What the Bible Says About Adultery

Adultery in the Bible is sexual unfaithfulness that violates a marriage covenant. Scripture forbids it directly (Exodus 20:14), warns against the desire that prepares the heart for it (Matthew 5:27–28), and calls believers to flee sexual immorality rather than test their limits (1 Corinthians 6:18). At the same time, the Bible distinguishes sexual adultery from every form of deep friendship or affection. A non-sexual relationship is not automatically called adultery simply because it is emotionally intense, although secrecy, romantic substitution, or deliberately occupying the place of a spouse can still conflict with marital faithfulness. Scripture therefore asks not only whether intercourse has occurred, but whether the heart, body, and choices are being directed toward covenant faithfulness. The biblical strategy for prevention is practical: guard the heart (Proverbs 4:23), discipline the eyes and imagination (Job 31:1), flee situations that intensify temptation (1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:22), and honor marriage (Hebrews 13:4). Attraction itself is not identical to adultery, but deliberately cultivating lust is treated seriously by Jesus. Likewise, affectionate closeness that is not sexual should still be examined honestly when it becomes secret, exclusive, romanticized, or substitutes for the marital bond. The Bible also leaves room for repentance after adultery. David's sin with Bathsheba brought severe consequences, yet Psalm 51 records his plea for a clean heart and renewed spirit. First John 1:9 promises forgiveness to those who confess, and 1 Corinthians 6:11 reminds believers that former sins do not have to define their identity. Biblical repentance means more than feeling guilty: it includes confession, turning away, changed behavior, and accepting the consequences needed to rebuild truth and trust. The central biblical pattern is therefore clear: honor the covenant, recognize temptation early, flee what feeds it, and where failure has occurred, repent honestly and receive God's mercy without treating grace as permission to continue in the same pattern.

Key verse snapshot

“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
— Exodus 20:14

Bible Verses about Adultery

Exodus 20:14

“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”

Proverbs 6:32

“But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.”

Matthew 5:28

“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

John 8:11

“She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”

Hebrews 13:4

“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”

1 Corinthians 6:18

“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is adultery according to the Bible?

In its ordinary biblical sense, adultery is sexual unfaithfulness involving a married person and someone who is not that person's spouse. Exodus 20:14 forbids it directly, and Hebrews 13:4 connects honoring marriage with keeping the marriage bed undefiled.

Is attraction itself adultery?

No. Matthew 5:27–28 focuses on deliberately looking in order to lust. Simply noticing beauty or experiencing an involuntary attraction is not the same thing as committing adultery. Jesus' warning concerns the intentional cultivation of sexual desire that violates faithfulness in the heart.

Is a very intense emotional friendship adultery if there is no sexual relationship?

The Bible does not explicitly call every intense non-sexual friendship adultery. Deep affection can exist outside marriage. However, secrecy, romantic exclusivity, or intentionally building a substitute-couple relationship can still undermine marital faithfulness even if intercourse never occurs.

How does the Bible say adultery should be prevented?

Scripture repeatedly emphasizes early prevention: guard the heart (Proverbs 4:23), discipline the eyes (Job 31:1), flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18), flee youthful passions (2 Timothy 2:22), and honor marriage (Hebrews 13:4).

Can adultery be forgiven?

Yes. First John 1:9 teaches that confessed sin can be forgiven and cleansed. David's repentance after his sin with Bathsheba is expressed in Psalm 51. Forgiveness does not erase every consequence, but biblical repentance includes confession, turning away from the sin, and changed behavior.

Apply These Verses to Your Life

Scripture comes alive when we meditate on it and apply it daily. Read these verses in full context, pray for understanding, and ask God how they speak to your situation with adultery.

Author:: The Lord Will Editorial Team
Reviewed by:: Ugo Candido
Last updated:: October 2, 2026