LAW AND PROPHETS THE BIBLICAL DEFINITION OF ADULTERY
Matthew 5:17 NLT — Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.
Defining Adultery in the Old Testament: A Scriptural Analysis
The objective of this report is to delineate a concrete definition and understanding of adultery based exclusively on the Old Testament of the Bible. This analysis will be confined to scriptural references, ensuring that all statements, assumptions, or reasonings are directly supported by specific biblical passages. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the Old Testament’s position on adultery by examining key verses that contain the word “adultery,” related terms, and descriptions of marital infidelity.
The cornerstone of the Old Testament’s stance on adultery is found within the Ten Commandments, specifically in Exodus 20:14 which states,
“You shall not commit adultery.”
This commandment, recognized as the seventh in many traditions, stands as a fundamental prohibition against the act of adultery. Being an integral part of the Decalogue, these core ethical principles given by God underscore the paramount importance of marital fidelity within divine law. This commandment is reiterated in Deuteronomy 5:18, further solidifying its significance within the Old Testament legal framework.
The Old Testament provides more specific definitions of adultery through its legal texts. Leviticus 20:10 states,
“The man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.”
This verse defines adultery as sexual intercourse between a man and a woman who is the wife of another man. It explicitly identifies both the man and the woman involved in such an act as adulterers or adulteresses and prescribes the death penalty for both. This legal definition underscores that adultery is primarily viewed as a violation of another man’s marital rights, specifically concerning his wife, reflecting the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society. The equal punishment for both the man and the woman indicates that both were held accountable under this law, emphasizing the seriousness of the act as a transgression against divine moral standards and the sanctity of the marriage covenant.
Deuteronomy 22:22 reaffirms this definition, stating,
“If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die.”
This verse further emphasizes that sexual intercourse with a married woman constitutes adultery and reiterates the death penalty for both individuals involved. The phrase “lying with” is a Hebrew idiom for sexual relations, specifically referring to adultery in this context. The term “found” implies being convicted of the fault, even if not caught in the act.
The Old Testament also employs prophetic language to describe adultery, often using it metaphorically to illustrate spiritual unfaithfulness. Ezekiel 16:32 provides an example:
“‘Adulterous wife, who receives strangers instead of her husband!'”
While metaphorical, this verse draws upon the concept of adultery within marriage an analogy for spiritual unfaithfulness to God, with God portrayed as a betrayed lover. The term “strangers” in this context symbolizes the worship of other gods, contrasting with the exclusive loyalty expected in a marriage relationship with Yah.
Further insight into the Old Testament’s understanding of marital unfaithfulness is provided in Numbers 5:11-29, which describes a specific procedure for a husband who suspects his wife of adultery in the absence of direct evidence. This “Test for an Unfaithful Wife” involves a ritual process with the priest, an offering, holy water mixed with dust from the tabernacle floor, and a solemn oath taken by the woman. The woman is then made to drink bitter water, with the belief that a physical reaction would indicate her guilt. This passage underscores the importance of marital fidelity and provides a framework within the kingdom of Yah for addressing suspicions of unfaithfulness. It is noteworthy that this test is specifically for a wife suspected of unfaithfulness to her husband, indicating a gendered application of this particular law within the context of the Law and the Prophets.
Based on the legal texts of Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22, the Law and the Prophets definition of adultery clearly applies to women, and men who engage in sexual relations where the woman is the husband of another man. The equal punishment prescribed for both the man and the woman indicates that both were held accountable under the law for the act of adultery. Furthermore, the focus on the unfaithfulness of a wife in Numbers 5:11-29 demonstrates that a woman having sexual relations with a man other than her husband was unequivocally considered adultery. However, some sources suggest a potential asymmetry in the definition. In the law and the prophets, adultery was often specifically defined as sexual intercourse with a married or betrothed woman who was not one’s wife. In this context, a married man having sexual relations with an unmarried woman was often considered fornication , rather than adultery, with the primary concern often being the violation of another man’s marital bond.
Scripture Reference
Definition/Key Aspect
Gender Application
Punishment (if specified)
“You shall not commit adultery.” – Foundational prohibition.
Both
Not specified
Adultery is committed with another man’s wife; both adulterer and adulteress shall surely be put to death.
Both
Death
If a man lies with a woman married to a husband, then both shall die.
Both
Death
Metaphorical use: “‘Adulterous wife, who receives strangers instead of her husband!'” – Unfaithfulness likened to adultery.
Female (metaphor)
Not specified
Test for an unfaithful wife; describes a wife going astray and being unfaithful to her husband through sexual relations with another man.
Female
Physical consequences
In conclusion,
Works cited
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The Law and the Prophets defines adultery primarily as sexual intercourse between a man and a woman who is married to someone else. This definition applies to both the man and the woman involved, with both being held accountable under the law, often facing severe penalties. While the focus of adultery in its strict legal sense often centered on the marital status of the woman and the violation of the husband’s rights, sexual relations between a married man and an unmarried woman were generally considered fornication, a transgression of sexual order, though not always classified as adultery in the same way.
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