Leviticus 18:20

KJV

Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover thou shalt not {H5414} lie {H7903} carnally {H2233} with thy neighbour's {H5997} wife {H802}, to defile {H2930} thyself with her.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to go to bed with your neighbor's wife and thus become unclean with her.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife and thus defile yourself with her.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbor’s wife, to defile thyself with her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 18:20 delivers a direct and unequivocal prohibition against adultery, specifically forbidding sexual relations with one's neighbor's wife. This command is foundational to the Holiness Code, emphasizing the sanctity of the marital covenant as divinely ordained and highlighting the profound moral and spiritual defilement that results from such a transgression. It underscores God's call for His people to live in purity and integrity, setting them apart from the immoral practices prevalent in the surrounding pagan cultures and establishing a framework for a just and holy society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 18 forms a crucial part of the Holiness Code (chapters 17-26), which outlines the ethical and ritual requirements for Israel to live as a holy nation set apart for God. Following instructions on proper worship and the consumption of blood, this chapter shifts focus to forbidden sexual relationships. The chapter begins with a sweeping command for Israel to reject the customs of Egypt and Canaan and instead "perform my judgments, and keep my ordinances, to walk therein" ([Leviticus 18:4](/leviticus/18-4 "Leviticus 18:4 - Obeying God's Statutes")). Verse 20 is situated among a series of prohibitions against various forms of incest, bestiality, and child sacrifice, all of which are presented as abominations that defile both the individual and the land. The chapter culminates in a stern warning of the consequences of disobedience, including the land "vomiting out" its inhabitants for their defilement ([Leviticus 18:25](/leviticus/18-25 "Leviticus 18:25 - The Land's Defilement")). Thus, the prohibition against adultery is not an isolated rule but an integral component of God's comprehensive moral framework for His covenant people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** These laws were given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, shortly before their entry into the Promised Land of Canaan. The surrounding Canaanite nations were known for their pervasive idolatry, which often included cultic prostitution, sexual rituals, and a general disregard for marital fidelity and sexual purity. The gods of Canaan, such as Baal and Asherah, were associated with fertility cults that normalized practices considered anathema by Yahweh. By issuing these strict prohibitions, God was establishing clear boundaries for His people, distinguishing them morally and spiritually from the pagan cultures they were about to encounter and displace. Adultery, in particular, was a severe offense in ancient Israelite society, viewed not merely as a private sin but as a profound breach of covenant, family honor, and communal trust. Under the Mosaic Law, it was often punishable by death for both parties involved ([Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Punishment for Adultery")). This strict penalty underscores the high value God placed on the sanctity of marriage and the stability of the family unit, which were foundational to the social and spiritual health of the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lie carnally (Hebrew, _shikvat zera'_):** This phrase, literally meaning "lying of seed" or "emission of seed," is a direct and unambiguous euphemism for sexual intercourse. The KJV's "lie carnally" accurately conveys the physical act. Its use here leaves no room for misinterpretation regarding the nature of the prohibited act, emphasizing the physical intimacy involved in the transgression.
* **Defile (Hebrew, טָמֵא, _tame'_):** This verb signifies to be unclean, impure, or polluted. While _tame'_ is frequently used in Leviticus to describe ritual impurity (e.g., contact with a dead body), in contexts like Leviticus 18, it carries a strong moral and spiritual connotation. It denotes a state of being morally corrupted, unacceptable to God, and unfit for His presence. The act of adultery, therefore, is not merely a social misstep but a profound spiritual pollution that impacts the individual's relationship with a holy God and can even defile the land itself.
* **Neighbour's wife (Hebrew, אֵשֶׁת עֲמִיתֶךָ, _'eshet 'amitekha'_):** The term "neighbour" (_'amitekha_) refers to a fellow Israelite or member of the community. The explicit mention of "wife" (_'eshet_) highlights the specific violation of another man's marital covenant and the sanctity of his household. This emphasizes the communal aspect of the sin, as it infringes upon the rights and relationships of others, striking at the heart of social trust and order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife":** This is a direct and absolute prohibition. The phrase "lie carnally" (as discussed above) refers to sexual intercourse. The specific target of the prohibition is the "neighbour's wife," underscoring that the sin is not merely promiscuity but a violation of an existing, sacred marital bond. This clause aligns directly with the [Seventh Commandment](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment"), "Thou shalt not commit adultery," demonstrating the unchanging nature of God's moral law regarding fidelity.
* **"to defile thyself with her":** This clause explains the consequence and nature of the act. The act of adultery is not presented as merely a social transgression but as an act that brings spiritual and moral defilement upon the one who commits it. The "defilement" (_tame'_) signifies a state of impurity that renders the individual unacceptable or separated from God's holiness. It highlights that sexual sin is not external but deeply impacts one's inner being and spiritual standing, polluting the soul and conscience.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 18:20 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and force. The primary device is **Prohibition**, expressed through the negative command "thou shalt not," which is characteristic of the legal and ethical sections of the Old Testament. This direct address underscores the absolute nature of the command and leaves no room for ambiguity. **Euphemism** is evident in the phrase "lie carnally" (_shikvat zera'_), which delicately refers to sexual intercourse without explicit vulgarity, maintaining the decorum of sacred text while being perfectly clear in its meaning. The verse also utilizes **Consequence-Stating**, as the phrase "to defile thyself with her" immediately follows the prohibition, explaining the spiritual and moral outcome of the forbidden act. This serves as a powerful deterrent, linking the physical act directly to spiritual impurity. Finally, the specific targeting of "thy neighbour's wife" employs **Specificity**, ensuring that the law is applied precisely to a common and destructive form of sexual sin, thereby protecting the integrity of the family unit and the social fabric of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 18:20 profoundly underscores the sanctity of marriage as a divine institution and the gravity of sexual sin. The prohibition against adultery is not merely a social regulation but a theological statement about God's holiness and His expectation for His people's purity. It reflects a core biblical truth that sexual intimacy is reserved for the covenant of marriage, designed by God for procreation, companionship, and mutual delight. Adultery, therefore, is a direct assault on God's design, a breach of trust, and an act of defilement that pollutes the individual, the family, and the community, ultimately impacting the nation's relationship with a holy God. This verse reminds us that God's standards for sexual morality are rooted in His character and His desire for humanity's flourishing.

