You must not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wifeThis command is part of the Holiness Code in Leviticus, which outlines moral and ceremonial laws for the Israelites. The prohibition against adultery is rooted in the sanctity of marriage, a covenant relationship established by God in
Genesis 2:24. Adultery is seen as a violation of this covenant and a sin against God, the spouse, and the community. In ancient Israel, marriage was not only a personal commitment but also a social contract that affected the entire community. The command reflects the importance of maintaining purity and faithfulness within marriage, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture (
Exodus 20:14,
Matthew 5:27-28). The act of lying carnally with another's spouse is considered a serious offense, leading to social and spiritual consequences.
and thus defile yourself with her
Defilement in the biblical context often refers to a state of impurity that separates individuals from God and the community. In Leviticus, defilement can result from various actions, including sexual immorality, which is seen as corrupting both the body and the spirit. The concept of defilement underscores the need for holiness and the separation from sin. In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the internal nature of defilement, teaching that it is not what enters the body that defiles a person, but what comes from the heart (Mark 7:20-23). The call to avoid defilement is a call to live a life of holiness, reflecting God's character and maintaining the integrity of the covenant relationship with Him. This principle is echoed in1 Corinthians 6:18-20, where believers are urged to flee from sexual immorality and honor God with their bodies.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites on how to live a holy life.
2.
IsraelitesThe primary audience of Leviticus, who were called to be a holy nation set apart for God.
3.
Neighbor's WifeRepresents the sanctity of marriage and the importance of respecting the marital bond.
4.
CanaanThe land where the Israelites were headed, known for its immoral practices, which the Israelites were to avoid.
5.
God's CovenantThe overarching theme of Leviticus, emphasizing the Israelites' relationship with God and their call to holiness.
Teaching Points
Sanctity of MarriageMarriage is a sacred covenant that must be honored and protected. Adultery violates this covenant and dishonors God.
Holiness and PurityAs believers, we are called to live lives of holiness, which includes sexual purity. This reflects our commitment to God and His standards.
Respect for OthersAdultery not only harms the individuals involved but also damages relationships and communities. Respecting others' marriages is crucial for societal harmony.
Guarding the HeartJesus teaches that sin begins in the heart. We must guard our thoughts and desires to prevent them from leading to sinful actions.
Accountability and SupportEngaging in community and accountability can help believers resist temptation and remain faithful to God's commands.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 18:20?
2.How does Leviticus 18:20 guide us in maintaining marital faithfulness today?
3.What are the consequences of violating the command in Leviticus 18:20?
4.How does Leviticus 18:20 connect with the Ten Commandments on adultery?
5.How can we apply Leviticus 18:20 to modern relationships and society?
6.What steps can we take to uphold the principle in Leviticus 18:20?
7.What does Leviticus 18:20 reveal about God's view on adultery?
8.How does Leviticus 18:20 align with the Ten Commandments?
9.Why is adultery specifically prohibited in Leviticus 18:20?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 18?
11.What does the Bible say about bestiality?
12.What are the Bible's teachings on sexual ethics?
13.Is committing adultery acceptable?
14.Why does Leviticus 20:13 prescribe death for homosexuality when modern views see sexual orientation as inherent, raising justice and compassion concerns?What Does Leviticus 18:20 Mean
You must not lie carnallyLeviticus 18:20 begins with a clear command: “You must not lie carnally…”.
• The phrase forbids all sexual contact outside God-ordained marriage, echoing “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14) and reinforced by “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18).
• Scripture treats sexual sin uniquely because it joins two bodies in a way designed for covenant commitment (Genesis 2:24;Matthew 19:5-6).
• Violating that purpose invites consequences: broken trust, damaged families, and spiritual distance from God (Proverbs 6:32-33;1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).
with your neighbor’s wife“…with your neighbor’s wife…” narrows the command to adultery.
• “Neighbor” in Leviticus includes anyone in the community (Luke 10:29-37), underscoring that marital vows matter to all.
• Adultery assaults three relationships at once:
– the marriage covenant (Malachi 2:14)
– the neighbor’s welfare (Romans 13:9-10)
– one’s own walk with the Lord (Psalm 51:4)
• God protects marriage because it pictures Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:31-32). To touch what symbolizes the gospel is to tamper with sacred ground.
and thus defile yourself with her“…and thus defile yourself with her.” Adultery is not only a social wrong; it is spiritual pollution.
• Defilement in Leviticus means becoming unfit for God’s presence (Leviticus 15:31; 18:24-28).
• Sin always carries a cost. “He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself” (Proverbs 6:32).
• Yet the same Law that warns also provides a path back: confession, repentance, and restored fellowship (Psalm 32:5;1 John 1:9).
summaryLeviticus 18:20 speaks plainly: God forbids sexual intimacy outside marriage, specifically adultery, because it violates the marriage covenant, harms our neighbor, and defiles us before Him. The verse calls believers to cherish marriage, honor others, and keep themselves pure for the One who designed sexuality for blessing within His holy boundaries.
(20)
Thy neighbour's wife.--For committing adultery, which is here branded as a defilement, whether with a betrothed or married woman, both guilty parties incurred the penalty of death by stoning. (See
Leviticus 20:10;
Deuteronomy 22:22;
Ezekiel 16:38;
Ezekiel 16:40;
John 8:5.) In Egypt the adulterer received a thousand strokes with a stick, and the guilty woman had her nose cut off, and to this day the criminal wife among the Bedouins is executed by her husband, father, or brother, without any mercy. Both criminals were also punished with death among other Eastern nations.
Verse 20. - The second prohibition is,
Thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife - a prohibition already made in other words in the ten commandments. The punishment for adultery is death by stoning (chapter 20:10;
Deuteronomy 22:22;
John 9:5) - a more severe penalty than was usually inflicted in other nations.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You must notלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nohave sexual relationsתִתֵּ֥ן(ṯit·tên)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setwithוְאֶל־(wə·’el-)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toyour neighbor’sעֲמִֽיתְךָ֔(‘ă·mî·ṯə·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5997:Companionship, a comrade, kindred manwifeאֵ֙שֶׁת֙(’ê·šeṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, femaleand thus defile yourselfלְטָמְאָה־(lə·ṭā·mə·’āh-)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 2930:To be or become uncleanwith her.בָֽהּ׃(ḇāh)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew
Links
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OT Law: Leviticus 18:20 You shall not lie carnally with your (Le Lv Lev.) 
