Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery
The seventh commandment protects the marriage covenant, calling for faithfulness between husband and wife and honoring God's design for intimate relationships.
The seventh commandment protects the marriage covenant, calling for faithfulness between husband and wife and honoring God's design for intimate relationships.
"Thou shalt not commit adultery." — Exodus 20:14 (KJV)
"Thou shalt not commit adultery."Exodus 20:14 — Read in Context
What Does the 7th Commandment Mean?
Marriage is presented throughout Scripture as a sacred covenant, not merely a social contract. God instituted marriage in Eden (Genesis 2:24) and used the marital relationship as a metaphor for His covenant with Israel (Hosea 2:19-20) and Christ's relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:25-32). Adultery violates this covenant at the deepest level, destroying trust and fracturing families. In the Old Testament, adultery was considered such a serious offense that it carried the death penalty (Leviticus 20:10). Jesus, as with the sixth commandment, went to the root of the issue: 'But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart' (Matthew 5:28). This teaching reveals that sexual purity begins in the heart and mind, not just in outward behavior.
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, adultery laws primarily protected the husband's property rights over his wife. Israel's law was distinct in that it held both the man and the woman accountable (Leviticus 20:10)—the sin was against God's covenant design, not merely against a husband's honor. Marriage in Israel was a covenant (berith) echoing God's covenant with His people. The prophets frequently used adultery as a metaphor for Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness—Hosea's marriage to Gomer dramatized God's faithfulness despite Israel's 'adultery' with foreign gods. Jesus' expansion to include lustful thoughts (Matthew 5:28) was rooted in the tenth commandment's prohibition of coveting another's spouse.
Original Language
'Na'af' specifically refers to sexual relations with another person's spouse—a violation of the marriage covenant. It is distinct from 'zanah' (general sexual immorality/prostitution). The word carries the weight of covenant-breaking, echoing Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness when they pursued foreign gods.
Common Misconceptions
Myth
This commandment only applies to married people having affairs.
Truth
While adultery specifically involves marital unfaithfulness, Jesus extended the principle to lustful thoughts (Matthew 5:28), and the broader biblical ethic encompasses all forms of sexual immorality outside marriage. The commandment protects the whole institution of marriage.
Myth
Adultery is an unforgivable sin.
Truth
While adultery is devastating, Scripture shows both its serious consequences and God's willingness to forgive. David committed adultery with Bathsheba yet was restored (2 Samuel 12). Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery (John 8:11). Forgiveness requires genuine repentance.
Applying This Commandment Today
In a culture that often trivializes sexual fidelity, this commandment calls believers to honor marriage covenants, guard their hearts and minds against lust, and build relationships on trust and commitment. It also extends to respecting others' marriages and supporting couples in their faithfulness.
Related Scripture References
Matthew 5:27-28
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."Read in context
Hebrews 13:4
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."Read in context
Proverbs 6:32
"But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul."Read in context
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
"Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?"Read in context
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered adultery in the Bible?
Biblically, adultery is sexual unfaithfulness within marriage—when a married person engages in a sexual relationship with someone other than their spouse. Jesus expanded this to include lustful thoughts in Matthew 5:28.
Can adultery be forgiven?
Yes. While adultery is a serious sin with real consequences, God offers forgiveness to all who repent. Jesus showed mercy to the woman caught in adultery (John 8:11), telling her to 'go, and sin no more.' Restoration requires genuine repentance and often professional counseling.
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