By: Dr. Christopher Rogers

Adultery is more than a violation of marital trust; it is a breach of divine law and an affront to the sanctity of the covenant established by YHWH. The Seventh Commandment, "You do not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14), succinct in its phrasing yet profound in its implications, underscores the necessity of faithfulness, purity, and self-discipline. Throughout Scripture, adultery is depicted not only as an individual sin but as a corrosive force that defiles entire societies. Those who disregard this commandment place themselves at odds with YHWH’s standard of righteousness, while those who uphold it preserve the integrity of both personal relationships and communal morality.

Joseph’s Resolve: Adultery as a Sin Against YHWH

"And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, ‘Lie with me.’ But he refused and said to his master’s wife, ‘Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against Elohim?’” – Genesis 39:7-9

Joseph, a man of unwavering integrity, provides one of the most compelling examples of resisting temptation. Though faced with the persistent advances of Potiphar’s wife, he refused to compromise his moral convictions. His words reveal a profound understanding: adultery is not merely an offense against one’s spouse; it is a direct sin against YHWH.

Joseph’s rejection of sin illustrates the mindset necessary for true obedience. He did not rationalize, hesitate, or entertain temptation—he fled from it. His example underscores the need for vigilance in matters of purity, reminding believers that avoiding sin and obeying the commandments requires both firm conviction and decisive action.

The Defilement of Canaan: A Society Corrupted

"You shall not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife, to defile yourself with her... For all these abominations the men of the land have done, who were before you, and thus the land is defiled." – Leviticus 18:20, 27

The consequences of adultery extend beyond the individual; they infect entire cultures. The Canaanites, notorious for their moral depravity, engaged in rampant sexual immorality, defiling both themselves and the land they inhabited. YHWH’s judgment upon them was severe, demonstrating that when a society normalizes infidelity, it invites divine retribution.

This passage serves as a warning. The erosion of marital fidelity leads to widespread moral collapse, breaking down the fabric of trust and holiness that sustains a righteous community. Adultery is not just a private failing—it is an insidious force that weakens entire civilizations.

Job’s Acknowledgment of Adultery’s Darkness

"The eye of the adulterer waits for the twilight, saying, ‘No eye will see me’; and he disguises his face." – Job 24:15

Job paints a vivid picture of the adulterer, shrouded in secrecy, lurking in the shadows. This imagery highlights an essential truth: adultery thrives in deception. Those who engage in it convince themselves that their actions will remain hidden, yet YHWH sees all.

The belief that sin can be concealed is a dangerous delusion. Whether in ancient times or modern society, infidelity is often cloaked in lies and rationalization. But what is done in darkness will inevitably be exposed. True wisdom, as demonstrated by Job, acknowledges the futility of such deceit and chooses righteousness over fleeting pleasure.

Lust: The Root of Adultery

"I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin? What would be my portion from Elohah above and my heritage from the Almighty on high? Is not calamity for the unrighteous, and disaster for the workers of iniquity?" – Job 31:1-3

Job’s declaration reveals an essential principle: adultery begins long before the physical act—it starts in the heart. By making a covenant with his eyes, Job demonstrated an awareness that uncontrolled desire leads to destruction.

Modern culture, inundated with suggestive imagery and temptation, downplays the severity of lust. But Job’s words serve as a stark reminder: unchecked desire leads to calamity. Resisting adultery requires more than outward restraint; it demands internal discipline.

Yahshua’s Teaching: Adultery in the Heart

"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." – Matthew 5:27-28

Yahshua’s Sermon on the Mount deepens the understanding of the Seventh Commandment. Rather than addressing only the external act, He exposes the inner corruption that leads to adultery. His words dismantle the illusion that one can be innocent simply because they have not physically transgressed.

The standard of righteousness in the Kingdom of YHWH is not mere legalistic adherence; it is purity of heart. Lust is not a harmless indulgence—it is the seed of infidelity. Yahshua calls for transformation at the root, urging believers to guard their thoughts and desires.

Mercy for the Repentant: The Woman Caught in Adultery

"They said to Him, ‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?’... Yahshua stood up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Master.’ And Yahshua said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.’" – John 8:3-11

While adultery is a grievous sin, Yahshua demonstrates that repentance leads to restoration. The religious leaders sought to trap Him, using the woman as a pawn to test His adherence to the law. Yet, in divine wisdom, Yahshua turned their accusations back upon them, revealing that none are without sin.

His final words to the woman encapsulate the essence of divine mercy: "Go, and sin no more." YHWH’s justice does not negate His compassion, but neither does His mercy excuse sin. True repentance demands a turning away from wrongdoing and a commitment to righteousness.

The Sacredness of the Marriage Covenant

"Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for Elohim will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous." – Hebrews 13:4

Marriage is not a mere social contract; it is a sacred covenant before YHWH. The union between husband and wife reflects divine faithfulness, and to violate it is to profane something holy. The writer of Hebrews warns that those who desecrate the marriage bed will face divine judgment. The marriage bed refers to the intimacy of the husband and wife which includes their sexual relationship. This relationship should not be defiled, this is Elohim's command.

In a culture that increasingly dismisses the significance of marriage, this command remains crucial. Adultery is not only an act of betrayal against one’s spouse—it is a rejection of YHWH’s design for human relationships. Upholding marital purity is an act of obedience and a testimony of commitment to divine principles.

Conclusion: A Call to Holiness

The Seventh Commandment is not an outdated restriction; it is a vital safeguard against moral decay. From Joseph’s refusal to sin against YHWH to Yahshua’s call for purity of heart, Scripture consistently upholds the necessity of faithfulness. Adultery erodes trust, defiles nations, and brings about divine judgment.

Yet, for those who have fallen, there is hope. Yahshua’s encounter with the adulterous woman reveals that mercy is available for the repentant. However, His command is clear: "Sin no more." The path to righteousness requires both forgiveness and transformation.

In a world where temptation is pervasive, believers must cultivate integrity, honor their commitments, and guard their hearts. Faithfulness in marriage reflects faithfulness to YHWH, and in upholding this commandment, one walks in the light of His righteousness.