Exodus 20:14

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Thou shalt not commit adultery {H5003}.

"Do not commit adultery.

You shall not commit adultery.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Commentary

Context

The commandment, "Thou shalt not commit adultery," found in Exodus 20:14, is the seventh (or sixth, depending on the numbering tradition) of the Ten Commandments, delivered by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. These commandments form the foundational ethical and moral laws for ancient Israel, establishing the principles for their covenant relationship with God and their conduct within society. Placed after commands concerning reverence for God and respect for parents, and before those addressing theft and false witness, this commandment underscores the sanctity of marriage and the family unit as the bedrock of a stable and righteous community. In a society where family lineage and property were paramount, adultery was not merely a private sin but a profound social transgression that undermined trust, legitimacy, and the very fabric of communal life.

Key Themes

  • Sanctity of Marriage: At its core, this commandment upholds the divine institution of marriage as a sacred and exclusive bond between one man and one woman. It protects the integrity of this union, which is presented throughout Scripture as a reflection of God's covenant faithfulness.
  • Sexual Purity and Fidelity: The command directly addresses sexual behavior, calling for purity and loyalty within the marital relationship. It emphasizes that sexual intimacy is reserved exclusively for the marriage covenant.
  • Respect for Others' Relationships: Adultery is a violation not only of one's own marriage vows but also a grave offense against another person's spouse and family. It speaks to the importance of respecting the boundaries and relationships of others.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: Just as God is faithful to His covenant with Israel, so too are His people called to be faithful in their most intimate earthly covenants. Adultery, in a broader sense, can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness to God, as seen in prophetic literature (e.g., Jeremiah 3:8).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "commit adultery" is na'aph (נָאַף). This term specifically refers to illicit sexual relations between a married person and someone who is not their spouse. It carries the weight of betrayal and the breaking of a sacred bond. Unlike some other forms of sexual sin, na'aph focuses on the violation of marital fidelity and the disruption of the family structure. The absolute nature of the prohibition ("Thou shalt not") leaves no room for ambiguity, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense in God's eyes.

Practical Application

While given in an ancient context, the principle of "Thou shalt not commit adultery" remains profoundly relevant today.

  • Upholding Marital Fidelity: It calls believers to honor and protect their marriage vows, fostering trust, intimacy, and lasting commitment within the marital bond.
  • Purity of Heart and Mind: Jesus expanded on this commandment, teaching that lustful thoughts also constitute a form of adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:28). This challenges individuals to cultivate not just outward actions but also inner purity and integrity.
  • Respect for Boundaries: The commandment encourages respect for the sanctity of all relationships, recognizing the destructive impact of infidelity on individuals, families, and communities.
  • Societal Health: A society that values and protects the institution of marriage tends to be more stable and healthy. The command provides a moral framework for sexual ethics that contributes to the well-being of all.

Ultimately, this commandment is a call to faithfulness—faithfulness to one's spouse, faithfulness to the sacred covenant of marriage, and ultimately, faithfulness to God who instituted marriage as a blessing for humanity (Hebrews 13:4).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 13:4 (30 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 5:18 (24 votes)

    Neither shalt thou commit adultery.

  • Romans 7:2 (22 votes)

    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 (22 votes)

    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 (21 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    ¶ 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.