King James Version

What Does Leviticus 20:10 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Shall be surely put to death**—That is, by stoning. (See Leviticus 20:2.) This precept is also to be found in Exodus 21:17; Proverbs 20:20, and is referred to by our Lord (Matthew 15:14; Mark 7:10). **His blood shall be upon **him—That is, he has brought it upon himself to be killed. (See Joshua 2:19.) This phrase, which occurs seven times either in the singular or plural, is only to be found in this chapter (See Leviticus 20:9; Leviticus 20:11-13; Leviticus 20:16; Leviticus 20:27). According to the authorities during the second Temple, it carried with it death by lapidation. (10) **Shall surely be put to death.**—This is, by penalty for the sin forbidden in Leviticus 18:20. According to Jewish tradition whenever the phrase “shall surely be put to death” occurs by itself, it denotes death by strangling. This death was inflicted for six crimes—upon him who had commerce with another man’s wife; who smote his father or mother; (3) who stole an Israelite; (4) who being an elder rebelled against the decree of the senate (Deuteronomy 17:12); (5) who played the false prophet; and (6) who prophesied in the name of another god.

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 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.