Parashat Yitro (18:1–20:23) is renowned for the giving of the Ten Commandments, including the commandment “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). However, an infamous printing error in the English Bible translation of this commandment in 1631 led to a Bible known as the "Adultery Bible" or "Wicked Bible," where this commandment mistakenly read: “Thou shalt commit adultery,” omitting the critical word “not.”
This error resulted in severe consequences for the printers, who faced heavy fines for what was deemed a scandalous mistake. Only a few copies of this erroneous Bible survive today, held in collections such as the British Museum and the New York Public Library.
The link between Parashat Yitro and the "Adultery Bible" underscores the immense power and responsibility associated with the translation of sacred texts. This blunder serves as a humorous yet poignant reminder of the importance of precision in preserving and transmitting religious teachings.