 5:29, “We must obey God rather than men.” Give us the courage and wisdom to stand firm in our faith and convictions, trusting in your guidance and seeking to do what is pleasing in your sight. Protect us from compromising our integrity and leading others astray.
May your Spirit strengthen us to resist temptation and to follow your commands faithfully. Grant us discernment to recognize when we are being led astray and the strength to choose obedience to you, no matter the consequences.
In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Amen.
11. David’s initial lust and subsequent actions lead to grievous consequences, including the loss of his child and ongoing strife within his family.
12. Adultery has no benefits instead it will add to our already plaguing situation just like the child coveted out of this act died despite David’s pleading with God. He had to die for the root of such sin to be wiped out too. God doesn’t condone the sin of adultery.
2. Hosea and Gomer
The story of Hosea and Gomer is written in the book of Hosea chapters 1-3.
God commands Hosea, a prophet in Israel during a tumultuous period, to take Gomer as his wife. Gomer, known for her promiscuity, symbolizes Israel’s unfaithfulness to God through idolatry and spiritual adultery.
Despite Hosea’s love and commitment, Gomer repeatedly leaves him to pursue relationships with other men, mirroring Israel’s persistent turning away from God to worship idols.
Despite Gomer’s unfaithfulness, God instructs Hosea to redeem her from her situation, symbolizing God’s relentless love for Israel despite their waywardness. Hosea buys back Gomer from her captivity, demonstrating forgiveness and a willingness to restore their relationship.
Lessons Learned
Persistence of Divine Love and Grace
Hosea’s intense love for Gomer, despite her repeated unfaithfulness, mirrors God’s steadfast love for humanity despite our constant failures and sins.
God’s command to Hosea to redeem Gomer illustrates the unconditional nature of divine grace, which is not dependent on our deserving it but flows from God’s character of love and mercy.
Possibility of Redemption and Restoration
The story of Hosea and Gomer offers hope in the possibility of redemption and restoration, both in human relationships and in our relationship with God.
Through Hosea’s act of redemption, we see a picture of forgiveness and healing, highlighting God’s desire to reconcile with His people and restore them to the right relationship.
Spiritual Truths
Gomer’s actions parallel Israel’s unfaithfulness, emphasizing the spiritual truths of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God.
Hosea’s prophetic message to Israel calls for repentance and a return to God, underscoring the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in our relationship with Him.
3. Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar – Genesis 16, 21
Abraham, originally named Abram, and his wife Sarah, originally named Sarai, are key figures in the Bible. God made a promise to Abraham that he would become the father of many nations. However, Sarah had difficulty believing this promise because she was unable to have children and was getting old.
This was a big concern because having descendants was important for fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham. Sarah had a maidservant named Hagar. In desperation, Sarah suggested that Abraham have a child with Hagar. This was a common practice in ancient times when a wife could not bear children.
Abraham agreed to Sarah’s plan, and Hagar became pregnant with Abraham’s child. Once Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to look down on Sarah. This caused tension and jealousy between the two women.
Sarah mistreated Hagar because of her attitude. Hagar ran away to the desert. An angel of the Lord found Hagar and instructed her to return to Sarah and submit to her. The angel also promised that Hagar’s son would be the father of a great nation. Hagar returned and gave birth to Ishmael.
Despite her old age, Sarah eventually bore a son named Isaac, as God had promised. Isaac’s birth was a miraculous fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. As Isaac grew, the tension between Sarah and Hagar increased. Sarah saw Ishmael, Hagar’s son, as a threat to Isaac’s inheritance.
Sarah demanded that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away to prevent any future conflicts over the inheritance. Abraham was distressed by Sarah’s demand because Ishmael was also his son. However, God reassured Abraham that sending Hagar and Ishmael away was part of His plan and that Ishmael would also become the father of a great nation.
Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away with some provisions. In the desert, when their water ran out, Hagar despaired. But God heard Ishmael’s cries and provided them with water. God was with Ishmael as he grew up, and he eventually became the father of a great nation.
Lessons Learned
Trusting God’s Timing
Sarah and Abraham’s decision to have a child through Hagar was driven by impatience. This story teaches us the importance of trusting God’s timing and plan, even when it seems delayed or impossible.
The Consequences of Our Actions
The tension between Sarah and Hagar shows how our decisions can have far-reaching consequences. The choice to involve Hagar led to conflict and division within Abraham’s family.
