Introduction
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus deepens the understanding of the commandment, “You shall not commit adultery,” by addressing not only the physical act but also the intentions of the heart. In Matthew 5:27-28, He states clearly, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Here, Jesus elevates the interpretation of “you shall not commit adultery” from mere outward adherence to inner moral purity.
“You Shall Not Commit Adultery” in the Ten Commandments
The commandment “You shall not commit adultery” originates from the Ten Commandments, specifically Exodus 20:14, which emphasizes the sanctity of marital faithfulness. Given by God through Moses at Mount Sinai, the Ten Commandments form the foundational ethical framework for Israelite society and broader human morality. Adultery, viewed not merely as a personal violation but as a breach of the covenant with God, underscores the deep relational significance of loyalty and trust, principles central to both human relationships and spiritual fidelity.
The Heart Application of “You Shall Not Commit Adultery”
This approach, although clarified by Jesus, is not entirely new. The Old Testament consistently emphasizes the importance of internal purity and loyalty, especially regarding relationships. For instance, Proverbs 6:25 warns explicitly against lustful intentions, saying, “Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.” Similarly, Job declares his commitment to inner purity in Job 31:1, “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman,” aligning with the principle of “you shall not commit adultery.”
The Old Testament emphasizes that God values the heart condition more profoundly than mere outward observance. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord clearly states, “People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” This foundational principle underscores Jesus’s reinforcement in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing that sin originates from inner desires and thoughts long before manifesting externally.
Scribes and Pharisees: Practical vs. Heart Application
Despite these Old Testament admonitions, the scribes and Pharisees in Jesus’s day often appeared primarily concerned with outward compliance rather than heart transformation. Their emphasis was on visible obedience and practical application of laws, sometimes neglecting the deeper spiritual and moral principles that underpin those laws, such as “you shall not commit adultery.”
Jesus openly criticized this superficial righteousness, pointing out their tendency to adhere strictly to outward rituals while ignoring inner corruption. In Matthew 23:27-28, He compares them to “whitewashed tombs,” beautiful externally but filled with decay internally. The Pharisees’ approach to adultery, thus, was often limited to avoiding the literal act while permitting impure thoughts and intentions, contrary to Jesus’s comprehensive perspective.
Examples of Adultery in the Bible
The Bible recounts several notable instances of adultery, serving as vivid examples and warnings. King David’s affair with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11 demonstrates the destructive consequences of adulterous actions, even when hidden, leading to tragic family discord and national repercussions. David’s experience reveals the severe consequences that unfold when the heart is allowed to harbor sin unchecked.
Another significant example is Hosea’s wife, Gomer, whose repeated adulteries symbolize Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. The prophet Hosea’s marriage was an intentional depiction of Israel’s spiritual adultery, highlighting the profound emotional and spiritual betrayal involved. Gomer’s infidelity underscores the profound spiritual consequences of “you shall not commit adultery” as an analogy for idolatry and spiritual infidelity (Hosea 1-3).
The Comprehensive Nature of “You Shall Not Commit Adultery”
Jesus’s interpretation compels individuals to examine their innermost thoughts and desires, encouraging vigilance over one’s heart and mind. His teaching calls for ongoing self-examination and repentance, acknowledging the need for God’s help to maintain purity. This comprehensive understanding creates accountability not just for outward actions but also for internal attitudes, reinforcing a holistic approach to obedience.
Conclusion: Inner Transformation and Adultery
Jesus’s teachings thus reaffirm and deepen an Old Testament principle: that true obedience to God’s law involves both external actions and the internal state of the heart. By highlighting the significance of purity in thoughts and intentions, Jesus redirects the focus from mere compliance with religious rules to genuine inner transformation, fully embracing the essence of “you shall not commit adultery” in authentic spiritual life. This profound call to heart purity invites believers to seek a genuine relationship with God, rooted deeply in integrity and sincerity, aligning actions with true internal righteousness.