Exodus 20:14

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Complete Jewish Bible:

"Do not commit adultery.

Berean Standard Bible:

You shall not commit adultery.

American Standard Version:

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Thou shalt not commit adultery{H5003}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Hebrews 13:4

  • Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Deuteronomy 5:18

  • Neither shalt thou commit adultery.

Romans 7:2

  • For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband.

Romans 7:3

  • So then if, while [her] husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

Romans 13:9

  • For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Revelation 21:8

  • But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Leviticus 20:10

  • ¶ And 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.

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Commentary for Exodus 20:14

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

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H5003
    There are 26 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נָאַף
    Transliteration: nâʼaph
    Pronunciation: naw-af'
    Description: a primitive root; to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize; adulterer(-ess), commit(-ing) adultery, woman that breaketh wedlock.