EXODUS 20:14 AND THE PRESENT

Miroslav KAZÍK

grantee, ISEIA - International Slovak Educational Institution and Association, Educational center: SiM Slowakisch in München - Slovenčina v Mníchove - ZVONČEK, (privat adress: Vrchná 583/1, 922 21 Moravany nad Váhom, Slovakia), miroslaw.kazik@wp.pl, 00421903880425, ORCID: 0000-0003-0189-095X

Abstract

The article discusses contemporary life in society through the lens of the biblical verse Exodus 20:14, "Thou shalt not commit adultery (fornication)." Contemporary society has undergone significant liberalization. Extramarital relationships and unions are tolerated, and in some cases even behavior that was previously considered pathological and undesirable.

Keywords

Hebrew Bible, Old Testament, Exodus 20:14, biblical commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery (fornication)," present

SUMMARY

We examine contemporary life in society through the lens of the biblical verse Exodus 20:14, "Thou shalt not commit adultery." The original meaning of the Hebrew word in Exodus 20:14 was "you shall not commit adultery." However, the Hebrew Bible also condemned other impure sexual practices, which corresponded to the term "fornication." The word "adultery," like "fornication," also had the meaning of serving (worshipping) pagan gods. The New Testament tightened the concept we know from the Hebrew Bible, and so today several Christian churches list "Thou shalt not commit fornication" as the 6th commandment (according to Catholic and Lutheran counting) and the 7th (according to Reformed counting) instead of "Thou shalt not commit adultery." Contemporary society has undergone significant liberalization. Extramarital relationships and unions are tolerated, and in some cases even behavior that was previously considered pathological and undesirable.

(Language: english)

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