Today we will talk about bible verses on adultery. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. Adultery touches hearts, homes, and communities. As we read, let us open our minds and hearts to learn, to be warned, to be healed, and to be encouraged. We will look at clear commands, the condition of the heart, the pain it brings, and the hope of forgiveness and restoration. Let us approach these bible verses on adultery with humility, honesty, and a prayerful spirit. We will remember that God’s word both rebukes and restores, and that our aim is love that honors Him and protects relationships.
Exodus 20:14
“You shall not commit adultery.” – Exodus 20:14
bible verses on adultery
The Commandment and Law (bible verses on adultery)
In this section we look at the direct laws and commands about adultery in scripture. We speak together as a community who wants to understand what God clearly told His people. When we study these bible verses on adultery, we find that God’s law gives clear boundaries to protect marriage and family life. The commands are not only rules to follow; they are signs of God’s care for human dignity and stability. We will see law passages that show how serious adultery was in ancient times and how God required faithfulness. As we read, we remember that the law exposes what is wrong so that blessings and order can follow. We do not approach these verses to judge others harshly, but to learn honestly where temptation can harm us and where we must guard our hearts and homes. These verses also help us teach our children and guide our communities with clarity. In reading the bible verses on adultery in the law, we learn what God values: commitment, protection of the vulnerable, and honesty in relationships. Let us take these laws as guides that point us to faithfulness and to the need for grace when we fail. As we study these passages, we will keep a humble heart and seek God’s help to live in ways that honor His design for marriage and human life.
Exodus 20:14
“You shall not commit adultery.” – Exodus 20:14
Deuteronomy 5:18
“You shall not commit adultery.” – Deuteronomy 5:18
Leviticus 20:10
“If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife, both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death.” – Leviticus 20:10
Proverbs 6:32
“But the one who commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who would destroy himself does it.” – Proverbs 6:32
Matthew 19:18
“He said to him, ‘Which ones?’ Jesus said, ‘You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness;'” – Matthew 19:18
Heart and Lust (bible verses on adultery)
When we read the bible verses on adultery that focus on the heart, we see that God cares about what happens inside us, not just outside. We often think that the problem is only physical, but Jesus shows us that sinful thoughts and desires can be the start of deep harm. As we study these passages together, we admit that we all struggle with thoughts that can lead us away from faithfulness. We want to learn practical help from scripture for guarding our minds, choosing healthy friendships, and placing honest limits where needed. These bible verses on adultery help us see how a wandering eye, flattering words, or unchecked loneliness can become steps toward sin. We choose to be honest with one another and to seek support when we feel weak. The scriptures about heart and lust remind us that repentance begins in truth—naming our desires and asking God to change them. We also learn mercy: God knows our hearts and offers help. As we read, let us pray that our desires be shaped by love, respect, and the commitment that honors marriage. We will keep our lives simple enough to avoid unnecessary risk, and we will turn quickly to God’s strength when temptation comes.
Matthew 5:27-28
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that everyone who looks at a woman so as to desire her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:27-28
Job 31:1
“I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I look upon a virgin?” – Job 31:1
Proverbs 6:25
“Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelids.” – Proverbs 6:25
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
James 1:14-15
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed. Then the lust, when it has conceived, produces sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, produces death.” – James 1:14-15
Marriage Covenant and Faithfulness (bible verses on adultery)
We read the bible verses on adultery about covenant and faithfulness with reverence. We see marriage as more than a feeling; it is a promise made before God. These verses teach that faithfulness is the backbone of marriage and a sign of God’s presence in our lives. When we read scripture on covenant, we learn practical ways to keep love steady: honest talk, steady commitment, and shared priorities. The bible verses on adultery relating to marriage also remind us why infidelity breaks trust so deeply—because marriage points to something holy. We want our marriages to reflect God’s faithfulness, so we take these lessons seriously. We will protect our partnerships by setting up guardrails—accountability, clear boundaries, and time for one another. This is not about legalism, but about living out a calling to love that is loyal and kind. We will also teach younger people to value commitment and to see marriage as a sacred trust, not a casual contract. As we learn from these verses, we find both a high standard and a promise: God rewards faithfulness and helps us keep our vows.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage must be held in honor by all, and the marriage bed undefiled, for God will judge the immoral and adulterous.” – Hebrews 13:4
Malachi 2:16
“‘For I hate divorce,’ says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘and the one who covers his garment with violence,’ says the LORD of hosts. Therefore be on your guard in your spirit, and do not be unfaithful.” – Malachi 2:16
Ephesians 5:31
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” – Ephesians 5:31
Proverbs 5:18-19
“Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you at all times; may you always be captivated by her love.” – Proverbs 5:18-19
1 Corinthians 7:2-3
“But because of sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.” – 1 Corinthians 7:2-3
Consequences and Judgment (bible verses on adultery)
As we turn to the bible verses on adultery about consequences and judgment, we do so with sober hearts. We are honest that actions have effects and that wrongdoing brings pain. These passages remind us that choices have real results—broken trust, broken homes, and sometimes public shame. We do not read these verses to condemn others, but to understand the seriousness of sin and to be warned. When we see the consequences in scripture, we can make better decisions and help others avoid harm. We also learn that God’s judgment calls us to change: it is not only punishment, but a wake-up call toward repentance. The bible verses on adultery that speak of consequence ask us to be slow to anger yet quick to wise action, to protect the vulnerable, and to restore where possible. We must also remember that while God’s justice is real, His mercy meets us where we are when we turn back. These verses help us grasp both the weight of sin and the need to seek help early, to protect our relationships and our own souls.
