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.
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).
