Exodus 20:14

KJV

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not commit adultery {H5003}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Do not commit adultery.

Berean Standard Bible

You shall not commit adultery.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 20:14, "Thou shalt not commit adultery," stands as the seventh (or sixth, depending on numbering tradition) of the Ten Commandments, foundational to the ethical and moral framework of the Israelite covenant. This concise yet profound prohibition underscores the sanctity of marriage as a divine institution, demanding exclusive fidelity within the marital bond. It protects the integrity of the family unit, which serves as the bedrock of societal stability, and reflects God's own covenant faithfulness, calling His people to mirror that loyalty in their most intimate earthly relationships.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This commandment is situated within the Decalogue, a divinely revealed set of ethical principles given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-20). Following commands that establish Israel's relationship with God (no other gods, no idols, no misuse of God's name, Sabbath observance) and respect for parental authority, the prohibition against adultery initiates a series of commands protecting human relationships and societal order. It immediately precedes injunctions against stealing, false witness, and coveting, forming a cluster of laws designed to safeguard the fundamental rights and relationships within the community. Its placement highlights the crucial role of marital fidelity in maintaining social trust, legitimate lineage, and the overall moral health of the covenant people. The Decalogue as a whole serves as the preamble to the more detailed covenant stipulations found in the [Book of the Covenant](/exodus/21 "Exodus 21 - The Book of the Covenant") (Exodus 21-23), demonstrating that personal morality is inextricably linked to communal well-being and covenant loyalty.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, marriage was not merely a private affair but a foundational social and economic institution. It ensured the continuation of family lines, the inheritance of property, and the stability of the community. Adultery (Hebrew: *na'aph*) was considered a grave offense, not just a moral failing but a profound social transgression that directly threatened the integrity of the family unit. It could lead to disputed paternity, disrupt inheritance, and introduce chaos into the social fabric. The penalty for adultery was severe, often death for both parties involved, as prescribed in [Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Penalty for Adultery") and [Deuteronomy 22:22](/deuteronomy/22-22 "Deuteronomy 22:22 - Penalty for Adultery"). This harsh punishment reflects the high value placed on marital fidelity and the devastating impact adultery had on individuals, families, and the wider community. Furthermore, the concept of covenant faithfulness, central to Israel's relationship with Yahweh, often found its earthly parallel in the marriage bond. Prophets frequently used the metaphor of Israel's spiritual "adultery" or "harlotry" to describe their unfaithfulness to God through idolatry and disobedience (e.g., [Jeremiah 3](/jeremiah/3 "Jeremiah 3 - Israel's Spiritual Adultery"), [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Adultery")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adultery (Hebrew, _na'aph'_):** The Hebrew verb נָאַף (*na'aph*) specifically denotes illicit sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse. It carries the strong connotation of a breach of covenant, a violation of a sacred bond, and a betrayal of trust. Unlike broader terms for sexual immorality, *na'aph* focuses precisely on the transgression against the marital covenant and the sanctity of the family unit. Its usage in the Old Testament consistently refers to this specific act, highlighting its unique gravity within the Israelite legal and moral code. The absolute negative "Thou shalt not" (לֹא תִנְאָף, *lo' tin'af*) emphasizes the categorical and unconditional nature of the prohibition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not":** This opening phrase, common to several of the Ten Commandments, conveys an absolute and unconditional prohibition. It is not a suggestion or a piece of advice, but a divine command, establishing a clear boundary for behavior. The negative imperative indicates that this action is fundamentally contrary to God's will and the well-being of His covenant people.
* **"commit adultery":** This refers to the act of *na'aph*, as detailed above. It is the breaking of the marital covenant through sexual infidelity. The command protects the exclusivity and integrity of the marriage bond, which is designed by God to be a lifelong, monogamous union. It safeguards the trust, intimacy, and lineage within the family, recognizing that infidelity inflicts deep wounds on individuals and destabilizes the foundational unit of society.

#### Literary Devices
The commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery" employs **Conciseness** and **Direct Command** as primary literary devices. Its brevity and directness leave no room for ambiguity, immediately conveying the seriousness and universality of the prohibition. The use of the absolute negative "Thou shalt not" creates a sense of **Divine Authority** and **Legal Force**, underscoring that this is a non-negotiable moral imperative. Furthermore, within the broader context of the Decalogue, this command functions as a **Synecdoche** for sexual purity and fidelity in general, representing the broader principle of honoring the sacredness of human relationships and the covenant of marriage. It also serves as a **Foundation** for later, more detailed laws concerning sexual ethics in the Pentateuch.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition against adultery is deeply theological, reflecting God's own character of faithfulness and His design for human relationships. It upholds the sanctity of marriage as a divine institution, established by God in creation as a unique and exclusive covenant between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24). This command underscores that marriage is not merely a social contract but a sacred bond that mirrors God's covenant loyalty to His people. Infidelity, therefore, is not only a sin against one's spouse but ultimately a sin against God, who instituted and sanctifies marriage. The command calls believers to embody purity, integrity, and unwavering loyalty in their most intimate earthly relationships, reflecting the faithfulness of God Himself.

