Amelia Wilson 
Read the Bible Verse of the Day – Deuteronomy 5:18 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Context of Deuteronomy 5:18 KJV
The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible. It is part of the Torah or the Pentateuch. It is known as the “second law” because Moses repeats and explains the law God gave earlier at Mount Sinai. Deuteronomy is a speech that Moses gives to the people of Israel before they enter the Promised Land. He reminds them of God’s commandments, their past mistakes, and how they should live as God’s chosen people.
Deuteronomy 5 is a restatement of the Ten Commandments. These commandments were first given in Exodus 20. In this chapter, Moses repeats them to the new generation of Israelites who were about to enter Canaan. The people who originally received the commandments had died during the 40 years in the wilderness. So Moses reminds their children of what God commanded at Mount Horeb (another name for Mount Sinai).
Deuteronomy 5:18 is one of the Ten Commandments. It is short, clear, and direct. It says:
Deuteronomy 5:18 (KJV)
“Neither shalt thou commit adultery.”
This commandment is the seventh of the Ten Commandments. It speaks against adultery, which is having a sexual relationship with someone who is not your spouse. It is a command to protect marriage and family.
Deuteronomy 5:18 Meaning
This verse means that God forbids adultery. It is a sin against God, a sin against one’s spouse, and a sin against another person’s spouse. Adultery breaks the sacred covenant of marriage. In the Bible, marriage is not just a relationship between two people. It is a covenant made before God. When someone commits adultery, they are not just betraying their spouse. They are also dishonoring God.
The Hebrew word used for “adultery” refers specifically to unfaithfulness in marriage. It applies to both men and women. In Old Testament times, adultery was considered a very serious offense. It often carried the death penalty under the law of Moses (see Leviticus 20:10).
Adultery damages trust, destroys families, and brings pain. It affects children, communities, and even nations. That is why God commands His people to stay faithful. Marriage is meant to be a picture of God’s love for His people. In the New Testament, Paul compares marriage to the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:25-33). Just as Christ is faithful to the Church, husbands and wives should be faithful to each other.
Deuteronomy 5:18 also shows how God values purity and faithfulness. It is not just about avoiding physical acts of sin. Jesus explained this further in the New Testament. In Matthew 5:27-28, He said:
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
This shows that God cares about the heart. Adultery begins in the heart and mind. Even if no physical act happens, impure thoughts can be sinful. God wants His people to be pure in both body and mind.
Deuteronomy 5:18 Application in Life
How can we apply this commandment today? We live in a world where adultery and sexual sin are common. Many people do not take marriage seriously. TV shows, movies, and music often make adultery look normal or even exciting. But God’s Word is clear. He wants His people to live differently.
1. Stay faithful in marriage
If you are married, be faithful to your spouse. Do not let anything come between you. Protect your marriage. Spend time together. Communicate with love and respect. Pray together. Be honest. Trust and forgiveness are key to a strong marriage.
2. Avoid temptation
Temptation is everywhere. Be careful about what you watch, read, and listen to. Avoid situations that could lead to sin. If you feel tempted, pray and run away from it like Joseph did in Genesis 39 when he fled from Potiphar’s wife.
3. Guard your heart and mind
As Jesus taught, adultery begins in the heart. Be careful with your thoughts. Fill your mind with God’s Word. Focus on things that are pure, true, and good (Philippians 4:8). Avoid lustful thoughts by turning your eyes and mind to godly things.
4. Respect other people’s marriages
Never interfere in someone else’s marriage. Respect the bond between a husband and wife. Do not flirt with or become emotionally attached to someone who is married. Honor what God has joined together.
5. Teach and model purity
If you are a parent, teach your children about the importance of purity and faithfulness. Show them by your example. Encourage them to honor God with their bodies and their relationships.
6. Find forgiveness and restoration
If you have committed adultery or struggled with sexual sin, know that God offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Confess your sin to God. Turn away from it. God is merciful and able to restore your life and relationships. He can heal what was broken. The woman caught in adultery in John 8 was forgiven by Jesus, but He also told her, “Go and sin no more.” Forgiveness comes with a call to live differently.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 5:18 is a short but powerful command: “Neither shalt thou commit adultery.” It protects the sacred covenant of marriage. It calls for faithfulness, purity, and respect. It shows how much God values the family and our relationships with one another.
In a world that often ignores this command, God’s people are called to live in a holy and pure way. Adultery destroys, but faithfulness builds. God wants us to be faithful in heart, mind, and body. He wants our marriages to reflect His love and faithfulness.
As we follow this commandment, we find blessing, peace, and strength in our relationships. And if we fall, there is hope in God’s mercy. Through Christ, we can be forgiven, restored, and renewed. Let us live in a way that honors God and upholds the gift of marriage He has given us.
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