Exodus 20:14
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Hebrews 13:4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.Deuteronomy 5:18Neither shalt thou commit adultery.Romans 13:9For 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 21:8But 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 20:10And 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.Leviticus 18:20Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her.James 4:4Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.2 Samuel 11:27And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures had varying adultery standards, often applying stricter penalties to women. Israel's law applies equally to men and women (Leviticus 20:10), reflecting covenant mutuality.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' statement about lustful looks expand your understanding of this command?
- In what ways does marital faithfulness image Christ's covenant love for the church?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
'Lo tin'af' (לֹא תִנְאָף) prohibits sexual union outside marriage covenant—violating spouse's exclusive right to partner's body. Adultery breaks covenant, betrays trust, destroys families, confuses inheritance, and images Israel's spiritual adultery (idolatry). Prophets use marriage metaphor extensively (Hosea, Ezekiel 16, Jeremiah 3)—Israel's idolatry is adultery against her divine Husband. Jesus radicalizes this: 'whoever looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery in his heart' (Matthew 5:28). Mental infidelity violates the command. Paul connects marital faithfulness to Christ and church (Ephesians 5:25-32)—marriage images gospel. Sexual purity glorifies God and protects covenant.