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The Bible consistently condemns adultery as a serious sin against God and one's spouse. The seventh commandment states 'You shall not commit adultery' (Exodus 20:14). Jesus expanded this to include lustful intent (Matthew 5:28). Yet the Bible also offers restoration—Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery, telling her 'go, and sin no more' (John 8:11).
Why this answer? It starts with Exodus 20:14, then cross-checks Matthew 5:27-28 and Hebrews 13:4 so the summary stays anchored in Scripture.
Adultery in the Bible is treated as a grave violation of the marriage covenant and a sin against God. The seventh commandment—thou shalt not commit adultery—is one of the Ten Commandments given at Sinai (Exodus 20:14), establishing marital faithfulness as fundamental to God's moral law. Hebrews 13:4 declares that God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Proverbs devotes multiple chapters to warning against the destructive path of adultery. Jesus deepened the standard in Matthew 5:27-28, teaching that adultery of the heart—lustful intent—violates the same commandment, showing that God cares about inner purity, not just outward behavior. Yet the Bible's message on adultery is not only judgment but also redemption. In John 8, when the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, He challenged those without sin to cast the first stone, then told her He did not condemn her and to go and sin no more. This reveals the heart of God: He takes sexual immorality seriously because the marriage covenant reflects His covenant love, yet He offers genuine forgiveness and a new beginning to those who repent.
“You shall not commit adultery.”
- Exodus 20:14
The Bible identifies lust as sinful desire that goes beyond normal attraction. Jesus said looking at someone lustfully is adultery of the heart (Matthew 5:28). First John 2:16 warns against 'the desires of the flesh.' Lust objectifies others and enslaves the mind. Scripture calls believers to purity, self-control, and fleeing temptation (2 Timothy 2:22).
The Bible presents marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman, instituted by God in Genesis 2. Marriage reflects Christ's relationship with the church (Ephesians 5). Husbands are called to sacrificial love, wives to respectful partnership. Marriage is honorable, the bed undefiled (Hebrews 13:4).
Forgiveness is releasing someone from the debt of their offense. God forgives our sins through Christ's sacrifice—not counting them against us (2 Corinthians 5:19). We're called to forgive others as God forgave us. Forgiveness doesn't excuse wrong but releases bitterness and trusts God for justice.
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Answers are informed by Scripture and trusted theologians including Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Always verify with Scripture and consult your local church for pastoral guidance.