The commandment “You shall not commit adultery” is one of the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:14. It is a clear prohibition against engaging in sexual relationships outside of marriage. There are several important reasons why this commandment is included in the Ten Commandments:
1. It protects marriage
Marriage is central to God’s design for humanity. Genesis 2:24 says “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Marriage creates a sacred covenant and union between a husband and wife. Adultery violates and destroys this covenant by introducing a third party into the marriage. God included the prohibition against adultery in the Ten Commandments to protect marriage and families.
2. It promotes sexual purity
Adultery is a violation of the sexual intimacy that God designed for marriage. By prohibiting adultery, God was setting a standard of sexual purity for His people. All sexual relations outside of marriage are considered immoral. These include premarital sex, extramarital sex, homosexuality, bestiality and other perversions of God’s design for sex (Leviticus 18, 1 Corinthians 6:13-20). The commandment against adultery promotes sexual purity in thought and deed.
3. It prevents sexual sin
Adultery often leads to other sexual sins and perversions. Once the boundary of marital faithfulness is crossed, people can easily fall deeper into lust, pornography and sexual depravity outside of God’s will. Studies show adultery increases risks for sexually transmitted diseases. The commandment to not commit adultery acts as a guardrail to prevent God’s people from sliding down the path of all kinds of sexual immorality.
4. It upholds the sanctity of sex
Sex is a gift from God meant for marriage (Hebrews 13:4). It unites husband and wife into “one flesh” and has the potential to create new life. Adultery treats sex as a trivial physical act rather than the sacred spiritual union God intended. Keeping sex exclusive within marriage upholds its sanctity and honors God.
5. It maintains purity in the community
Adultery defiles not just the marriage but the entire community. Just like yeast spreads through dough, sexual sin can permeate an entire society (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). God wants His people to be holy and set apart. The prohibition against adultery maintains purity and holiness in the community of God’s people. It prevents the cancer of sexual sin from taking root and spreading.
6. It reflects God’s nature
As the people of God, we are called to reflect His holy nature (1 Peter 1:15-16). God designed sex for marriage between one man and one woman. Adultery distorts God’s good design for marital intimacy. By prohibiting adultery, God was establishing a law consistent with His nature and will. As His people obey this command, they rightly reflect His character to the world.
7. It commands faithfulness
Faithfulness and loyalty are virtues praised throughout Scripture. By forbidding adultery, God was commanding His people to fully commit and be faithful to their spouses. Marriage requires sacrifice, perseverance and dedication. The commandment promotes faithfulness to one’s marriage vows until death (Romans 7:2-3).
8. It prohibits theft
Adultery violates the tenth commandment which forbids coveting and stealing what rightfully belongs to your neighbor. In marriage, spouses give themselves fully to one another. Adultery is an act of theft – it robs a spouse of their exclusive intimacy and betrays their trust. Adultery takes what rightfully belongs to the marriage partner.
9. It prevents jealousy and envy
Adultery breeds jealousy and envy in relationships. A spouse can feel intense jealousy knowing their partner has shared intimacy with someone else. Adultery causes pain, insecurity grief and suspicion in marriages. God seeks to prevent these relational fractures by commanding faithfulness and prohibiting adultery.
10. It protects children and families
Children are often the innocent victims of adultery. Adultery frequently leads to divorce, broken homes, absent parents, etc. This causes lasting damage to children. The prohibition of adultery acts as a safeguard for the basic building block of society – the family. It promotes fidelity and commitment for the sake of children.
11. It reflects the covenant with God
The Bible describes the relationship between God and His people like a marriage. God expects our exclusive devotion, trust and fidelity. Adultery violates this covenant bond with the Lord. Honoring marriage reflects the sacred spiritual union between God and His people. Adultery distorts this holy metaphor.
12. It leads to judgment
Adultery carries grave spiritual consequences. In the Old Testament adultery was punishable by death (Leviticus 20:10). Though not necessarily enforced with capital punishment today, it still leads to God’s discipline and judgment. Prohibiting adultery protects people from very real spiritual ramifications.
13. It shows love for neighbor
The Ten Commandments often get summarized as love for God and love for neighbor (Mark 12:30-31). Committing adultery is an extremely unloving act toward your spouse and your neighbors. It brings incredible pain and betrayal. The commandment promotes acting in love, not selfish lust, toward others.
14. It avoids negative ripple effects
Adultery never takes place in isolation. It negatively impacts the adulterer, the spouse, both families, children, friends, church, coworkers and more. It can have a far-reaching ripple effect that leads to all kinds of other sins like lying, anguish, violence, divorce, depression, dysfunction, etc. God prohibits adultery to avoid these devastating consequences.
15. It makes worship impossible
Adultery separates people from God. After committing terrible sexual immorality, Hosea wrote “They shall not return to the land of Egypt, but Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me.” (Hosea 11:5). Adultery – or refusal to repent from it – cuts people off from true worship of God.
The commandment prohibiting adultery is abundantly important for marriage, family, society and our walk with God. It preserves marriage, promotes sexual purity, upholds the sanctity of sex and protects children. Adultery leads to jealousy, pain, judgment and negative consequences. Honoring this commandment helps people love God and neighbor faithfully. There are so many reasons why “you shall not commit adultery” rightfully deserves a place in the Ten Commandments.