Adultery

In the Bible, adultery is primarily understood as the act of a married person engaging in sexual relations with someone who is not their spouse. This transgression is viewed as a serious violation of the marital covenant and is explicitly addressed in the Ten Commandments, where it is stated, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14, ESV). The Hebrew term for adultery, "na'aph," implies not only the act itself but also carries connotations of betrayal and unfaithfulness. Adultery is frequently condemned in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting its moral and social implications. In Proverbs, for instance, the consequences of adultery are depicted as leading to ruin and loss (Proverbs 6:32-33). Jesus expands the understanding of adultery in the Sermon on the Mount, teaching that even harboring lustful thoughts towards another person constitutes adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:27-28). This broader view emphasizes the importance of fidelity not only in action but also in intention, suggesting that the heart's desires are as significant as outward behaviors in the context of faithfulness and morality.