Proverbs 6:27-29
“Can a man carry fire in his lap and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; Whoever touches her will not go unpunished.” – Proverbs 6:27-29
Galatians 6:7-8
“Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh; but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap life eternal.” – Galatians 6:7-8
Deuteronomy 22:22
“If a man is found lying with the wife of another man, both of them shall die—the man who lay with the woman, and the woman. So you shall purge the evil from Israel.” – Deuteronomy 22:22
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,” – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Revelation 2:22
“Behold, I will cast her into a sickbed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.” – Revelation 2:22
Repentance and Forgiveness (bible verses on adultery)
We turn to the bible verses on adultery about repentance and forgiveness with relief and hope. We are a people who know failure, and we are thankful the Bible offers a way back. These verses teach that when we own our wrongs, confess them, and turn to God, He forgives and restores. Even great failures—like David’s adultery—are met by God’s mercy when we are humble and sincere. We want to live by these truths: confess quickly, repent fully, and receive God’s cleansing. The bible verses on adultery that focus on repentance also guide us on how to rebuild trust—through changed actions, accountability, and time. We are encouraged that forgiveness is real but not always easy; healing takes patience. We will practice both grace and responsibility: we accept God’s forgiveness and we work to repair what we can in our relationships. These passages help us hold both the seriousness of sin and the power of God’s redeeming love. As we study them, we find courage to seek help and to offer honest apologies where needed.
John 8:10-11
“Jesus straightened up, and asked her, ‘Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on sin no more.’ ” – John 8:10-11
Psalm 51:1-4
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your lovingkindness; according to the greatness of your compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin, For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, I have sinned, and done this evil in your sight.” – Psalm 51:1-4
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Proverbs 28:13
“He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.” – Proverbs 28:13
Isaiah 1:18
“‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the LORD. ‘Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.'” – Isaiah 1:18
Protection of Marriage (bible verses on adultery)
We read the bible verses on adultery that give advice to protect marriage with grateful hearts. These verses are practical and wise. They show us ways to guard our homes, to watch our associations, and to keep our love fresh. We learn that protecting marriage means paying attention—time together, truth in speech, and avoiding risky situations. The bible verses on adultery in this group also show that parents, leaders, and friends have roles in preserving healthy marriages. We will not be passive; we will be intentional. That includes wise use of media, honest boundaries with coworkers, and regular investment in our spouse. We also learn to honor our vows publicly and privately. As we walk through these biblical words, we remember that protection is not just defense against others, but also care for each other’s hearts. We will pray together, set guardrails, and seek community help when needed. Scripture gives both warning and practical instruction so our marriages can flourish and be places of trust, safety, and joy.
