And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.
If a man commits adultery with another man's wife—if he commits adultery with his neighbor's wife—both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death.
This verse establishes that under the Old Testament law, adultery was considered such a serious offense that it carried the death penalty for both people involved.
📚 Historical Context
This command was part of the holiness code given to Israel through Moses around 1440 BC, establishing civil and religious laws for the newly formed nation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, adultery was seen as a severe violation of marriage covenant and community order, often carrying harsh penalties. These laws were designed to create a holy society that reflected God's character and maintained social stability in the wilderness and promised land.
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