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Exodus 20:14
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Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not commit adultery - Adultery, as defined by our laws, is of two kinds; double, when between two married persons; single, when one of the parties is married, the other single. One principal part of the criminality of adultery consists in its injustice. 1. It robs a man of his right by taking from him the affection of his wife. 2. It does him a wrong by fathering on him and obliging him to maintain as his own a spurious offspring - a child which is not his. The act itself, and every thing leading to the act, is prohibited by this commandment; for our Lord says, Even he who looks on a woman to lust after her, has already committed adultery with her in his heart. And not only adultery (the unlawful commerce between two married persons) is forbidden here, but also fornication and all kinds of mental and sensual uncleanness. All impure books, songs, paintings, etc., which tend to inflame and debauch the mind, are against this law, as well as another species of impurity, for the account of which the reader is referred to; See Clarke's note on Gen 38:30. That fornication was included under this command we may gather from St. Matthew, Mat 15:19, where our Savior expresses the sense of the different commandments by a word for each, and mentions them in the order in which they stand; but when he comes to the seventh he uses two words, μοιχειαι πορνειαι, to express its meaning, and then goes on to the eighth, etc.; thus evidently showing that fornication was understood to be comprehended under the command, "Thou shalt not commit adultery." As to the word adultery, adulterium, it has probably been derived from the words ad alterius torum, to another's bed; for it is going to the bed of another man that constitutes the act and the crime. Adultery often means idolatry in the worship of God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou shall not steal. Which is to take away another man's property by force or fraud, without the knowledge, and against the will of the owner thereof. Thefts are of various kinds; there is private theft, picking of pockets, shoplifting, burglary, or breaking into houses in the night, and carrying off goods; public theft, or robbing upon the highways; domestic theft, as when wives take away their husbands' money or goods, and conceal them, or dispose of them without their knowledge and will, children rob their parents, and servants purloin their masters' effects; ecclesiastical theft or sacrilege, and personal theft, as stealing of men and making slaves of them, selling them against their wills; and Jarchi thinks that this is what the Scripture speaks of when it uses this phrase; but though this may be included, it may not be restrained to this particular, since, besides what have been observed, there are many other things that may be reduced to it and are breaches of it; as all overreaching and circumventing in trade and commerce, unjust contracts, not making good and performing payments, detention of servants' wages, unlawful usury, unfaithfulness with respect to anything deposited in a man's hands, advising and encouraging thieves, and receiving from them: the case of the Israelites borrowing of the Egyptians and spoiling them is not to be objected to this law, since that was by the command of God, and was only taking what was due to them for service; however, by this command God let the Israelites know that that was a peculiar case, and not to be drawn into an example, and that they were in other cases not to take away another man's property; and so the case of an hungry man's stealing to satisfy nature is not observed as lawful and laudable, but as what is connived at and indulged, Pro 6:30, this law obliges to preserve and secure every man's property to himself, as much as in men lies: this is the eighth commandment. , this law obliges to preserve and secure every man's property to himself, as much as in men lies: this is the eighth commandment. Exodus 20:16 exo 20:16 exo 20:16 exo 20:16Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Neither publicly in a court of judicature, by laying things to his charge that are false, and swearing to them, to his hurt and damage; nor privately, by whispering, tale bearing, backbiting, slandering, by telling lies of him, traducing his character by innuendos, sly insinuations, and evil suggestions, whereby he may suffer in his character, credit, and reputation, and in his trade and business; Aben Ezra thinks the words describe the character of the person that is not to bear witness in any court, and to be read thus, "thou shall not answer who art a false witness": or, "O thou false witness": meaning that such an one should not be admitted an evidence in court, who had been convicted already of being a false witness; his word and oath are not to be taken, nor should any questions be put to him, or he suffered to answer to any; his depositions should have no weight with those before whom they were made, nay, even they should not be taken, nor such a person be allowed to make any; but this is to put this precept in a quite different form from all the rest, and without any necessity, since the word may as well be taken for a testimony bore, as for the person that bears it: this is the ninth commandment.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:14 adultery: Here this term represents all sexual sins, among which adultery most clearly indicates breaking faith. Adulterers satisfy their sexual desires as they please, and they break faith with their spouse in so doing. Jesus expanded on this command in Matt 5:27-30.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Holy Harmony - Part 1
By Elisabeth Elliot8.6K42:19UnityEXO 20:14PSA 40:8PRO 3:5PRO 3:11MAT 16:24HEB 10:7REV 3:19In 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 audience to consider the impact of Christ in their own lives. The speaker shares his personal journey of realizing the emptiness of a life focused on his own will and the need for a supernatural explanation in the face of natural phenomena. He highlights the need to believe in God's ultimate purpose for our fulfillment and the importance of choosing to cooperate with Him.
