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adultery


Illicit sexual relations with someone other than one’s marriage partner. In the OT adultery had a precise and limited definition: sexual relations between a married (or betrothed) woman and any man other than her husband. It was considered a most grievous transgression (Exod 20:14; Deut 5:18; Lev 18:20), to be punished by the death of both parties (Deut 22:22-24). In the NT period, it appears that the definition of adultery was extended in its scope, such that a husband could also be held responsible for committing adultery against his wife (Matt 5:32; Mark 10:11; Luke 16:18). The sin of adultery is mentioned by various NT writers (Rom 13:9; Gal 5:19; Jas 2:11). In both the OT and NT, adultery is used as a symbol for the unfaithfulness of people toward God (Hos 9:1; Matt 12:39).

  • Powell, Mark Allan, ed. HarperCollins Bible Dictionary. Abridged Edition. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2009.