Meaning of Deuteronomy 5:18

Deuteronomy 5:18, "You shall not commit adultery," is the seventh commandment given by God to the Israelites through Moses on Mount Sinai, forming a cornerstone of the Mosaic Law and a fundamental ethical principle for human relationships. This prohibition extends beyond the physical act of intercourse with someone who is married to another, encompassing a broader understanding of sexual fidelity and the sanctity of marriage as instituted by God. Within the covenantal framework established between God and Israel, the commandments were not merely legalistic rules but expressions of God's desire for a pure and ordered society, reflecting His own faithfulness and holiness. The commandment thus underscores the importance of preserving the integrity of the marital bond, which serves as a foundational unit for family, community, and ultimately, for reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church.

Context and Background

This commandment is part of the Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue, delivered at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17). Deuteronomy 5 recounts Moses re-presenting these commandments to the new generation of Israelites preparing to enter the Promised Land, emphasizing their enduring relevance and the covenantal obligations they represent. The ancient Near Eastern world often had a more permissive view of sexual relationships outside of marriage, and adultery could have severe social and economic consequences, including the potential breakdown of family structures and inheritance rights. God's commandment, therefore, established a standard of sexual purity that was distinct and elevated, aiming to create a holy people set apart.

Key Themes and Messages

The core message of this commandment is the sanctity of marriage and the protection of sexual fidelity. It emphasizes that sexual union is intended to be exclusively within the covenant of marriage. This prohibition guards against the disruption of families, the emotional and psychological damage to individuals, and the broader societal instability that adultery can cause. It also speaks to a deeper principle of honoring commitments and maintaining the integrity of relationships.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, adultery is seen as a betrayal not only of a spouse but also of God, who instituted marriage and expects faithfulness within it. In the New Testament, Jesus expands the understanding of adultery to include lustful thoughts (Matthew 5:27-28), indicating that the commandment addresses the internal disposition of the heart as well as outward actions. For believers, this commandment calls for a commitment to sexual purity, faithfulness in marriage, and the cultivation of a heart that honors God in all relationships. It requires self-control, intentional effort to guard one's thoughts and desires, and reliance on the Holy Spirit's power.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The prohibition against adultery is woven throughout the biblical narrative. From the creation account where God establishes marriage between Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:24), to the prophetic condemnations of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness as adultery against God (Jeremiah 3:8-9), to the New Testament portrayal of the Church as the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-32), the concept of fidelity and the sanctity of covenantal unions are central. Adultery is consistently depicted as a serious sin that damages individuals, families, and the community's relationship with God.

Analogies

• A Broken Covenant: Adultery is akin to breaking a solemn vow or covenant, much like a nation breaking a treaty. It shatters trust and violates the foundational agreement.
• A Tarnished Mirror: A marriage that experiences adultery is like a mirror that has been cracked or tarnished. While it might still reflect, the image is distorted, and its original clarity and beauty are lost.
• A Contaminated Well: The marital union is intended to be a pure source of life and intimacy. Adultery contaminates this well, poisoning the trust and security within the relationship.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 2:24: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." This foundational verse establishes marriage as a unique and exclusive union, which adultery violates.
• Matthew 5:27-28: Jesus' teaching on lust in the heart broadens the application of the commandment, showing that the intent and desire are also critical in God's eyes.
• 1 Corinthians 6:18-20: This passage emphasizes that sexual immorality, including adultery, is a sin against one's own body and against God, who indwells believers with His Spirit.
• Hebrews 13:4: "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous." This verse reiterates the divine institution and protection of marriage and the consequences of its violation.