Marriage is one of the most significant institutions in the Bible. From the creation of Adam and Eve in Genesis to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles in the New Testament, marriage is portrayed as a holy covenant established by God. It is intended to be a reflection of God’s relationship with His people, characterized by love, faithfulness, and mutual commitment. This sacred union is not merely a social contract but a divine bond that carries with it both blessings and responsibilities.
Adultery, however, is a serious violation of God’s design for marriage. Throughout Scripture, adultery is condemned as a betrayal of the marriage covenant and as a sin against God. The Bible consistently warns of the destructive consequences of adultery, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity, faithfulness, and integrity in our relationships.
In this article, we will explore 30 Bible verses that address the topics of marriage and adultery. These scriptures will help us understand God’s expectations for marriage, the severity of adultery, and the grace available to those who seek forgiveness and restoration.
1. Genesis 2:24 (KJV)
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
This foundational verse in the Bible emphasizes the importance of the marital union. Marriage is meant to be a union of two individuals becoming one. This verse sets the tone for the sanctity and permanence of marriage throughout Scripture.
2. Exodus 20:14 (KJV)
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
As part of the Ten Commandments, this verse gives a clear and direct command against adultery. It is a reminder that God values faithfulness within the covenant of marriage.
3. Leviticus 18:20 (KJV)
“Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour’s wife, to defile thyself with her.”
Leviticus emphasizes the seriousness of adultery and sexual immorality. This commandment demonstrates God’s concern for marital fidelity and the sanctity of the marital relationship.
4. Matthew 5:27-28 (KJV)
“Ye have heard that it was said 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.”
Jesus intensifies the commandment against adultery, making it clear that even lustful thoughts are considered adultery in God’s eyes. The condition of the heart is just as important as the outward actions.
5. Matthew 19:4-6 (KJV)
“And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
In this passage, Jesus reaffirms the sanctity and permanence of marriage. Marriage is a divine union, and divorce is not to be taken lightly.
6. Hebrews 13:4 (KJV)
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
This verse speaks to the purity of marriage and warns against adultery. God’s judgment is upon those who violate the sanctity of marriage through adultery.
7. Proverbs 5:15-18 (KJV)
“Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee. Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.”
This passage highlights the importance of being content with and faithful to one’s spouse. It teaches that marital satisfaction and fidelity should be found in the context of the marriage relationship, not outside it.
8. Proverbs 6:32 (KJV)
“But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.”
Adultery is described as an act of foolishness and self-destruction. This verse warns of the deep harm that adultery brings, both to the individuals involved and to their spiritual lives.
9. Malachi 2:16 (KJV)
“For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.”
God’s hatred of divorce is expressed here. He calls His people to remain faithful to their spouses and to honor the marriage covenant.
10. Romans 7:2-3 (KJV)
“For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.”
In this passage, Paul explains the permanence of the marriage bond. Adultery occurs when someone marries another person while their spouse is still living, unless there are legitimate biblical grounds for divorce.
11. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (KJV)
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
Adultery is listed among the sins that prevent individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God. This underscores the seriousness of the sin and the need for repentance.
12. 1 Corinthians 7:2 (KJV)
“Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.”
Marriage is presented as the biblical solution to sexual immorality. It is the rightful place for sexual relations and helps prevent adultery and fornication.
13. Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV)
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Adultery is again listed as one of the works of the flesh that excludes individuals from inheriting God’s kingdom. It is a sin that cannot be ignored.
14. Matthew 19:9 (KJV)
“And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for the cause of fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”
In this passage, Jesus teaches that divorce and remarriage, except for the cause of sexual immorality, constitute adultery. Marriage is a sacred covenant that should not be broken lightly.
15. Proverbs 7:25-27 (KJV)
“Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.”
The seductive nature of adultery is portrayed here as dangerous and deadly. It leads individuals away from God and ultimately to destruction.
16. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (KJV)
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God.”
These verses emphasize sexual purity and honor in relationships. Believers are called to avoid all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery.
17. Ephesians 5:25 (KJV)
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”
This passage sets the standard for husbands to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loves the church. Faithfulness is an essential part of this love, and adultery undermines this divine command.
18. Ephesians 5:33 (KJV)
“Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
Mutual love and respect are essential in marriage. This passage underscores the importance of honoring and remaining faithful to one’s spouse.
19. Colossians 3:19 (KJV)
“Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”
Faithful love is an antidote to the bitterness that can creep into relationships and lead to unfaithfulness. Adultery often arises from unresolved bitterness and lack of respect.
20. Song of Solomon 4:9 (KJV)
“Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.”
The beauty of marital love is celebrated in the Song of Solomon. This verse speaks to the deep affection and intimacy that should exist between a husband and wife.
21. Matthew 5:32 (KJV)
“But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, except for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.”
Jesus stresses the severity of divorce and remarriage, particularly when sexual immorality is not the reason for the separation.
22. Mark 10:11-12 (KJV)
“And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.”
This teaching reinforces the biblical perspective that divorce and remarriage outside of specific circumstances lead to adultery.
23. 1 John 3:3 (KJV)
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
This verse speaks to the sanctification process that believers undergo. Marital faithfulness is part of living a pure and holy life before God.
24. Romans 13:13 (KJV)
“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”
This verse warns against sexual immorality, including adultery, and calls believers to live with integrity and honor.
25. 1 Corinthians 6:18 (KJV)
“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”
The Bible commands believers to flee from all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, and to honor God with their bodies.
26. 1 Timothy 3:2 (KJV)
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.”
This passage underscores the expectation that church leaders model faithfulness in their marriages. Adultery disqualifies leaders from serving in the church.
27. Titus 2:4-5 (KJV)
“That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
This passage encourages wives to be faithful and loving toward their husbands, emphasizing the importance of marital fidelity.
28. Matthew 19:6 (KJV)
“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Jesus reaffirms the permanence of marriage and the seriousness of adultery, emphasizing that the bond between husband and wife should not be broken by human intervention.
29. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
This verse provides hope for those struggling with temptation, including adultery. God promises to provide a way of escape from sin.
30. Revelation 21:8 (KJV)
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Adultery is included in the list of sins that will lead to eternal separation from God. This serves as a stark warning of the consequences of unrepentant sin.
Conclusion
The Bible consistently emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the destructive consequences of adultery. Marriage is a sacred union created by God, meant to reflect His relationship with His people. Adultery, on the other hand, is a betrayal of that covenant and a sin against God. Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to remain faithful in their marriages, to uphold the integrity of the marital bond, and to flee from all forms of sexual immorality. However, the Bible also offers grace and forgiveness to those who repent and seek restoration.
By understanding these 30 Bible verses, we are reminded of the importance of fidelity in marriage and the need for repentance and forgiveness when we fall short. May we seek to honor God’s design for marriage, live lives of integrity, and remain faithful to our spouses, reflecting the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.
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