In the Bible, a paramour refers to a person who is involved in a romantic relationship with someone else’s spouse, often in an illicit or adulterous context. The term highlights issues of infidelity and moral transgression, as seen in various scriptural passages that address adultery and marital fidelity.
Scripture
1 My son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding,
2 that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge.
3 For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil,
4 but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death;
her steps follow the path to Sheol;
6 She does not ponder the path of life;
her ways wander, and she does not know it.
7 And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth.
8 Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house,
9 lest you give your honor to others
and your years to the merciless,
10 lest strangers take their fill of your strength,
and your labors go to the house of a foreigner,
11 And at the end of your life you groan, when your flesh and body are consumed,
12 and you say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof!
13 I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors.
14 I am at the brink of utter ruin in the assembled congregation.”
15 Drink water from your own cistern,
flowing water from your own well.
16 Should your springs be scattered abroad,
streams of water in the streets?
17 Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you.
18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.
19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
20 Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?
21 For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths.
22 The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.
23 He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.
Biblical Meaning of Paramour Explained
The concept of a paramour in the Bible is intricately linked to the themes of infidelity and the sanctity of marriage. Adultery is condemned throughout the Scriptures, with the seventh commandment explicitly stating, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). The consequences of such relationships are not only personal but also communal, leading to broken families and societal discord. In Proverbs 6:32-33, it is warned that “he who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself,” emphasizing the self-destructive nature of such actions. The narratives in the Bible, such as the story of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), illustrate the dire consequences that arise from relationships deemed illicit, leading to murder, betrayal, and lasting repercussions on personal and national levels.
Moreover, the biblical view of a paramour extends beyond mere legalistic interpretations to encompass deeper spiritual implications. In the prophetic literature, God often uses the metaphor of adultery to describe Israel’s unfaithfulness in worshiping foreign gods (Jeremiah 3:20). This metaphorical use signifies a breach of covenant with God, likening Israel’s infidelity to that of an unfaithful spouse. This context underscores that the act of being a paramour is not just a social or moral failing, but rather a profound spiritual crisis that signifies a lack of fidelity to God and His commandments. The New Testament echoes this sentiment, with Jesus highlighting the importance of purity in relationships in Matthew 5:28, where He says, “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” The biblical admonitions against paramours invite believers to reflect on their commitments, representing a broader call to fidelity not only in marital relationships but in their relationship with God as well.
The notion of a paramour in biblical texts reveals a broader narrative about the nature of love, loyalty, and the covenant that binds partners together, whether in human relationships or in the divine-human relationship. The Bible presents an understanding that true love encompasses commitment and fidelity, where the betrayal of that trust leads to grave consequences not only for the individuals involved but also for families and communities. The depiction of relationships, such as those found in the wisdom literature, gravitate towards the theme that excessive passion outside of the bounds of marriage often leads down a destructive path, underscoring that God’s design for relationships is rooted in trust and respect.
The prophetic voices throughout the Old Testament frequently highlight the spiritual ramifications of infidelity as seen in the metaphor of the paramour. These relationships parallel the spiritual unfaithfulness of God’s people and their tendency to stray towards idolatry and other unapproved forms of worship. Such metaphors emphasize that the consequences of becoming a paramour transcend physical relationships; they encompass the spiritual alienation from God. The call for repentance throughout the prophetic works implores the people to return to their first love, reflecting God’s desire for a faithful and committed covenantal relationship. This theme reiterates a fundamental biblical principle: that all relationships, whether horizontal or vertical, hinge upon fidelity, loyalty, and reverence for the divine authority that governs moral conduct. Ultimately, the implications of being a paramour extend beyond personal indiscretions, acting as a cautionary tale regarding the price of forsaking relational commitments to both God and one another.
The Concept of Adultery and Its Implications
In the biblical context, a paramour often refers to an illicit lover, particularly in the context of adultery. This relationship is viewed as a violation of the sacred covenant of marriage, which is highly esteemed in biblical teachings. The presence of a paramour signifies a breach of trust and fidelity, leading to moral and spiritual consequences for those involved. The emphasis on marital fidelity underscores the importance of commitment and loyalty within relationships, reflecting a broader theological understanding of faithfulness to God and one another.