Living With Your Passion
By Erwin Lutzer3.7K46:43MarriageEXO 20:14MAT 5:8MAT 5:27In 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 lead them into sensuality. The speaker expresses concern about the proliferation of the videotape industry and the availability of movies that can be watched in the privacy of our own homes, leading people astray. He warns against the lies and deception of the forces of evil, urging listeners to stay true to God's word and not be swayed by false promises and desires that will never satisfy.
Monogamatic Marriage
By John Alexander Dowie1.3K03:32EXO 20:14PSA 127:3MAL 4:6MAT 19:6ROM 13:41CO 6:18EPH 5:31In 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 responsibility for their children and criticizes those who hunt for slaves and deceive women, showing no care for their offspring. The preacher calls for a change in society, urging people to turn their hearts towards these poor, wandering children. He advocates for monogamous marriage as God's original plan and calls for the enforcement of laws against polygamy and immorality.
K-469 Israel - a Prophetic Glimpse
By Art Katz1.2K28:03PropheticGEN 50:20EXO 20:14PSA 81:1MAT 6:33MAT 25:31JHN 8:1JHN 14:9In 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 and praying early in the morning. The speaker references a psalm that praises God for his faithfulness to Jacob and then shifts to God speaking in the text. The sermon also touches on the importance of living a life filled with the wisdom and glory of God, and the need to recognize God's hand in both good and difficult events.
Living Before the Lord
By Erlo Stegen1.2K1:00:07Fellowship With GodEXO 20:14PRO 3:5ISA 6:1MAT 6:331CO 6:18In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Isaiah chapter 6, where Isaiah sees the Lord sitting on a throne in the temple. The preacher emphasizes the holiness of God and the glory that fills the earth. He then shares a story about a young man who got engaged to a woman without truly knowing her character, and how this led to a shocking discovery of her infidelity. The preacher uses this story to highlight the depravity of society and the need for holy engagements. He also mentions a newspaper headline claiming that nobody dies from AIDS, but he questions the truthfulness of this statement.
Guidelines to Freedom Part 6 - Life Is Sacred
By Alistair Begg1.0K1:33:17FreedomEXO 20:14MAT 5:27MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher highlights the increasing violence and moral decay in society, using examples such as bombings on freeways and child abuse. He emphasizes that shouting louder or resorting to violence will not solve these issues. The preacher then shifts to discussing philosophical and theological questions posed by children, such as the existence of God and the nature of the soul. He explains that one's worldview, or how they answer these questions, shapes their understanding of the world. The sermon concludes by asserting that a mind hostile to God rejects His authority.
The Law of God in All the Scriptures!
By Keith Daniel9831:29:15Law Of GodEXO 20:14MAT 5:17MAT 5:27ROM 3:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God in its proper context. He criticizes the idea of disregarding two-thirds of the Bible as not applicable and urges listeners to return to God's word. The preacher shares his own experience of memorizing and preaching from the Bible, highlighting the transformative power of scripture. He also mentions the impact of a preacher who expounded on the Ten Commandments, leading to conviction of sin and a town seeking God. The sermon concludes with praise for a godly theologian and his students who exemplify knowledge and stability in the Word of God.
