(The Lord speaking is red text)
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
"Do not commit adultery.
You shall not commit adultery.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Thou shalt not commit adultery{H5003}.
1. **Themes**:
- **Moral Purity**: Exodus 20:14, "Thou shalt not commit adultery," is one of the Ten Commandments, which are foundational to the moral and ethical code in Judaism and Christianity. This commandment emphasizes the importance of sexual purity and marital fidelity within the community.
- **Sanctity of Marriage**: The prohibition against adultery upholds the sanctity of the marriage covenant, reinforcing the idea that marriage is a sacred union between two individuals, and any breach of that exclusivity is a grave offense.
- **Social Stability**: By forbidding adultery, the commandment seeks to promote stable family structures, which in turn support a stable and orderly society.
2. **Historical Context**:
- **Israelite Society**: The verse is set in the context of the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt and their journey towards the Promised Land. God gives Moses the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai as part of the covenant between God and Israel, laying the groundwork for the nation's religious and civil law.
- **Ancient Near Eastern Context**: In the ancient Near East, adultery was often a matter of property rights and male honor. However, the biblical commandment applies to both men and women, marking a departure from the cultural norms of the time and elevating the status of women.
- **Covenant Relationship**: The commandments, including the prohibition against adultery, are part of a larger covenantal relationship between God and His people. Obedience to these commandments was seen as an expression of loyalty and devotion to God, reflecting the idea that one's relationship with God is integrated with one's moral conduct.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)