Exodus 20:14"You shall not commit adultery.
The setting
Mount Sinai, Egypt/Saudi Arabia border, ~1446 BC. God's voice echoes across the desert as He establishes the moral foundation for His covenant people...
The emotion here: trembling as he records God's holy standard for covenant relationships
The original word
na'aph (נָאַף) — to commit adultery, breaking covenant faithfulness
Why it matters
In ancient Near East cultures, adultery was punishable by death for both parties
Read with care
What most readers miss in Exodus 20:14
This commandment protects the covenant structure that mirrors God's faithfulness to His people
Common misconceptionMany think this only applies to married people, but Jesus expanded it to include lustful thoughts, making it relevant to anyone with sexual desire.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Exodus 20:14
Bible Genome reading
Exodus 20:14 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Exodus 20:14 comes from the book of Exodus, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include marital fidelity, covenant keeping. Notable phrases: You shall not commit adultery. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Exodus 20:14 mean to you, today?
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