Deuteronomy 5:18 Meaning and Explanation
“Neither shalt thou commit adultery.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The seventh commandment forbids sexual unfaithfulness within marriage.
The Context of Deuteronomy 5:18
The seventh commandment forbids adultery and protects the marriage covenant.
What Does Deuteronomy 5:18 Mean?
Adultery violates the marriage covenant and betrays the trust at the heart of family life. This commandment protects the stability and integrity of the household, the foundational unit of society and faith transmission. Sexual fidelity is presented as a matter of covenant justice, not merely personal preference—it reflects the faithfulness God calls for in His relationship with His people.
The commandment recognizes that sexual commitment carries moral weight. Betraying a spouse's trust harms both the individual and the community; protecting marital fidelity protects the social fabric and the trustworthiness that allows covenant community to exist.
Deuteronomy 5:18 in the Original Language
na'aph (נָאַף), 'commit adultery' — to violate the marriage covenant through sexual unfaithfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 5:18
What does Deuteronomy 5:18 mean?
The seventh commandment forbids sexual unfaithfulness within marriage.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 5:18?
The seventh commandment forbids adultery and protects the marriage covenant.