God’s Faithfulness
Despite the complications, God kept His promises to both Sarah and Hagar. Isaac’s birth fulfilled God’s promise to Sarah, and Ishmael’s survival and growth into a great nation fulfilled God’s promise to Hagar.
God’s intervention for Hagar and Ishmael in the desert shows that He cares for all people, regardless of their status or situation.
4. Judah and Tamar
Scripture Reference: Genesis 38
Tamar was married to Judah’s eldest son, Er. However, Er was wicked in God’s sight, so God took his life, leaving Tamar a widow.
According to the custom of levirate marriage, Er’s brother Onan was supposed to marry Tamar to produce offspring in Er’s name. Onan did not fulfill this duty properly, so God took his life too.
Judah promised Tamar that when his youngest son, Shelah, grew up, he would marry her to fulfill the levirate obligation.
Judah did not keep his promise to Tamar. As time passed and Shelah grew up, Judah still did not arrange for the marriage.
Feeling desperate and wronged, Tamar took matters into her own hands. She disguised herself as a prostitute and waited by the road where Judah would pass.
Judah, not recognizing Tamar, solicited her services. Tamar asked for a pledge (his seal, cord, and staff) as a guarantee of payment.
When Tamar became pregnant, Judah was initially outraged and ordered her to be burned for adultery. However, Tamar revealed the items Judah had given her as proof that he was the father.
Judah acknowledged his wrongdoing, saying, “She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn’t give her to my son Shelah” (Genesis 38:26). Tamar gave birth to twins, Perez and Zerah.
Lessons Learned
Responsibility: Judah’s failure to fulfill his family duty to Tamar led to deception and complicated situations of committing adultery. We should learn to keep our promises and honor commitments and responsibilities within the family and society.
Justice and Fairness: Tamar’s drastic actions were driven by Judah’s neglect. This teaches us about the potential consequences when justice and fairness are not upheld.
Human Behavior: The story shows human relationships and the moral challenges people face. Judah’s actions and Tamar’s response reveal how desperation and neglect can lead to morally ambiguous decisions.
Redemption and Recognition: Judah’s eventual recognition of his failure and Tamar’s righteousness is a lesson in humility and the possibility of redemption. It teaches that acknowledging one’s mistakes is the first step towards making things right.
God’s Plan: Despite human errors and moral failures, God’s overarching plan continued. Perez, one of the twins born to Tamar, became an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. This shows how God can bring good out of difficult and flawed situations.
However, this is not an encouragement for people to engage in adultery with the hopes that God can perfect it. The lesson derived here is that sometimes something good often emerges from most unpleasant places and people. Children of adulterous partners can be great but you should not intentionally engage in adultery.
5. The Israelites’ Idolatry
The story of the Israelites’ idolatry in Exodus 32 speaks of the dangers of impatience, the allure of idol worship in other words seen as an adulterous act against God.
Moses had ascended Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments from God, a monumental event that was to establish the moral and spiritual foundation for the Israelites. However, his prolonged absence caused anxiety and unrest among the people.
As days turned into weeks, the Israelites grew increasingly impatient. Their faith wavered, and they began to doubt whether Moses would ever return. In their desperation, they turned to Aaron, Moses’ brother and the high priest, to lead them in a new direction.
Under pressure from the people, Aaron instructed them to bring their gold jewelry. He melted down the gold and fashioned it into a golden calf. This idol was then presented to the Israelites as their new god, a tangible representation of divine power they could see and touch.
The Israelites declared, “These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt” (Exodus 32:4). They celebrated with sacrifices and revelry, engaging in a festival that combined pagan practices with their own newfound worship of the calf. This act was a direct violation of the first and second commandments, betraying their covenant with God.
Lessons Learned
Faithfulness to God
The incident of the golden calf shows the importance of remaining faithful to God hence your spouse. The Israelites’ quick turn to idolatry reveals the fragility of human faith when not firmly anchored in trust and obedience to God’s commands.
As such one must be in a good relationship with God and have strong faith so as not to be swayed from being steadfast and loyal to marriage. True faithfulness involves loyalty, even in times of uncertainty and delay.
The Consequences of Impatience
Impatience led the Israelites to make rash decisions, resulting in grave sin. This story teaches that impatience can drive individuals to seek quick fixes and false assurances, often leading to disastrous outcomes. Waiting on God’s timing, no matter how challenging, is essential for spiritual maturity and integrity.
The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is described as spiritual adultery, a betrayal of the intimate relationship between God and His people. It is not limited to the worship of physical idols but includes anything that takes precedence over God in one’s life.