* [Proverbs 6:32-33](/proverbs/6-32 "Proverbs 6:32-33 - Consequences of Adultery")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable")
* [Malachi 2:14-16](/malachi/2-14 "Malachi 2:14-16 - God Hates Divorce and Unfaithfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless command "Thou shalt not commit adultery" extends far beyond its literal interpretation, inviting a profound reflection on the nature of fidelity, purity, and covenant in all aspects of life. It challenges us to cultivate not merely outward conformity but an inward purity of heart and mind, recognizing that true faithfulness begins in our thoughts and desires. This commandment calls us to honor the sacredness of every relationship, especially the marital bond, as a reflection of God's own unwavering commitment. In a world often characterized by fleeting commitments and blurred moral lines, this command serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of loyalty, trust, and the profound blessing of a faithful, exclusive union. It encourages us to build relationships on a foundation of integrity, fostering environments where trust can flourish and where the sanctity of marriage is upheld as a cornerstone of healthy communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "covenant faithfulness" in marriage relate to our faithfulness to God?**
* **In what ways does society's view of marriage and fidelity differ from the biblical standard, and what are the implications?**
* **Beyond the physical act, how might we "commit adultery" in our hearts or through our attitudes towards others' relationships?**
* **What practical steps can individuals take to cultivate purity of heart and mind, honoring the spirit of this commandment?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary purpose of the commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery"?**

Answer: The primary purpose of this commandment is to protect the sanctity and integrity of the marriage covenant, which God established as the foundational unit of human society. It safeguards the exclusive sexual bond between a husband and wife, ensuring legitimate lineage, preserving family honor, and promoting social stability. Beyond the physical act, it calls for a broader commitment to fidelity, trust, and purity within relationships, reflecting God's own faithfulness.

**How did Jesus interpret or expand upon this commandment?**

Answer: Jesus significantly deepened the understanding of this commandment in His Sermon on the Mount. In [Matthew 5:27-28](/matthew/5-27 "Matthew 5:27-28 - Jesus' Teaching on Adultery"), He taught, "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This expansion moves the prohibition beyond mere external action to include the inner thoughts and intentions, emphasizing the importance of a pure heart and mind as the source of righteous living.

**Is adultery only a sin against a spouse, or does it have broader implications?**

Answer: While primarily a sin against one's spouse and the marital covenant, adultery has far-reaching implications. It is also a sin against God, who instituted marriage and commands fidelity ([Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable")). It harms the family unit, potentially impacting children, and undermines trust within the broader community. Furthermore, in prophetic literature, spiritual adultery (idolatry and unfaithfulness to God) is often paralleled with physical adultery, highlighting its profound theological implications as a betrayal of covenant ([Jeremiah 3:8](/jeremiah/3-8 "Jeremiah 3:8 - Israel's Spiritual Adultery")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While "Thou shalt not commit adultery" is a command from the Old Covenant, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning are revealed in Christ. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, elevated the standard of this law beyond mere external action to the realm of the heart, declaring that lustful thoughts themselves constitute adultery ([Matthew 5:27-28](/matthew/5-27 "Matthew 5:27-28 - Jesus' Teaching on Adultery")). This highlights that true obedience is not just about avoiding forbidden acts, but about cultivating a pure and righteous inner life, something impossible in our own strength. Christ's perfect obedience to the Law, including its deepest spiritual implications, fulfills its demands on our behalf. Moreover, the New Testament portrays the church as the [Bride of Christ](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ and the Church as Bride"), emphasizing a profound spiritual covenant of faithfulness. Just as the Old Testament used marital infidelity as a metaphor for Israel's unfaithfulness to God, so too does the New Covenant call believers to absolute devotion and purity, reflecting the [spotless bride](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church") Christ is preparing for Himself. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to pursue genuine purity and fidelity, not merely as a legalistic obligation but as a joyful response to the grace of God and a reflection of the [faithful Bridegroom](/john/3-29 "John 3:29 - Jesus as the Bridegroom") who gave His life for His bride. This transformation is part of the new creation in Christ, where believers are called to [flee sexual immorality](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Sexual Immorality") and honor God with their bodies, which are now temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.