How does Exodus 20:14 define adultery in a biblical context? Canonical Wording of the Command Exodus 20:14 : “You shall not commit adultery.” This terse imperative belongs to the central core of Israel’s covenant—the Ten Words—and, like the other nine, articulates an aspect of the Creator’s moral order that He expects to govern every era (cf. Matthew 5:18). Marriage as Covenant and Image of Divine Fidelity Scripture frames marriage as a covenant ceremony in which God Himself is a witness (Malachi 2:14). Breaking that covenant therefore assaults: • the created order (Genesis 1:27–28; 2:24) • the self-giving fidelity that images Yahweh’s love for His people (Hosea 2:19-20; Ephesians 5:25-32) Because adultery defaces that theological picture, the command transcends mere social regulation; it guards revelatory symbolism. Torah Case Law Expansions The seventh word functions as a constitutional statement echoed in specific legislation: • Leviticus 18:20 – “You shall not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife” • Leviticus 20:10 – penalty of death for both offenders • Deuteronomy 22:22–24 – extends the definition to betrothal, treating betrothed virgins as covenantally bound These texts clarify that adultery involves a man or woman violating an existing or pledged marriage bond, irrespective of consent. Contrast with Contemporary Ancient Near Eastern Codes The Code of Hammurabi (≈1700 BC) imposed mild fines for a husband’s adultery while executing only the wife. By contrast, the Mosaic law demands the same justice for both genders (Leviticus 20:10), demonstrating God’s impartiality and the high view of women in biblical ethics. New Testament Amplification Jesus intensifies the principle: • Matthew 5:27-28 : “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” The Lord exposes inward intent, making purity of thought integral to obedience. Paul echoes this holistic standard (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Hebrews 13:4). Spiritual Adultery: Idolatry as Infidelity Prophets apply nāʾaph metaphorically to Israel’s idolatry (Jeremiah 3:6-10; Ezekiel 16; Hosea 1–3). Just as sexual adultery shatters marital oneness, idolatry violates exclusive covenant loyalty to Yahweh. The seventh command thus guards both marital and spiritual fidelity. Penalties and Societal Ramifications Capital punishment under Mosaic civil law (Leviticus 20:10) underscored adultery’s gravity. Even where the death penalty is not applied today, consequences remain severe—broken families, psychological trauma, societal instability—confirming the command’s protective wisdom (Proverbs 6:32-35). Redemption and Restoration While the Old Covenant prescribes judgment, the New Covenant highlights grace: • John 8:3-11 – Jesus neither condones the sin nor condemns the sinner, commanding, “Go and sin no more.” • 1 John 1:9 – confessed adultery receives full pardon through Christ’s atoning resurrection power, enabling restored purity (1 Corinthians 6:11). Contemporary Applications 1. Monogamous fidelity remains God’s design; cultural redefinitions cannot overturn divine ordinance (Mark 10:6-9). 2. Pornography, emotional affairs, and cohabitation without covenantal vows transgress the heart-level purity Jesus demands. 3. Churches must balance discipline (Matthew 18:15-17) with restoration for repentant offenders (Galatians 6:1-2). Summative Definition In biblical context, adultery is any physical or intentional sexual involvement outside the God-ordained, heterosexual, lifelong covenant of marriage, whether committed in body or contemplated in heart. It betrays the created order, symbolizes spiritual idolatry, destabilizes society, and requires repentance and divine forgiveness through the risen Christ. |
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