* [Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment")
* [Proverbs 6:32](/proverbs/6-32 "Proverbs 6:32 - Consequences of Adultery")
* [Malachi 2:14-16](/malachi/2-14 "Malachi 2:14-16 - God Hates Divorce and Faithlessness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 18:20, though ancient, resonates with timeless relevance for believers today, serving as a foundational principle for understanding God's unchanging standards for sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage. In a contemporary world where sexual boundaries are often blurred, redefined, or outright disregarded, this verse stands as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of sexual sin, not only for individuals and families but for the spiritual health of a community. It calls us to uphold fidelity within marriage as a sacred covenant, reflecting the faithfulness of God Himself. Beyond the physical act, it challenges us to cultivate purity of heart and mind, recognizing that true defilement begins in the thoughts and desires. The call to holiness in our sexual lives is an invitation to live in alignment with God's perfect design, experiencing the flourishing and freedom that come from honoring His commands and respecting the sacred boundaries He has established for our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "defilement" aspect of adultery deepen your appreciation for God's call to holiness in all areas of life?**
* **In what ways does societal normalization of sexual immorality challenge believers to uphold the biblical standard of marital fidelity and purity?**
* **Beyond the physical act, how can we apply the principle of "not lying carnally with thy neighbour's wife" to our thoughts, words, and digital interactions in today's world?**

### FAQ

**What does "defile thyself with her" mean in a spiritual sense?**

Answer: In a spiritual sense, "defile thyself with her" (Hebrew: _tame'_) signifies a state of moral and spiritual impurity that renders an individual unacceptable or separated from God's holiness. It's not merely a ceremonial uncleanness that can be remedied by ritual washing, but a deep corruption of the soul and conscience that impacts one's relationship with a holy God. The act of adultery, by violating a sacred covenant and God's design for sexuality, pollutes the inner being, making one spiritually unfit for communion with God and bringing judgment upon oneself. This concept is reiterated in the New Testament, where sexual immorality is explicitly listed among sins that defile a person ([Mark 7:20-23](/mark/7-20 "Mark 7:20-23 - What Defiles a Person")).

**How does this Old Testament law relate to New Testament teachings on marriage and sexuality?**

Answer: This Old Testament law establishes a foundational principle that is affirmed and deepened in the New Testament. Jesus Himself upheld the sanctity of marriage and condemned adultery, extending the prohibition to include lustful thoughts, stating that "whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" ([Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Jesus on Adultery and Lust")). The apostles likewise consistently teach against sexual immorality, emphasizing that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and that believers should flee fornication and adultery ([1 Corinthians 6:18-20](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee Sexual Immorality")). The New Testament also elevates marriage as a picture of Christ's relationship with the Church ([Ephesians 5:25-32](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-32 - Christ and the Church")), further reinforcing its sacredness and the gravity of violating its covenant. Thus, Leviticus 18:20 serves as a bedrock for the consistent biblical ethic of sexual purity and marital fidelity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Leviticus 18:20 directly prohibits adultery under the Mosaic Law, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning are revealed in Christ. The law, with its strict prohibitions and consequences of defilement, exposed humanity's inability to perfectly keep God's holy standards and highlighted the pervasive nature of sin, even in the realm of sexual purity. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, did not abolish this law but intensified it, revealing that the heart is the source of defilement, declaring that even lustful thoughts constitute adultery in God's eyes ([Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Jesus on Adultery and Lust")). This demonstrates that true holiness goes beyond outward obedience to inward transformation. Christ Himself lived a life of perfect purity, fulfilling the law's righteous demands. Through His atoning sacrifice, He provides forgiveness for those who have been defiled by sin, including sexual sin, offering cleansing and reconciliation with a holy God ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). Furthermore, in Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of purity and fidelity, not by mere legalistic adherence, but by a renewed heart that desires to honor God in all things, including their sexuality, as a reflection of the sacred covenant between Christ and His Church ([Ephesians 5:25-32](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-32 - Christ and the Church")). The ultimate fulfillment of the law's demand for purity is found in the sanctifying work of Christ, who enables His people to pursue holiness without which "no man shall see the Lord" ([Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 20:14

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Leviticus 20:10

¶ 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.

1 Corinthians 6:9

¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Matthew 5:27

¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

Matthew 5:28

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Deuteronomy 5:18

Neither shalt thou commit adultery.