Symbolism of Spiritual Infidelity
Beyond the literal interpretation, the term paramour can also symbolize spiritual infidelity. In many biblical texts, the relationship between God and His people is depicted as a marriage, where faithfulness to God is paramount. When individuals or nations turn away from God to pursue other “lovers”—be it idols, false gods, or sinful practices—they are seen as engaging in spiritual adultery. This metaphor highlights the seriousness of abandoning one’s devotion to God and the consequences that arise from such actions, emphasizing the need for repentance and restoration.
The Call to Holiness and Righteousness
The notion of a paramour in the Bible serves as a call to holiness and righteousness. It challenges believers to examine their relationships and commitments, urging them to pursue purity and integrity in their interactions. The biblical narrative encourages individuals to seek relationships that honor God and reflect His character, rather than those that lead to moral compromise. This call to righteousness extends beyond romantic relationships, inviting believers to cultivate a lifestyle that aligns with biblical values and principles.
How to Embrace Righteous Love and Faithfulness
Embracing righteous love and faithfulness is a beautiful journey that begins in the heart and manifests in our daily actions. As you seek to deepen your relationship with God, remember that love is not just a feeling but a commitment to act in ways that reflect His grace and mercy. Start by cultivating a spirit of kindness and compassion in your interactions with others, recognizing that every person is made in the image of God. Dive into Scripture, allowing passages like 1 Corinthians 13 to guide your understanding of love’s true nature—patient, kind, and devoid of pride. Faithfulness, too, is a daily choice; it’s about being steadfast in your commitments, whether to God, your family, or your community. Pray for the strength to embody these virtues, and don’t hesitate to seek accountability from fellow believers who can encourage you on this path. Remember, it’s not about perfection but about progress, and with each step you take, you’ll find yourself reflecting more of Christ’s love in a world that desperately needs it.
Bible References to Paramours and Relationships:
Proverbs 6:20-35: 20 My son, keep your father’s commandment,
and forsake not your mother’s teaching.
21 Bind them on your heart always;
tie them around your neck.
22 When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.
23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
24 to preserve you from the evil woman,
from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.
25 Do not desire her beauty in your heart,
and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes;
26 For the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread, but a married woman hunts down a precious life.
27 Can a man carry fire next to his chest
and his clothes not be burned?
28 Or can one walk on hot coals
and his feet not be scorched?
29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished.
30 People do not despise a thief if he steals
to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry,
31 but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house.
32 He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.
33 He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away.
34 For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge.
35 He will accept no compensation; he will refuse though you multiply gifts.
Proverbs 7:1-27: 1 My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you;
2 Keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend,
5 to keep you from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words.
6 For at the window of my house I have looked out through my lattice,
7 and I have seen among the simple,
I have perceived among the youths,
a young man lacking sense,
8 passing along the street near her corner, taking the road to her house,
9 in the twilight, in the evening, at the time of night and darkness.
10 And behold, the woman meets him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart.
11 She is loud and wayward; her feet do not stay at home;
12 Now in the street, now in the market, and at every corner she lies in wait.
13 She seizes him and kisses him,
and with bold face she says to him:
14 “I had to offer sacrifices, and today I have paid my vows;”
15 So I came out to meet you, diligently to seek your face, and I have found you.
16 I have spread my couch with coverings,
colored linens from Egyptian linen;
17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us take our fill of love till morning; let us delight ourselves with love.
19 “For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey;”
20 She seizes him and kisses him,
and with bold face she says to him:
21 With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him.
22 All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast
23 till an arrow pierces its liver;
as a bird rushes into a snare;
he does not know that it will cost him his life.
24 And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth.
25 Let not your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths,
26 for many a victim has she laid low,
and all her slain are a mighty throng.
27 Her house is the way to Sheol,
going down to the chambers of death.
Matthew 5:27-30: 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’”
28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.
30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
1 Corinthians 6:9-20: 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.
15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never!
16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.”
17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.
18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Hebrews 13:4-5: 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
James 4:1-10: 1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?
2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.
3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”?
6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
Revelation 2:18-23: 18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
19 “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.
20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.
21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.
22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works,
23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.