Proverbs 2:16-19
“To deliver you from the strange woman, from the foreigner who flatters with her words, who abandons the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God. For her house sinks down to death, and her paths go down to the dead; none who go to her return, neither do they regain the paths of life.” – Proverbs 2:16-19
Proverbs 7:21-23
“With much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goes after her immediately, like an ox going to the slaughter, or like a fool to the correction of the stocks; He doesn’t know that it will cost his life.” – Proverbs 7:21-23
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate.” – Matthew 19:6
1 Peter 3:7
“Likewise you husbands, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to them as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; so that your prayers may not be hindered.” – 1 Peter 3:7
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24
Temptation and Avoidance (bible verses on adultery)
The bible verses on adultery that teach about temptation and avoidance give us tools to act early. We do not want to wait until desire becomes action. These scriptures tell us to watch, pray, and flee when needed. We learn to choose paths that lead to life, to ask for help, and to trust that God provides a way out. Together we can create routines and habits that reduce risk: accountability partners, healthy schedules, and honest sharing. The bible verses on adultery about temptation also remind us that temptation itself is common, but it does not have to become sin. We will be realistic: sometimes we will be weak, and then we will ask for mercy. We will also be proactive: avoid private situations that invite compromise and protect our eyes and minds from alluring content. These scriptures encourage us to build a life where temptation is less powerful—full of love, meaning, and holiness. With these practices, we can walk away from harmful paths and toward a life that honors God and our loved ones.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41
Proverbs 4:14-15
“Do not enter into the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it; do not pass by it. Turn aside from it and pass on.” – Proverbs 4:14-15
Romans 13:13
“Let us behave properly, as in the day, not in revellings and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.” – Romans 13:13
2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee also youthful lusts; and follow righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” – 2 Timothy 2:22
Restoration and Healing (bible verses on adultery)
When we read the bible verses on adultery that promise restoration, we breathe a sigh of relief. We are not left only with laws and warnings; God offers repair and newness. These passages show that even after deep harm, God can mend a broken heart and rebuild trust over time. As a group, we want to hold both truth and grace, so we value these healing verses. They remind us that repair takes honesty, time, and the work of God in our lives. We will seek counseling, make amends, and accept God’s work to renew our hearts. The bible verses on adultery about restoration also teach patience; healing is a journey, not a quick fix. We promise to support those who seek recovery and to celebrate steps forward. We will also remember that restoration may look different in different situations—sometimes reconciliation is possible, and sometimes safety requires separation. In every case, God’s heart is to heal, and these scriptures point us to hope and steady steps toward wholeness.
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things passed away; behold, all things have become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Joel 2:25
“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten—the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter—my great army which I sent among you.” – Joel 2:25
Hosea 3:1
“Then the LORD said to me, ‘Go, show love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress; yet love her as the LORD loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods and offer raisin cakes to the Baals.'” – Hosea 3:1
Matthew 9:13
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” – Matthew 9:13
Wisdom and Counsel (bible verses on adultery)
We hold the bible verses on adultery about wisdom and counsel close because we know we need help from others. Scripture repeatedly points us to wise friends, leaders, and counselors who can guide us away from bad choices and toward healing. When we get into trouble, we often try to hide or manage alone, but the Bible encourages open and humble seeking of good advice. These verses show that many voices and Godly counsel protect us and help us think clearly. We will use counsel to see blind spots, to get accountability, and to learn practical steps toward faithfulness. The bible verses on adultery that focus on wisdom teach us to plan ahead, listen more than we speak, and accept correction when needed. As a community, we promise to be safe listeners and steady guides for one another. We will encourage people to get help early, to be honest about their struggles, and to accept wise correction in love.
Proverbs 11:14
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” – Proverbs 11:14
Proverbs 15:22
“Without counsel, plans fail; But with many advisers they succeed.” – Proverbs 15:22
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful in its effect.” – James 5:16
Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to counsel, and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end.” – Proverbs 19:20
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, and has not another to lift him up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
God’s Holiness and Our Call (bible verses on adultery)
As we study the bible verses on adultery that show God’s holiness, we are reminded of who God is and what He calls us to be. God is holy, and He asks His people to be set apart in how we live and love. These verses do not aim to shame us but to lift our eyes to a higher way of life. When we read about God’s holiness, we learn that sexual purity flows out of a life devoted to God’s character. We want to reflect His goodness in our choices, speech, and actions. The bible verses on adultery that focus on holiness teach us to put off old habits and to put on new attitudes shaped by Christ. We are called to honor God with our bodies, to live in ways that show respect for others, and to be different from patterns that harm. As a community, we accept this calling together, encouraging one another, praying, and seeking transformation by the Spirit. We do not rely on our strength alone but on God’s work in us to make holiness possible.
1 Peter 1:15-16
“But as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'” – 1 Peter 1:15-16
Leviticus 20:26
“You shall be holy to me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples that you should be mine.” – Leviticus 20:26
Romans 12:1-2
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your rational service. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:1-2
1 Thessalonians 4:7
“For God has not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:7
Ephesians 4:22-24
“That you put off the old self, which is being corrupted by deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24
Final Thoughts
I have led us through many bible verses on adultery, and we have seen clear commands, warnings, and the deep call to holiness. We have also seen mercy, the chance for restoration, and practical wisdom to protect relationships. As we move forward, I pray we hold both truth and grace in our hearts.
We will work together to keep our lives and marriages safe. We will use wise counsel, set healthy boundaries, and seek help when needed. Most of all, we will rely on God’s strength to change our hearts and to restore what is broken.
Let us be a community that honors God, protects the vulnerable, forgives when we must, and pursues holiness in love. May these bible verses on adultery guide, warn, and comfort us as we walk in faith together.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
