Fornication and the Ten Commandments: What "Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery" Covers
In short
Not by name. The Ten Commandments say "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14), which literally targets marital infidelity. Many churches read it more broadly: Catholic tradition, which counts it as the sixth commandment, says it covers the whole of human sexuality, including fornication. Many Protestants number it seventh.
What the full article will cover
- Does the Ten Commandments list mention fornication?
- What did adultery mean in Exodus 20?
- Why is it the sixth commandment for some and the seventh for others?
- How do churches extend the commandment to sex before marriage?
- Where does the Bible address fornication directly?
Frequently asked questions
- Which commandment is about sex?
- Is fornication worse than adultery in the Bible?
- Does the tenth commandment relate to sexual desire?
Sources
- kingjamesbibleonline.org — https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Exodus-20-14/
- vatican.va — https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P84.HTM
- britannica.com — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ten-Commandments
General information, not legal or religious advice.