King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:20 Mean?

Leviticus 19:20 in the King James Version says “And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor fre... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free. betrothed: or, abused by any: Heb. reproached by (or, for) man she shall: or, they, etc: Heb. there shall be a scourging

Leviticus 19:20 · KJV


Context

18

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

19

Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee.

20

And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free. betrothed: or, abused by any: Heb. reproached by (or, for) man she shall: or, they, etc: Heb. there shall be a scourging

21

And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, even a ram for a trespass offering.

22

And the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering before the LORD for his sin which he hath done: and the sin which he hath done shall be forgiven him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.

This verse falls within the section on Various Laws of Holiness. Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18).


The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18). Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
לְאִ֔ישׁ1 of 26

And whosoever

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כִּֽי2 of 26
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִשְׁכַּ֨ב3 of 26

lieth

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

אֶת4 of 26
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אִשָּׁ֜ה5 of 26

with a woman

H802

a woman

שִׁכְבַת6 of 26
H7902

a lying down (of dew, or for the sexual act)

זֶ֗רַע7 of 26

carnally

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

וְהִ֤וא8 of 26
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

שִׁפְחָה֙9 of 26

that is a bondmaid

H8198

a female slave (as a member of the household)

נֶֽחֱרֶ֣פֶת10 of 26

betrothed

H2778

to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;

לְאִ֔ישׁ11 of 26

And whosoever

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

נִפְדָּ֔תָה12 of 26

and not at all

H6299

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

לֹ֣א13 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִפְדָּ֔תָה14 of 26

and not at all

H6299

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

א֥וֹ15 of 26
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

חֻפְשָׁ֖ה16 of 26

nor freedom

H2668

liberty (from slavery)

לֹ֣א17 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִתַּן18 of 26

given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָ֑הּ19 of 26
H0
בִּקֹּ֧רֶת20 of 26

her she shall be scourged

H1244

properly, examination, i.e., (by implication) punishment

תִּֽהְיֶ֛ה21 of 26
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לֹ֥א22 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֽוּמְת֖וּ23 of 26

they shall not be put to death

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

כִּי24 of 26
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֥א25 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

חֻפָּֽשָׁה׃26 of 26

because she was not free

H2666

to spread loose; figuratively, to manumit


Study Guide

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 19:20 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 19:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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