King James Version

What Does Leviticus 20:10 Mean?

Leviticus 20:10 in the King James Version says “And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.”

Leviticus 20:10 · KJV

Context

8

And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.

9

For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.

10

And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

11

And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

12

And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.

Read Leviticus 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

This verse falls within the section on Penalties for Disobedience. Punishments for violations of sexual and religious laws, emphasizing the seriousness of sin in God's holy community.


The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Punishments for violations of sexual and religious laws, emphasizing the seriousness of sin in God's holy community. 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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אִ֔ישׁ1 of 15

“And the man”

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)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר2 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

וְהַנֹּאָֽפֶת׃3 of 15

“and the adulteress”

H5003

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

אֶת4 of 15
H854

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

אֵ֣שֶׁת5 of 15

“wife”

H802

a woman

אִ֔ישׁ6 of 15

“And the man”

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)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

וְהַנֹּאָֽפֶת׃8 of 15

“and the adulteress”

H5003

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

אֶת9 of 15
H854

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

אֵ֣שֶׁת10 of 15

“wife”

H802

a woman

רֵעֵ֑הוּ11 of 15

“with his neighbour's”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

יוּמַ֥ת12 of 15

“be put to death”

H4191

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

יוּמַ֥ת13 of 15

“be put to death”

H4191

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

וְהַנֹּאָֽפֶת׃14 of 15

“and the adulteress”

H5003

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

וְהַנֹּאָֽפֶת׃15 of 15

“and the adulteress”

H5003

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

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 20:10 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 20:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 8:4-5Deuteronomy 22:22-24Deuteronomy 5:18Leviticus 18:20Exodus 20:14Ezekiel 23:45-47

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