A question about adultery?

Question

I just read the definition of adultery (it came up when I was reading about the ten commandments in my world history book; studying for finals)

Well, I looked up the definition and it seemingly only applies to married people. Jesus said looking at someone lustfully in itself is adultery. Does this apply to everyone or just people who are married? And masturbation, is it a sin? If so, is it a sin when you're not married?

Wow, Tim M, that was a great answer! Yeah, looking at the definition, it said adultery refers to married couples. So that's what got me confused. So it's not adultery but it's another kind of sin.

I just want to clarify something here. This question isn't so that I know if I can masturbate or not. This is for educational purposes so that I know for future references. Some of the responses are directly referring to me and my personal life. I'm not asking for permission of what I can or can't do. =

Answer 1

Revelation 21:8
"But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,
10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

"Adultery" IS between marrieds, but "fornication" includes unmarrieds. Both are subsumed under "immoral".

Revelation 21:8
"But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

Answer 2

Adultery-Adultery is strictly and historically defined as consensual sexual intercourse between a married woman and a man other than her lawful husband; meaning only the carnal intercourse of a wife with a man who is not her lawful husband. Both the married woman and the man, married or unmarried, are considered guilty of adultery if they engage in such an act. The intercourse of a married man with a single woman is not accounted as adultery, but philandery.

Fornication- Fornication, sometimes referred to as premarital sex, is a term which refers to any sexual activity between consenting unmarried partners. Sex between unmarried persons is distinguished from adultery by use of the term 'simple fornication'; whereas relations in which at least one of the parties is married is considered 'adultery'. Unless the married partner is a man, then refer to above.
Not fair, is it?
masturbation- Among the world's religions, views on masturbation vary widely. Some religions view it as a spiritually detrimental practice, while others either do not or take a situational view. Among these latter religions, some view masturbation as allowable if used as a means unto sexual self-control, or as part of healthy self-exploration or sexual therapy, but disallow it if it is done with wrong motives or as an addiction.

Hope that helped. The latter about masturbation being a sin depends on what religion you follow and the situation of "the act". So, you will have to answer that one yourself.

Answer 3

If one of the people who is having sex then you are commiting adultry. If both people are single you are commiting fornication. Masterbation is a sin and makes you ritually "unclean' as does a women having her "time of the month" of course masterbation and fornication are not one of the ten commandments. In an old testament context you would be allowed to sacrifice an animals life to redeem your sin. in a new testament context, Jesus' blood sacrifice was used to redeem all sins, even the deadly sins.

Answer 4

If you look at a woman, or think of a woman, in a sexual way and she is not your wife, you are indeed committing adultery. God looks at your heart for the answer.

Being single doesn't cut you any slack. The sin for a single person with lustful thoughts or actions is fornication.

Masturbation? You walk a really fine line there. The bible does not explicitly mention masturbation, but if you're aroused by any sexual thoughts, you're still committing adultery (in your heart). It tough being human, huh?

Answer 5

The other term you need to get acquainted with is 'fornicatiton' Check it out in your dictionary. If you are single, it will apply to you if you practice sex before marriage. The Bible does not speak directly to the subject of masturbation, but it is considered by most faiths to be a selfish act.

Answer 6

well if you feel that it's wrong then don't do it, but i understand what you're saying---now you kinda' got me confused! okay, masturbation-not a sin. Nothing really in itself is a sin- like looking at someone and thinking they're hot- just dont act upon lust- do you get what i'm saying?

Answer 7

Adultery is sex without your marriage partner (one or both are married...and not to each other.)

Fornication is sex outside of marriage (neither person is married.)

Masturbation (check out the dictionary definition...self-abuse). The Bible doesn't use the word masturbation, however just because you can do something doesn't mean you should.

Answer 8

Adultery applies only to married people. It is a sin, anything that makes your body unclean is a sin. Your body is supposed to be a temple.

Answer 9

Nah, Jesus probably said something totally different but translators have changed the exact wording. And apparently, masturbation is a sin, regardless of whether you are married or not. the bible would prefer you use a hooker and no condom. (scary. hmm?)

Answer 10

Adultery is a sin whether you are married or not.
Living with someone and lusting after another= sin
Living with someone of the opposite sex and having relations= sin
maturbation is spilling of ones seed and = sin.