The golden calf incident warns against allowing material possessions, status, or other distractions to become idols. However, no one should allow the fantasies of the world to lure them from staying committed to their marriage.
Forgiveness and Restoration
Despite the Israelites’ grave sin, Moses’ intercession and God’s willingness to forgive highlight the possibility of restoration. True repentance involves acknowledging wrongdoing, seeking forgiveness, and turning away from sin.
God’s grace is available to those who genuinely repent, offering a path to renewed relationship with Him. If adulterous partners genuinely repent and seek forgiveness, God will restore their marriage.
Leadership Responsibility
Aaron’s failure as a leader had catastrophic consequences. This story emphasizes the immense responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide their followers with integrity and faithfulness. Leaders must resist the pressures of the crowd and remain steadfast in their commitment to God’s principles.
In other words, husbands should take up leadership roles in the marriage by not allowing their actions to be a loophole for adultery to be committed in their homes.
Bible Verses About Adultery
Jeremiah 5:7 “Why should I pardon you? Your sons have forsaken Me And sworn by those who are not gods. When I had fed them to the full, They committed adultery And trooped to the harlot’s house.
Hosea 7:4 “They are all adulterers, Like an oven heated by the baker Who ceases to stir up the fire From the kneading of the dough until it is leavened.”
Jeremiah 23:14 “Also among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: The committing of adultery and walking in falsehood; And they strengthen the hands of evildoers, So that no one has turned back from his wickedness. All of them have become to Me like Sodom, And her inhabitants like Gomorrah.”
2 Peter 2:14 “having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children”
Romans 2:22 “You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?”
Jeremiah 7:9 “Will you steal, murder, and commit adultery and swear falsely, and offer sacrifices to Baal and walk after other gods that you have not know”
Consequences of Adultery
The repercussions extend beyond the immediate betrayal, influencing emotional, social, financial, and spiritual realms.
1. Discovering a partner’s infidelity often leads to intense feelings of betrayal, hurt, and anger. The trust built over the years can be shattered in an instant.
2. Guilt and shame can weigh heavily on the person who committed adultery, leading to emotional turmoil and self-loathing.
3. Both partners may experience depression and anxiety. The faithful spouse might suffer from low self-esteem and a sense of inadequacy, while the unfaithful spouse may struggle with guilt and fear of consequences.
4. The revelation of infidelity can be traumatic, leading to long-term stress and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
5. Adultery is a leading cause of divorce. The breach of trust can be irreparable, leading couples to separate and eventually divorce.
6. If children are involved, infidelity can complicate custody arrangements, often leading to contentious and painful legal battles.
7. Children may feel confused, hurt, and angry upon learning about a parent’s infidelity. They might struggle with loyalty conflicts and a sense of instability.
8. The stress of a disrupted family environment can manifest in children’s behavior, leading to academic problems, aggression, or withdrawal.
9. Both the adulterer and the betrayed spouse may face judgment and gossip within their social circles, leading to feelings of isolation.
10. The adulterer might suffer a damaged reputation, affecting personal and professional relationships.
11. Friends may take sides, leading to a loss of mutual friendships and further social isolation for both partners.
12. Divorce proceedings can be expensive, with legal fees adding up quickly.
13. The adulterer may be required to pay alimony and child support, significantly impacting their financial situation.
14. The division of property and assets during a divorce can lead to financial instability and reduced quality of life for both partners.
15. In many religious traditions, adultery is considered a grave sin. This can lead to spiritual guilt and a sense of alienation from one’s faith community.
16. The adulterer may struggle with a sense of moral failure and conflict, impacting their sense of self and ethical beliefs.
17. The social consequences within religious and tight-knit communities can be severe, with both partners facing judgment and exclusion.
18. Both partners may undergo an identity crisis, questioning their self-worth, values, and life choices.
19. Future relationships may be affected by the inability to fully trust a partner, leading to ongoing relational difficulties.
20. The experience of infidelity can make individuals cynical about love and fearful of commitment, impacting their ability to form healthy relationships in the future.
Conclusion
Adultery in biblical times was not merely a personal failing; it was a social and spiritual crisis. The repercussions were severe, often leading to public shame, familial discord, and even death. The Bible meticulously details these consequences, serving as a stern reminder of the sanctity of marital vows.
While the societal context has evolved, the biblical exposition of adultery remains relevant. It invites introspection on the values of fidelity, trust, and moral integrity in modern relationships. Understanding these ancient teachings has provided insights into addressing modern moral dilemmas.
