Once again, what Hebrew expresses in Two Words comes out as Four in English. The Seventh Commandment runs as follows:
You shall not commit adultery. לֹא תִּנְאָף
As usual, the negative word “lo” (“no”) is followed by an imperfective “Tin’af”” (“you will commit adultery”). The verbal root NUN ALEF PEH is rarely used in the torah, but always refers to sex with someone other than ones marriage partner. Adultery, as a crime or sin, is referred to much earlier in the Torah, in Genesis Chapter 12, Chapter 20, Chapter 26, and Chapter 39. King David’s affair with Bathsheba is said to have changed history; his alleged punishment from God for this is legendary.
According to Jewish Law, Adultery, defined as sex with someone outside one’s marriage, should be punishable by Death. Please note, that sex between an engaged couple was considered natural.
Looking at it from a metaphysical point of view, what can we glean from the Seventh Word? Marriage is a commitment. Cheating on one’s spouse is clearly wrong, no matter what religious or spiritual point of view one observes and follows. Perhaps we should keep all of our promises.