ADULTERY

What Is the Biblical Definition of Adultery?
Adultery is sexual intimacy between a married person and someone other than their lawful mate. The act begins in the mind (Mt. 5:28; Mk. 7:21) and ultimately manifests in physical union (cf. Jn. 8:4). Adultery may be a casual "fling," or it may involve a relationship under the guise of "marriage" (i.e., marriage outside the bounds of scriptural authorization). 

Jesus taught that the person who divorces their spouse, unless the divorce is because of fornication and marries another, is committing adultery (Mt. 19:9). 

Another passage suggests that a divorced woman, simply by being "put away," becomes an adulteress (Mt. 5:32). However, this cannot be the passage's meaning. 
  • The sense may be that the "put away" woman is exposed to the temptation of finding a new partner and becoming an adulteress. 
  • Or, the meaning could be that the mere fact that her husband has divorced her may lead others to suspect that she has committed adultery, hence hanging that reputation upon her. 
Adultery is a forgivable sin, provided the sinful activity is discontinued, and God's pardon is sought in the divinely prescribed fashion (1 Cor. 6:9-11).

Related Articles

Marriage: As Designed by God

What is the origin and design of marriage?

May I Divorce My Wife and Remain Unmarried?

When is divorce permissible? May a marriage partner divorce his or her spouse simply because they have tired of the marriage? Is “authorization” from God required for a divorce? Study this challenging issue with us.

What About Divorce? What Is Adultery?

Several years ago, it would hardly have been necessary to discuss the meaning of “adultery.” Now many believe that adultery is merely the act of repudiating one’s marriage vows, rather than unauthorized sexual conduct involving one who is married.

Divorce and Remarriage: White, Black, or Gray?

This article examines the complex and often ambiguous situations surrounding divorce and remarriage from a Christian perspective, drawing on biblical teachings and providing examples of various cases.

Adapted from the book "Bible Words and Theological Terms Made Easy" by Wayne Jackson