The Law of Moses

Explore the Ten Commandments

Seventh Word: You shall not commit adultery.

Exodus 20:14 (CJB)

“You are not to commit adultery.”

Cultural Context

In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, marriage was not only a personal or emotional relationship but also a vital social and economic institution. It established family alliances, inheritance rights, and tribal stability. Adultery was seen as a serious violation because it threatened the integrity of the family, disrupted lineage, and could lead to social chaos. Unlike some neighboring cultures where sexual morality was more permissive or connected to religious rituals, the Israelites were called to uphold strict faithfulness within marriage as a reflection of God’s covenantal faithfulness to His people. The seventh commandment protected the sanctity of marriage, emphasizing trust, loyalty, and purity—values essential for both personal honor and the well-being of the community. It reinforced the idea that sexual relations belong within the covenant relationship of marriage, reflecting the sacredness God intended for human intimacy.

Christian Understanding

A common misconception about the seventh commandment is that it only prohibits physical acts of adultery, overlooking the broader call to faithfulness and purity in relationships. Some also mistakenly believe that adultery is a private matter with no wider impact, but in ancient society, it threatened family honor, inheritance rights, and community stability. Others assume that sexual morality was less important or more flexible in the biblical context, but the commandment reflects a deep commitment to covenantal faithfulness, mirroring God’s unwavering loyalty to His people. Clarity comes from understanding that this commandment is about honoring the sacredness of marriage as a lifelong, exclusive bond and guarding against anything that undermines trust and commitment, which are foundational to healthy families and societies.