Exodus 20:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God forbids sexual relations outside marriage, particularly with another's spouse.
The Context of Exodus 20:14
God forbids adultery and sexual unfaithfulness within marriage.
What Does Exodus 20:14 Mean?
Adultery breaks the covenant of marriage and violates the most intimate human bond. This commandment protects the marriage relationship and the family unit that depends on it. Sexual faithfulness is not merely a matter of personal preference but a moral law rooted in God's design for human relationships. The commandment assumes marriage is a binding covenant deserving protection.
Beyond the marriage partners, adultery has communal effects. It confuses inheritance, damages children's security, and undermines social trust. The law protects marriage as a foundational institution, recognizing that sexual exclusivity and fidelity are essential to stable families and communities.
Exodus 20:14 in the Original Language
Naaph (נאף), 'commit adultery' — specifically refers to sexual relations with another man's wife; denotes a violation of the marriage covenant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 20:14
What does Exodus 20:14 mean?
God forbids sexual relations outside marriage, particularly with another's spouse.
What is the context of Exodus 20:14?
God forbids adultery and sexual unfaithfulness within marriage.