King James Version
What Does Leviticus 18:20 Mean?
“Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her.”
Context
18
Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time. a wife: or, one wife to another
19
Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness.
20
Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her.
21
And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. Molech: Gr. Moloch
22
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(20) **Thy neighbour’s wife.**—For committing adultery, which is here branded as a defilement, whether with a betrothed or married woman, both guilty parties incurred the penalty of death by stoning. (See Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22; Ezekiel 16:38; Ezekiel 16:40; John 8:5.) In Egypt the adulterer received a thousand strokes with a stick, and the guilty woman had her nose cut off, and to this day the criminal wife among the Bedouins is executed by her husband, father, or brother, without any mercy. Both criminals were also punished with death among other Eastern nations.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Leviticus 18:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Leviticus 18:20
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge