Adultery is one of the most serious sins spoken against in Scripture. From the Ten Commandments to the teachings of Jesus, the Bible speaks clearly about the dangers of unfaithfulness and its spiritual consequences. At the same time, the Bible also shows stories of forgiveness and restoration. Below is an overview of the most well-known examples of adultery in the Bible, along with related verses for deeper study.
The Commandment Against Adultery
The foundation of this subject is in the Ten Commandments. God’s law makes it clear:
“You shall not commit adultery.”
Exodus 20:14
Adultery was forbidden not only because it breaks trust between husband and wife, but also because it damages a person’s relationship with God. Jesus took this even further by teaching that even looking at someone with lustful intent is committing 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.”
Matthew 5:27-28
David and Bathsheba
Perhaps the most famous story of adultery is that of King David and Bathsheba. David, Israel’s king, saw Bathsheba bathing and desired her. Though she was married to Uriah the Hittite, David took her and later arranged Uriah’s death to cover the sin. This act displeased the Lord and brought judgment upon David’s household.
“But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.”
2 Samuel 11:27
Despite his sin, David repented sincerely, showing that while adultery brings severe consequences, God’s mercy is greater for those who turn back to Him.
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.”
Psalm 51:1
The Woman Caught in Adultery
In the Gospel of John, a woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus by the Pharisees. They wanted to stone her according to the Law of Moses. Jesus responded with the famous words:
“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
John 8:7
One by one, her accusers left, and Jesus told her:
“Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”
John 8:11
This shows both Christ’s mercy and His call to holiness.
The Warnings in Proverbs
The book of Proverbs gives strong warnings against adultery. It describes adultery as a path to destruction, harming both the person and their family.
“Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?”
Proverbs 6:27
Proverbs 5, 6, and 7 speak of the dangers of temptation and the importance of faithfulness in marriage.
Hosea and Gomer
The prophet Hosea was commanded by God to marry Gomer, a woman who was unfaithful. This marriage symbolized Israel’s spiritual adultery against God by worshiping idols. Yet Hosea continued to love her, reflecting God’s steadfast love for His people.
“The Lord said to me, ‘Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress.’”
Hosea 3:1
Jesus’ Teaching on Adultery
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus deepened the meaning of the commandment, teaching that sin begins in the heart. Lust is not harmless—it is adultery of the heart.
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Matthew 5:28
Paul’s Writings on Adultery
The apostle Paul often spoke of adultery as a sin that separates people from God’s kingdom. Yet he also gave hope by reminding believers that through Christ they are made new.
“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…”
1 Corinthians 6:9
“And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
1 Corinthians 6:11
Key Takeaways
- Adultery is sin: It breaks God’s law and damages relationships.
- The Bible gives examples: From David’s failure to Hosea’s faithfulness.
- Jesus offers forgiveness: He forgave the woman caught in adultery and offers grace today.
- Purity starts in the heart: Jesus warns against lust, not only the physical act.
- There is hope in Christ: Paul reminds us that through the gospel, sinners are washed and made new.
