Exodus 20:14

14 "¹You shall not commit adultery.

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 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.

13 "You shall not murder.

14 "You shall not commit adultery.

15 "You shall not steal.

16 "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Cross References

• 1. Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 5:18; Matthew 5:27; Matthew 19:18; Romans 13:9