King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 5:18 Mean?

Deuteronomy 5:18 in the King James Version says “Neither shalt thou commit adultery.” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Neither shalt thou commit adultery.”

Deuteronomy 5:18 · KJV

Context

16

Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

17

Thou shalt not kill.

18

Neither shalt thou commit adultery.

19

Neither shalt thou steal.

20

Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Read Deuteronomy 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The seventh commandment 'Neither shalt thou commit adultery' protects marriage covenant and sexual purity. Adultery violates the one-flesh union (Genesis 2:24), betrays covenant vows, and distorts God's design for human sexuality within marriage. This command upholds marriage as sacred, reflecting Christ's relationship with His church (Ephesians 5:25-32). Jesus expands this to prohibit lustful thoughts (Matthew 5:27-28), showing sexual purity begins in the heart. The Reformed tradition applies this broadly to all sexual immorality, defending marriage as covenantal, permanent, and exclusively heterosexual.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures tolerated various sexual practices Israel's law prohibited: temple prostitution, polygamy's abuses, and adultery (though penalties existed). Israel's law prescribed death for adultery (Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22), emphasizing covenant marriage's sanctity. Prophets used adultery metaphorically for Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness (Hosea 1-3, Jeremiah 3, Ezekiel 16). Jesus' mercy toward the adulteress (John 8:1-11) demonstrated grace while upholding the law's standard ('sin no more').

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the sanctity of marriage reflect Christ's covenantal relationship with the church?
  2. What does Jesus' expansion of this command to include lustful thoughts teach about God's concern for heart purity, not merely external conformity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 2 words
וְלֹ֖֣א1 of 2
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִּֿנְאָֽ֑ף׃2 of 2

“Neither shalt thou commit adultery”

H5003

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 5:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 5:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 20:14Luke 18:20Leviticus 20:10Matthew 5:27-28Proverbs 6:32-33James 2:10-11

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Deuteronomy 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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