Meaning of the Verse

The commandment in Exodus 20:14 addresses the sanctity of marriage and fidelity within it. This verse indicates not just a prohibition against sexual infidelity but also emphasizes the importance of trust, respect, and commitment in relationships.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry: Henry notes that this command reflects God’s will for marital integrity. It emphasizes that God ordained marriage to be a covenant cherished and upheld above all. Henry elaborates that adultery not only breaks the marital bond but constitutes a breach of social trust and morality.

Albert Barnes: Barnes highlights the destructive nature of adultery, stating that it undermines family structures and societal stability. He explains that the Hebrew understanding of this commandment encompasses both physical and emotional fidelity, stressing that God desires purity in both body and spirit.

Adam Clarke: Clarke adds that this command protects not only the individual spouses but also the children and the community. He emphasizes that the effects of adultery go beyond the act itself, leading to family discord and societal decay.

Related Bible Cross-References

• Proverbs 6:32: “But he who commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys himself.”
• Matthew 5:27-28: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
• 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.”
• 1 Corinthians 6:18: “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
• James 4:4: “You adulterous people! Don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?”
• Ephesians 5:3: “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”
• Malachi 2:16: “For I hate divorce, says the Lord, the God of Israel, and I hate a man’s covering himself with violence as well as with his garment, says the Lord Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.”

Thematic Connections

The command against adultery reveals a deeper moral structure within the Bible. Below are some thematic Bible verse connections:

• Fidelity and Trust: Emphasized in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, where believers are called to live sanctified lives.
• Consequences of Sin: Discussed in Galatians 6:7, which speaks to the idea that one reaps what they sow.
• The sanctity of Marriage: Tied closely to Genesis 2:24, which lays the foundation for the marriage covenant.
• Repentance and Forgiveness: Found in John 8:11, where Jesus addresses a woman caught in adultery with compassion.
• God’s Law: Referenced in Psalms 119:97, highlighting the importance of valuing God’s statutes.

Cross-Referencing Biblical Texts

Cross-referencing is essential for understanding connections between Bible verses. Here’s how to utilize these cross-references effectively:

• Utilize a Bible Concordance: This tool can help you identify key themes associated with adultery.
• Create a Bible Cross Reference Guide: Summarize key verses that outline the importance of fidelity.
• Engage in Cross-Reference Bible Studies: Discuss the implications of Exodus 20:14 within group studies.
• Research Links to New Testament Teachings: Examine how Christ expands on the command in the Sermon on the Mount.
• Explore Comparative Bible Verse Analysis: Compare Old Testament laws with New Testament grace teachings.

Conclusion

Exodus 20:14 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s desire for purity in relationships. The command against adultery is not merely about avoiding a sin; it is about embracing the value of loyalty, respect, and love in the covenant of marriage. The connections between this commandment and other verses illustrate a comprehensive biblical ethics surrounding relationships and moral conduct.