12 Bible Verses About Adultery

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
Published on:

Adultery is a serious sin and violation of the marriage covenant according to the Bible.

This article explores twelve powerful Bible verses about adultery, including Exodus 20:14 and Matthew 5:27-28.

The consequences of adultery can be severe, including the breakdown of marriages and even death.

However, the Bible also offers forgiveness and redemption for those who repent and turn away from their sin.

Additionally, the article suggests several Bible chapters to read for those who want to learn more about adultery and related concepts such as sexual immorality and self-control.

Bible verses about adultery

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about adultery:

1. Exodus 20:14 – “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
2. Proverbs 6:32 – “But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.”
3. Matthew 5:27-28 – “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
4. Matthew 19:9 – “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”
5. Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
6. James 4:4 – “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

7. “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” – Matthew 5:32

8. “And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.” – Leviticus 20:10

9. “Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.” – Luke 16:18

10. “And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.” – Jeremiah 3:8

11. “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.” – James 2:9-11

12. “And I will punish her for the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the Lord.” – Hosea 2:13

What does the Bible say about adultery?

The Bible considers adultery to be a serious sin and violation of the marriage covenant.

It is defined as sexual relations between a married person and someone who is not their spouse.

Adultery is condemned throughout the Bible, and it is seen as a betrayal of trust, a violation of God’s commandments, and a destructive force that can harm families and communities.

The Bible teaches that adultery is not only a physical act but also a matter of the heart, as Jesus said that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

The consequences of adultery can be severe, including the breakdown of marriages, the loss of reputation, and even death.

However, the Bible also offers forgiveness and redemption for those who repent and turn away from their sin.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about adultery?

1. Proverbs 5 – This chapter warns against the dangers of adultery and the consequences that come with it. It emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to one’s spouse and avoiding the temptation of adultery.

2. Matthew 5 – This chapter includes Jesus’ teachings on adultery, where he emphasizes the importance of not just avoiding the physical act of adultery but also avoiding lustful thoughts and desires. He also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships.

3. 1 Corinthians 6 – This chapter discusses sexual immorality, including adultery, and emphasizes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be treated with respect and purity. It also emphasizes the importance of avoiding sexual sin and fleeing from temptation.

4. Proverbs 6 – This chapter warns against the consequences of adultery, including shame, dishonor, and destruction. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding the temptation of adultery and staying faithful to one’s spouse.

5. James 4 – This chapter discusses the root causes of adultery, including selfish desires and a lack of self-control. It emphasizes the importance of submitting to God and resisting temptation in order to avoid falling into sin.

Ideas and concepts related to adultery that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.

1. Fidelity: The concept of fidelity refers to the faithfulness and loyalty that a person owes to their spouse. Adultery is a violation of this fidelity, as it involves being unfaithful to one’s partner.

2. Lust: Lust is a strong desire or craving for something, often of a sexual nature. Adultery is often driven by lust, as a person may be tempted to engage in sexual activity with someone other than their spouse due to their strong desire for physical pleasure.

3. Temptation: Temptation refers to the desire to do something that is morally wrong or forbidden. Adultery is often the result of temptation, as a person may be tempted to engage in sexual activity with someone other than their spouse due to the allure of forbidden pleasure.

4. Sin: Sin is any action or thought that goes against God’s will or violates his commandments. Adultery is considered a sin in the Bible, as it violates the commandment “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14).

5. Repentance: Repentance is the act of turning away from one’s sins and seeking forgiveness from God. Adultery is a sin that can be repented of, and those who have committed adultery are encouraged to seek forgiveness and turn away from their sinful behavior.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.