What Does the Bible Say About Adultery & Infidelity?
What the Bible teaches about adultery, faithfulness in marriage, and restoration after betrayal.
What does the Bible say about adultery? Explore KJV scriptures about marital faithfulness, the consequences of infidelity, and God's grace for restoration.
"Thou shalt not commit adultery." — Exodus 20:14 (KJV)
Adultery is one of the sins most clearly condemned in the Bible, prohibited in the Ten Commandments and repeatedly warned against throughout Scripture. Yet the Bible also reveals a God of grace who offers forgiveness and restoration to those who repent — even from the devastating sin of marital unfaithfulness.
Key Scriptures About Adultery & Infidelity
Proverbs 6:32
"But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul."Read in context
Hebrews 13:4
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."Read in context
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."Read in context
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."Read in context
John 8:11
"She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."Read in context
A Prayer About Adultery & Infidelity
Lord, guard our marriages from the temptation of unfaithfulness. Strengthen the bonds of commitment and love between husbands and wives. For those who have fallen, pour out Your grace and help them find the path of restoration. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adultery & Infidelity
Quick answers to the most common questions about what the Bible says on adultery & infidelity.
Can God forgive adultery?
Is emotional adultery a sin?
Jesus taught that adultery begins in the heart (Matthew 5:28). Developing an intimate emotional connection with someone outside your marriage that replaces or diminishes spousal intimacy violates the spirit of marital faithfulness, even if no physical act occurs.
What is the main Bible verse about adultery & infidelity?
Exodus 20:14 is one of the clearest scriptures on adultery & infidelity: "Thou shalt not commit adultery." (KJV). It anchors the broader biblical teaching summarized on this page.
How many Bible verses talk about adultery & infidelity?
Scripture addresses adultery & infidelity in dozens of passages across the Old and New Testaments. We've curated 6 of the most directly relevant KJV verses on this page, drawn from Exodus, Proverbs, Hebrews, Matthew, 1 Corinthians and more.
Where does the Bible first mention adultery & infidelity?
The earliest passage on this list is Exodus 20:14, in the book of Exodus. Scripture's full teaching on adultery & infidelity unfolds across both testaments — see all 6 verses above for the broader picture.
Is adultery & infidelity a sin according to the Bible?
What does the Bible say about adultery? Explore KJV scriptures about marital faithfulness, the consequences of infidelity, and God's grace for restoration. The verses above lay out exactly what the KJV teaches so you can weigh the question for yourself in light of Scripture.
Common Bible Questions About Adultery & Infidelity
Specific questions Christians ask about adultery & infidelity — each answered with KJV scripture.
Can God Forgive Any Sin?
Yes — the Bible teaches that God's grace is sufficient to forgive any sin when a person repents and believes in Christ.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
The Bible teaches that God hates divorce but permits it in cases of sexual immorality and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse.
Read answerDoes the Bible Contradict Evolution?
The Bible teaches that God directly created all life 'after their kind,' which stands in contrast to the evolutionary theory of common descent through unguided processes.
Read answerAre People Married in Heaven?
Jesus taught that in the resurrection, people 'neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.' Earthly marriage points to a greater reality — the eternal union of Christ and His church.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Rest?
The Bible teaches that rest is a gift from God, modeled by His own rest after creation, and ultimately fulfilled in the spiritual rest Christ offers.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Faithfulness?
Faithfulness is a core attribute of God and a fruit of the Spirit—believers are called to be faithful in relationships, responsibilities, and their walk with God.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
The Bible teaches that God designed marriage to be permanent but permits divorce in cases of sexual immorality and abandonment by an unbeliever.
Read answerWhat Is the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard?
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard teaches that God's grace is generous and equal—salvation is a gift, not payment based on merit.
Read answerRelated Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
What the Bible teaches about divorce, remarriage, and God's heart for marriage.
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
God's design for marriage, the roles of husband and wife, and building a Christ-centered relationship.
What Does the Bible Say About Dating & Relationships?
Biblical principles for dating, courtship, and building godly romantic relationships.
What Does the Bible Say About Raising Children?
Biblical wisdom for parenting, discipline, and raising children in the faith.
What Does the Bible Say About Sex & Sexuality?
Biblical teaching on sex, sexual purity, and God's design for intimacy within marriage.
What Does the Bible Say About Friendship?
What the Bible teaches about true friendship, loyalty, and choosing friends wisely.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Adultery & Infidelity
What the Bible teaches about adultery, faithfulness in marriage, and restoration
Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery
The seventh commandment protects the marriage covenant, calling for faithfulness
Bible Verses About Relationships
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Broken Relationships
10 curated KJV verses
Matthew 7:1 — Meaning & Devotional
Relationships
Proverbs 15:1 Commentary
In-depth study • Speech & Relationships
More Bible Questions in Relationships
Continue exploring what Scripture teaches on related topics.
- What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
- What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
- What Does the Bible Say About Dating & Relationships?
- What Does the Bible Say About Raising Children?
- What Does the Bible Say About Sex & Sexuality?
- What Does the Bible Say About Friendship?
- What Does the Bible Say About Loneliness?
- What Does the Bible Say About Gossip?
- What Does the Bible Say About Being Single?
- What Does the Bible Say About Loving Your Enemies?
- What Does the Bible Say About Sex Before Marriage?
- What Does the Bible Say About Masturbation?
- What Does the Bible Say About Toxic Relationships?
- What Does the Bible Say About Interracial Marriage?
- What Does the Bible Say About Submission in Marriage?
- What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?
- What Does the Bible Say About Social Media?
- What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?