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Deuteronomy 5:18

Deuteronomy 5:18 in Multiple Translations

You shall not commit adultery.

Neither shalt thou commit adultery.

Neither shalt thou commit adultery.

Do not be false to the married relation.

You must not commit adultery.

Neither shalt thou commit adulterie.

'Thou dost not commit adultery.

“You shall not commit adultery.

Neither shalt thou commit adultery.

Neither shalt thou commit adultery.

Do not ◄commit adultery/have sex with anyone other than your spouse►.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 5:18

BAB
Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 5:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/לֹ֖א תִּנְאָֽף
וְ/לֹ֖א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
תִּנְאָֽף nâʼaph H5003 to commit adultery V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 5:18

וְ/לֹ֖א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִּנְאָֽף nâʼaph H5003 "to commit adultery" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, like in the story of David and Bathsheba. It can also mean to worship idols, which is a form of spiritual adultery. In the Bible, it is used to describe both physical and spiritual unfaithfulness.
Definition: 1) to commit adultery 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to commit adultery 1a1a) usually of man 1a1a1) always with wife of another 1a1b) adultery (of women) (participle) 1a2) idolatrous worship (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to commit adultery 1b1a) of man 1b1b) adultery (of women) (participle) 1b2) idolatrous worship (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: adulterer(-ess), commit(-ing) adultery, woman that breaketh wedlock. See also: Exodus 20:14; Jeremiah 23:10; Psalms 50:18.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 5:18

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 20:14 You shall not commit adultery.
2 Luke 18:20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother.’ ”
3 Leviticus 20:10 If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death.
4 Matthew 5:27–28 You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
5 Proverbs 6:32–33 He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. Wounds and dishonor will befall him, and his reproach will never be wiped away.
6 James 2:10–11 Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

Deuteronomy 5:18 Summary

Deuteronomy 5:18 reminds us that God values faithfulness and commitment in marriage, and that adultery is a serious sin against Him. This commandment is not just about following a rule, but about honoring God's design for relationships, as seen in Genesis 2:24. By prioritizing faithfulness and commitment, we can build strong, healthy relationships that bring joy and fulfillment to our lives, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:25-33. By seeking to honor God in our relationships, we can experience the blessings and joy that come from following His commands, as promised in Psalm 119:1-2.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the commandment against adultery in Deuteronomy 5:18?

The commandment against adultery is significant because it reflects God's design for marriage and relationships, as seen in Genesis 2:24, where a man leaves his father and mother and is united with his wife. This commandment also highlights the importance of faithfulness and commitment in marriage, as emphasized in Ephesians 5:31.

How does this commandment relate to Jesus' teaching on marriage and divorce?

Jesus' teaching on marriage and divorce, as recorded in Matthew 19:3-12, emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and commitment in marriage, and reinforces the commandment against adultery. Jesus teaches that marriage is a sacred institution, and that divorce is only permissible in cases of adultery, as seen in Matthew 5:31-32.

What are the consequences of committing adultery, according to the Bible?

The Bible teaches that committing adultery can have serious consequences, including damage to relationships, harm to one's reputation, and even physical harm, as seen in Proverbs 6:32-33. Additionally, adultery is considered a sin against God, and can lead to spiritual consequences, as warned in Hebrews 13:4.

How can I apply this commandment to my own life, in a world where adultery is often trivialized or normalized?

To apply this commandment to your own life, it's essential to prioritize faithfulness and commitment in your relationships, and to seek to honor God in all aspects of your life, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17. This may involve setting boundaries, seeking accountability, and cultivating a deep love and respect for your spouse, as seen in Ephesians 5:25-33.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may be tempted to compromise on this commandment, and how can I resist those temptations?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper love and respect for my spouse, and prioritize faithfulness and commitment in our relationship?
  3. What are some potential consequences of committing adultery, and how can I avoid those consequences in my own life?
  4. How can I seek to honor God in my relationships, and prioritize His design for marriage and relationships?
  5. What role can accountability and community play in helping me to stay faithful to this commandment?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 5:18

[See comments on Deuteronomy 5:17].

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 5:18

Thou shalt not kill. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:18

Deuteronomy 5:18 Neither shalt thou commit adultery.Ver. 18. Neither shalt thou commit.] Or, And thou shalt not commit, &c., and so in the following laws; to teach us that the law is but one copulative, as the schools speak. For the sanction indeed, it is disjunctive; but for the injunction, it is copulative. The sanction is, Either do this, or die: but the injunction is not, Either do this or that, but Do this and that too. See Matthew 23:2-3 Ezekiel 18:10-11; Ezekiel 18:13 James 2:10. Do everything, as well as anything: to leave one sin and not another, is, with Benhadad, to recover of one disease, and to die of another. Lex tota est una copulativa.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:18

(17-20) The wording of these four commandments is the same with that of Exodus 20.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 5:18

17–20. The Sixth to the Ninth Commandments, as in Exodus 20:13-16, except that for the simple not used there, we have here and not = neither, to introduce the Seventh, Eighth and Ninth Commandments; and that in the Ninth instead of sheḳ ?er = false of Exo 20:16 there is the wider term shav’ = vain, groundless, as in the Third Commandment. For this term see on Exodus 20:7; and cp. Exodus 23:1 (E), where it is applied to a report or rumour.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:18

18. Neither — The Hebrew and not. All the commandments that follow, as well as this, commence with the conjunction and the negative.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 5:18

SermonDescription
Elisabeth Elliot Holy Harmony - Part 1 by Elisabeth Elliot In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a holy harmony in our lives. He reflects on the difference that Jesus Christ has made in his own life and challenges the au
Erwin Lutzer Living With Your Passion by Erwin Lutzer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being thorough and complete in our commitment to God. He urges the audience to get rid of any associations or contacts that
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 1 John 4 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the love of God as demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He highlights that God's love is not based on our love for Him,
Don McClure Boasting in the Law by Don McClure In this sermon, the speaker discusses how the apostle Paul systematically addresses different types of people and their beliefs about acceptance before God. He emphasizes that all
William MacDonald The Ten Commandments Gospel Message by William MacDonald In this sermon, the speaker describes visiting a terminally ill patient in the hospital. The patient expresses fear of dying and the speaker asks if he is afraid to meet God. The p
John Alexander Dowie Monogamatic Marriage by John Alexander Dowie In this sermon, the preacher strongly condemns the social system that pretends to be monogamous but is actually filled with mischief. He emphasizes the importance of fathers taking
Art Katz K-469 Israel - a Prophetic Glimpse by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to rely on God rather than human answers. He encourages the audience to spend time with the Lord, reading the Bible an

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