seventh commandment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (primarily religious, literary, or ethical contexts)Formal, religious, literary, historical
Quick answer
What does “seventh commandment” mean?
The biblical commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The biblical commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14).
A prohibition against marital infidelity, often used as a broader cultural or religious principle emphasizing sexual fidelity within marriage and sometimes extended to include prohibitions against lust or inappropriate sexual desire.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant linguistic difference; theological interpretations may vary slightly between predominantly Protestant (US) and Anglican/state church (UK) contexts, but the term itself is identical.
Connotations
Carries strong religious and moral weight in both cultures. In secular contexts, may be used ironically or allusively.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specific discourses.
Grammar
How to Use “seventh commandment” in a Sentence
[Subject] breaks/violates/ignores the seventh commandment.The seventh commandment prohibits/forbids [action].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “seventh commandment” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sermon focused on how not to seventh-commandment one's spouse, a rather archaic construction.
American English
- He was accused of seventh-commandmenting his way through the neighbourhood.
adverb
British English
- He acted seventh-commandmently, remaining faithful despite the temptation.
American English
- Their marriage continued seventh-commandmently for decades.
adjective
British English
- It was a clear seventh-commandment issue they had to address with their vicar.
American English
- The prenup included a seventh-commandment clause about infidelity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially metaphorical for breach of contract or partnership betrayal.
Academic
Used in theology, religious studies, ethics, and literature courses.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. May appear in religious communities or ethical discussions.
Technical
Not applicable in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “seventh commandment”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “seventh commandment”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seventh commandment”
- Using 'seventh commandment' to refer to other commandments (e.g., 'thou shalt not steal' is the eighth).
- Misspelling as 'seventh commandent'.
- Using it in an overly casual context where its religious gravity is misplaced.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional interpretations, especially in Christian teachings (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:27-28), extend its meaning to include lustful thoughts and intentions.
Numbering of the Ten Commandments varies between Christian denominations (Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed) and Jewish tradition. The prohibition against adultery is always present but may be the sixth, seventh, or combined within another commandment depending on the schema.
Yes, but usually in an allusive, metaphorical, or ironic way to refer to strict fidelity or a severe prohibition, e.g., 'Their company's partnership agreement had a seventh commandment about poaching clients.'
The seventh commandment specifically prohibits sexual infidelity within marriage. Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage and is addressed separately in religious and legal contexts, though adultery is often cited as grounds for it.
The biblical commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14).
Seventh commandment is usually formal, religious, literary, historical in register.
Seventh commandment: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsev.ənθ kəˈmɑːnd.mənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsev.ənθ kəˈmænd.mənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's broken the seventh commandment more than once.”
- “That's a seventh commandment situation.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Seven rhymes with 'heaven' – breaking this commandment jeopardizes the 'heaven' of a faithful marriage.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAITHFULNESS IS PURITY / BETRAYAL IS IMPURITY; MORAL LAW IS A PHYSICAL BOUNDARY.
Practice
Quiz
In which book of the Bible are the Ten Commandments, including the seventh, originally found?