Leviticus 18:20 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 18:20 mean?

Leviticus 18:20 commands that a person must not have sexual relations with the wife of his neighbor, because doing so would bring impurity or moral defilement upon himself. This verse is a clear prohibition against adultery, emphasizing the seriousness of such an act within the community.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, laying out laws meant to guide their moral and social behavior as they form a distinct people. The verse is part of a larger section where various sexual boundaries are set, aiming to protect family and community relationships from harm and disorder.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 18:20

• "lie" (שָׁכַב, shakav): This word means to lie down, often used as a euphemism for sexual relations. Its use here makes the command specific about the kind of relationship being forbidden.
• "carnally" (זֶרַע, zera‘): Literally meaning "seed," this word often refers to offspring or semen. Here, it highlights the physical and reproductive aspect of the act, making the prohibition even more explicit.
• "defile" (טָמֵא, tame’): This word means to become unclean or impure, especially in a ritual or moral sense. The verse stresses that adultery is not just a private matter but brings a kind of impurity that affects the individual and, by extension, the community.

Why Leviticus 18:20 matters

• Leviticus 18:20 clarifies that adultery is not only a betrayal of trust but also a source of personal and communal impurity, showing why it is treated so seriously in Israelite law.
• The verse is part of a broader list of sexual prohibitions, helping to set apart the Israelites' moral code from those of surrounding nations and emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in marriage.
• By using strong language about defilement, the verse highlights that the consequences of adultery go beyond the individuals involved, affecting the spiritual and social health of the whole community.