Charles Ellicott Commentary Exodus 20:14

"Thou shalt not commit adultery." — Exodus 20:14 (ASV)

You shall not commit adultery. —Next to the duty of respecting a man’s life is placed that of respecting his domestic peace and honor. Adultery is an invasion of the household, a destruction of the bond which unites the family, and a dissolution of that contract which is the main basis of social order. It was forbidden by all civilized communities, and in uncivilized ones frequently punished with death.

The Mosaic enactments on the subject are notable primarily for the absolute equality on which they place the man and the woman. Adulterers are as hateful as adulteresses, and are just as certainly to be put to death (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22–24, and other similar passages). The man who acts treacherously against the wife of his covenant is as great a sinner as the woman who breaks the marriage bond (Malachi 2:14–16). There is no respect of persons and no respect of sexes with God.