Exodus 20:14

14 "Do not commit adultery. ¹

Exodus 20:14 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 20:14

Thou shall not commit adultery,
] Which, strictly speaking, is only that sin which is committed with another man's wife, as Jarchi observes; but Aben Ezra thinks the word here used signifies the same as another more commonly used for whoredom and fornication; and no doubt but fornication is here included, which, though it was not reckoned a crime among some Heathens, is within the reach of this law, and forbidden by it, it being an impure action, and against a man's body, as the apostle says, ( 1 Corinthians 6:18 ) as well as sins of a more enormous kind, as unnatural lusts and copulations, such as incest, sodomy, bestiality, &c. and even all unchaste thoughts, desires, and affections, obscene words, and impure motions and gestures of the body, and whatever is in itself unclean or tends to uncleanness; as it also requires that we should, as much as in us lies, do all we can to preserve our chastity, and the chastity of others, pure and inviolate, see ( Matthew 5:28 ) , this is the seventh commandment.

Exodus 20:14 In-Context

12 "Respect your father and your mother, so that you may live a long time in the land that I am giving you.

13 "Do not commit murder.

14 "Do not commit adultery.

15 "Do not steal.

16 "Do not accuse anyone falsely.

Cross References

• 1. 20.14Leviticus 20.10;Matthew 5.27; 19.18;Mark 10.19;Luke 18.20;Romans 13.9;James 2.11.