Leviticus 20:10 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 20:10 mean?

Leviticus 20:10 states that if a man commits adultery with another man's wife, both the man and the woman involved must be put to death. This verse sets out a strict penalty for adultery, treating both participants as equally responsible for breaking the marriage covenant.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to the people of Israel through Moses about how to handle cases of adultery within their community. The law is addressed to the Israelites and is part of a larger section outlining various offenses and their consequences. The verse emphasizes the seriousness with which ancient Israel was to regard marital faithfulness and community purity.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 20:10

• The word for "adultery" is נָאַף (na'af), which means to have sexual relations with someone else's spouse. This word appears several times in the verse, highlighting the specific nature of the offense.
• The word for "man" is אִישׁ (ish), and "wife" is אִשָּׁה (ishah). The repetition of these words underlines that the law applies to both men and women, not just one party.
• The phrase "shall surely be put to death" uses the Hebrew מוֹת יוּמָתוּ (mot yumatu), which is a strong way of saying the penalty is definite and severe. The doubling of the word for death stresses the certainty and seriousness of the punishment.

Why Leviticus 20:10 matters

• Leviticus 20:10 clarifies that both the man and the woman involved in adultery are held equally accountable, which counters any idea that only one party is to blame.
• The verse highlights how ancient Israelite law treated marriage as a sacred covenant, with violations seen as threats to the community's moral and social fabric.
• This law is part of a broader set of instructions meant to set Israel apart from surrounding nations, emphasizing holiness and distinctiveness in personal and communal life.