“‘And you shall not commit adultery.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Deuteronomy 5:18
What does Deuteronomy 5:18 mean?
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Deuteronomy 5:18
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While we often think of adultery as just the physical act, this commandment also calls us to guard our hearts and minds. It's a reminder that lustful thoughts and temptations, if not checked, can pave the way for sin. This ancient command urges us to cultivate purity not just in our actions, but in our deepest desires as well.
“‘And you shall not commit adultery.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This command appears as part of the Ten Commandments, which God is giving to the entire Israelite nation gathered at Mount Sinai. Moses is reiterating these foundational laws, previously given at Exodus, emphasizing their importance as the basis for Israel's covenant relationship with God and their life in the promised land. This prohibition against adultery follows the commandments about honoring parents and precedes the command not to steal, grounding sexual purity within the broader framework of respect for others and God's order.
We often think of adultery as just a physical act, but the command goes much deeper. What does it really cover?
The commandment against adultery isn't just about the physical act; it calls for purity of heart and mind as well. Think about it:
Why does God remind Israel of their Exodus from Egypt right before giving this command? What's the connection?
The context of the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy is crucial. God begins by reminding Israel, 'I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery' (Deuteronomy 5:6). This isn't just a historical note; it's the foundation for obedience.
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Understand the original words
na'aph · Hebrew Verb
Sexual intimacy between a married person and someone other than their spouse; it is a violation of the covenant of marriage established by God.
Jesus expands the command beyond the physical act to include lustful thoughts, showing that the heart's intention is where sin begins, just as commentators noted about Deuteronomy.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20This passage directly addresses sexual immorality, reminding believers that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be honored, extending the 'do not commit adultery' command to a holistic view of sexual purity.
Hebrews 13:4This verse elevates marriage as honorable and pure, directly contrasting it with sexual sin and reinforcing the sanctity of committed relationships that the commandment protects.
Proverbs 6:25-29Proverbs warns against the destructive consequences of lust and adultery, illustrating the deep ruin and spiritual damage that the commandment aims to prevent.
bensonDeuteronomy 5:18: "Neither shalt thou commit adultery."
Deuteronomy 5:18 . Neither shalt thou commit adultery — If thou hast not been guilty of any act of uncleanness, hath thy heart conceived no unclean thought? Hast thou not looked on a woman so as to lust after her? Hast thou not betrayed thy own soul to temptation, by eating and drinking to the full, by needless familiarities, by foolish talking, by levity of dress or behaviour? Hast thou used all the means which Scripture and reason sugges…
henryDeuteronomy 5:6-22: "I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage."
5:6-22 There is some variation here from Ex 20 as between the Lord's prayer in Mt 6 and Lu 11. It is more necessary that we tie ourselves to the things, than to the words unalterably. The original reason for hallowing the sabbath, taken from God's resting from the work of creation on the seventh day, is not here mentioned. Though this ever remains in force, it is not the only rea…
While we often think of adultery as just the physical act, this commandment also calls us to guard our hearts and minds. It's a reminder that lustful thoughts and temptations, if not checked, can pave the way for sin. This ancient command urges us to cultivate purity not just in our actions, but in our deepest desires as well.
This command appears as part of the Ten Commandments, which God is giving to the entire Israelite nation gathered at Mount Sinai. Moses is reiterating these foundational laws, previously given at Exodus, emphasizing their importance as the basis for Israel's covenant relationship with God and their life in the promised land. This prohibition against adultery follows the commandments about honoring parents and precedes the command not to steal, grounding sexual purity within the broader framework of respect for others and God's order.
This command appears as part of the Ten Commandments, which God is giving to the entire Israelite nation gathered at Mount Sinai. Moses is reiterating these foundational laws, previously given at Exodus, emphasizing their importance as the basis for Israel's covenant relationship with God and their life in the promised land. This prohibition against adultery follows the commandments about honoring parents and precedes the command not to steal, grounding sexual purity within the broader framework of respect for others and God's order.
"“‘And you shall not commit adultery." — While we often think of adultery as just the physical act, this commandment also calls us to guard our hearts and minds. It's a reminder that lustful thoughts and temptations, if not checked, can pav…
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Last reviewed October 2026