Exodus 20:14 - Printer Friendly

What does Exodus 20:14 mean?

ESV: "You shall not commit adultery.

NIV: "You shall not commit adultery.

NASB: You shall not commit adultery.

CSB: Do not commit adultery.

NLT: You must not commit adultery.

KJV: Thou shalt not commit adultery.

NKJV: “You shall not commit adultery.

Verse Commentary:

God's covenant with the nation of Israel (Exodus 19:5–6; 20:1) is introduced with a concise set of laws: the Ten Commandments. These include rules on how the people are to treat God (Exodus 20:1–11), and how to treat one another (Exodus 20:12–13, 15–17). The principles in these early laws establish a foundation for the rest of the law of Moses (2 Chronicles 5:10).

Adultery is sexual contact with someone other than one's spouse. The term is usually applied to married people, while unmarried sexual contact would be "fornication" or simply "sexual immorality." The same is true here; this commandment uses a term specifically referring to violating a marriage through illicit sex. Marriage between one man and one woman is humanity's oldest relationship model (Genesis 1:27–28; 2:24–25). This system is rooted in mutual support and respect, as well as loyalty. Taking sex—the most intimate human behavior—outside of that arrangement dishonors the spouse and insults the Creator who instituted marriage.

Marriage is fundamental to a culture's existence. It is the cornerstone of the family which is mankind's basic social unit. This makes violating marriage a serious problem. This was especially true in the ancient world where trust and commitment were essential to survival. Women needed to know that husbands were caring for them and them alone. Husbands needed to know that the children they supported were their offspring. Both needed assurance that their relationship was sacred and valuable. Under the Mosaic covenant, blatant adultery could be punished with death (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22).

Marriage is also sacred because of its parallels to God's relationship with mankind. The Lord will occasionally compare the nation of Israel to His bride (Jeremiah 2:2–3, 32). This makes idolatry and worship of false gods adultery—as offensive to God as a spouse is dishonored by a cheating partner (Jeremiah 3:1; Ezekiel 16:30–34). The church of believers in Christ is considered the "bride of Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:2–3; Ephesians 5:22–33).

Jesus will point out that this commandment is not limited to physical acts. Lusts and imaginations towards others are also sins in God's eyes (Matthew 5:27–28).

Exodus 20:1–17 contains the Ten Commandments: the foundational laws of the ancient nation of Israel. These provide a basis for every other Mosaic law (2 Chronicles 5:10). The laws prohibit worship of other gods, idolatry, blasphemy, perjury, theft, murder, adultery, and covetousness. They command Israelites to honor parents and observe a weekly Sabbath rest. Like the rest of the old covenant, these commandments will be "fulfilled" and no longer applicable after Christ's completed work (Galatians 4:4–5; Hebrews 8:8–13). However, all these rules, other than the command to observe the Sabbath, are repeated in Christ's teachings.

Chapter Summary:

At Mount Sinai, God begins declaring the laws of His covenant with Israel. The first of these are the Ten Commandments. These establish core principles intended to guide the Lord's chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6). Further details will come in other chapters and books. This chapter ends with specifics about altars and idols. The following chapters will address various social and civil issues (Exodus 21—23)

Chapter Context:

Centuries after being enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1), Israel has been freed (Exodus 12). God leads the people across the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and into the wilderness of Sinai (Exodus 17—19). Here, He will give them laws which distinguish them from other nations. The first of these are the renowned Ten Commandments. The Lord will continue to provide details and statutes (Exodus 21—23) before confirming the covenant (Exodus 24) and establishing regulations for the tabernacle and priests (Exodus 25—31).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

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