The Hand Writing on the Wall
By Brian Long56256:17JudgmentEXO 20:14MAT 5:21MAT 5:27MAT 7:23MAT 25:32JAS 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the brevity and uncertainty of life, drawing from James 4:14. He compares life to a vapor, a fleeting moment that quickly disappears. The preacher also shares a powerful story of a man who was about to commit suicide but had a life-changing encounter with God. The man's realization of his sins and his cry for mercy led to his salvation. The sermon concludes with an invitation for anyone in need of Jesus to come forward and receive salvation.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 154
By Don Courville33226:07Radio ShowEXO 20:14MAT 6:33JHN 3:3JHN 3:16ACT 2:38ROM 10:9GAL 5:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus and being born again in order to enjoy a fulfilling life. He also highlights the need to repent and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit for the anointing of God's power. The preacher shares a story about a man named Old Billy who was convicted of his backslidden state and began seeking God's mercy. Through prayer and the influence of a preacher, Old Billy was converted and experienced a transformation in his life. The sermon concludes with a reminder that everyone, regardless of their occupation or lifestyle, needs to be saved and follow God's commandments.
Seventh River -- Adultery
By Martin Knapp0EXO 20:14PRO 6:32MAT 5:281CO 6:18GAL 5:19EPH 5:31TH 4:3HEB 13:4JAS 4:7Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the sin of adultery, warning against the treacherous path it leads to and the eternal consequences it carries. He emphasizes that God's commandment against adultery extends to all forms of lust in thought, word, and action, including living together as if married, secret sins, and lustful looks. Knapp highlights various ways individuals fall into the trap of adultery, such as through the ball-room, theater, bar-room, and brothel, where seemingly innocent pleasures mask the true dangers. He vividly describes the devastating outcomes of adultery, from troubled consciences and ruined homes to eternal separation from God in hell.
2 Peter 2:14
By John Gill0False TeachersLustEXO 20:14JOB 31:1JER 22:17MAT 5:281TI 3:3John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:14, emphasizing the dangers of lust and the corrupting influence of false teachers who entice unstable souls. He highlights that the eyes can lead to sin, as they are often the gateway to lustful thoughts and actions, paralleling the teachings of Jesus on adultery in the heart. Gill warns that those who are consumed by covetousness and immorality are like cursed children, destined for destruction unless they turn from their ways. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of guarding our hearts and minds against temptation and falsehood.
The Seven Deadly Sins
By Russell DeLong0EXO 20:14PSA 37:21PRO 11:28PRO 13:4PRO 14:30PRO 16:18MAT 5:28JHN 1:7EPH 4:26JAS 4:6Russell DeLong preaches about the deadly nature of sin unless repented of and forgiven by God. Sin is any deliberate act against the known will of God, whether vertically against God or horizontally against other human beings, with internal effects on the soul. Despite modern advancements, there are only new sinners committing old sins. The seven deadly sins, including pride, avarice, envy, lust, anger, gluttony, and sloth, are like spiritual tumors that crush the soul. The only remedy for sin-saturated individuals is the forgiveness and cleansing offered by the Great Physician.
Adultery and Apostasy: The Bride and Bridegroom
By Francis Schaeffer0EXO 20:14JER 3:14JHN 3:282CO 11:2EPH 5:22REV 17:1Francis Schaeffer delves into Ephesians 5:21-32, emphasizing the profound connection between Christ and the church as His bride, mirroring the marriage relationship between husband and wife. The Bible portrays believers as individually the bride of Christ and collectively as the church being His bride, highlighting the mystery of Christ as the divine Bridegroom. Schaeffer explores the significance of the bride and Bridegroom symbolism in both the Old and New Testaments, underscoring the beauty of marriage and the deep relationship between God and His people. He addresses the seriousness of sexual immorality in relation to the sacredness of the marriage relationship and the spiritual adultery that occurs when believers turn away from Christ.
