Adultery Quote by David Graeber
““Even in the Bible, the admonition in the Ten Commandments not to 'covet thy neighbor's wife' clearly referred not to lust in one's heart (adultery had already been covered in commandment number seven), but to the prospect of taking her as a debt-peon—in other words, as a servant to sweep one's yard and hang out the laundry.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Debt: The First 50 Years, 2011
The Ten Commandments’ warning against coveting a neighbor’s wife is interpreted as a warning against treating a person as property or labor, not merely sexual desire.
In simple terms: Coveting a spouse is about ownership, not lust.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and reject treating people as property.
Themes
ethics
property
relationships
religion
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- marriage
- labor rights
- human dignity
- social norms
Key Concepts
biblical interpretation
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How do ancient texts influence modern ethics?
- Can property metaphors shape gender roles?
A Different Perspective
Historical context may differ from modern views.