Moral Decline
By Colin Peckham0EXO 20:14PSA 119:105PRO 6:32ROM 12:21CO 6:92TI 3:16HEB 13:4JAS 4:41JN 2:15Colin Peckham addresses the prevalent immorality in society, particularly focusing on the normalization of pre-marital and extra-marital sexual relationships, contrasting it with the timeless moral standards set by God in the Bible, such as the commandment 'Thou shalt not commit adultery'. He emphasizes the importance of upholding biblical teachings on chastity before marriage and fidelity within marriage, highlighting the detrimental effects of immorality on individuals, families, communities, and nations. Peckham also underscores the enduring relevance and authority of the Bible, despite attempts throughout history to undermine or ignore its teachings, urging a return to God's standards for healthier and righteous living.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not commit adultery - Adultery, as defined by our laws, is of two kinds; double, when between two married persons; single, when one of the parties is married, the other single. One principal part of the criminality of adultery consists in its injustice. 1. It robs a man of his right by taking from him the affection of his wife. 2. It does him a wrong by fathering on him and obliging him to maintain as his own a spurious offspring - a child which is not his. The act itself, and every thing leading to the act, is prohibited by this commandment; for our Lord says, Even he who looks on a woman to lust after her, has already committed adultery with her in his heart. And not only adultery (the unlawful commerce between two married persons) is forbidden here, but also fornication and all kinds of mental and sensual uncleanness. All impure books, songs, paintings, etc., which tend to inflame and debauch the mind, are against this law, as well as another species of impurity, for the account of which the reader is referred to; See Clarke's note on Gen 38:30. That fornication was included under this command we may gather from St. Matthew, Mat 15:19, where our Savior expresses the sense of the different commandments by a word for each, and mentions them in the order in which they stand; but when he comes to the seventh he uses two words, μοιχειαι πορνειαι, to express its meaning, and then goes on to the eighth, etc.; thus evidently showing that fornication was understood to be comprehended under the command, "Thou shalt not commit adultery." As to the word adultery, adulterium, it has probably been derived from the words ad alterius torum, to another's bed; for it is going to the bed of another man that constitutes the act and the crime. Adultery often means idolatry in the worship of God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou shall not steal. Which is to take away another man's property by force or fraud, without the knowledge, and against the will of the owner thereof. Thefts are of various kinds; there is private theft, picking of pockets, shoplifting, burglary, or breaking into houses in the night, and carrying off goods; public theft, or robbing upon the highways; domestic theft, as when wives take away their husbands' money or goods, and conceal them, or dispose of them without their knowledge and will, children rob their parents, and servants purloin their masters' effects; ecclesiastical theft or sacrilege, and personal theft, as stealing of men and making slaves of them, selling them against their wills; and Jarchi thinks that this is what the Scripture speaks of when it uses this phrase; but though this may be included, it may not be restrained to this particular, since, besides what have been observed, there are many other things that may be reduced to it and are breaches of it; as all overreaching and circumventing in trade and commerce, unjust contracts, not making good and performing payments, detention of servants' wages, unlawful usury, unfaithfulness with respect to anything deposited in a man's hands, advising and encouraging thieves, and receiving from them: the case of the Israelites borrowing of the Egyptians and spoiling them is not to be objected to this law, since that was by the command of God, and was only taking what was due to them for service; however, by this command God let the Israelites know that that was a peculiar case, and not to be drawn into an example, and that they were in other cases not to take away another man's property; and so the case of an hungry man's stealing to satisfy nature is not observed as lawful and laudable, but as what is connived at and indulged, Pro 6:30, this law obliges to preserve and secure every man's property to himself, as much as in men lies: this is the eighth commandment. , this law obliges to preserve and secure every man's property to himself, as much as in men lies: this is the eighth commandment. Exodus 20:16 exo 20:16 exo 20:16 exo 20:16Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Neither publicly in a court of judicature, by laying things to his charge that are false, and swearing to them, to his hurt and damage; nor privately, by whispering, tale bearing, backbiting, slandering, by telling lies of him, traducing his character by innuendos, sly insinuations, and evil suggestions, whereby he may suffer in his character, credit, and reputation, and in his trade and business; Aben Ezra thinks the words describe the character of the person that is not to bear witness in any court, and to be read thus, "thou shall not answer who art a false witness": or, "O thou false witness": meaning that such an one should not be admitted an evidence in court, who had been convicted already of being a false witness; his word and oath are not to be taken, nor should any questions be put to him, or he suffered to answer to any; his depositions should have no weight with those before whom they were made, nay, even they should not be taken, nor such a person be allowed to make any; but this is to put this precept in a quite different form from all the rest, and without any necessity, since the word may as well be taken for a testimony bore, as for the person that bears it: this is the ninth commandment.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:14 adultery: Here this term represents all sexual sins, among which adultery most clearly indicates breaking faith. Adulterers satisfy their sexual desires as they please, and they break faith with their spouse in so doing. Jesus expanded on this command in Matt 5:27-30.