Leviticus 18:20
Leviticus 18:20 in Multiple Translations
You must not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife and thus defile yourself with her.
Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour’s wife, to defile thyself with her.
And thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbor’s wife, to defile thyself with her.
And you may not have sex relations with your neighbour's wife, making yourself unclean with her.
Don't commit any sex act with any other man's wife. This would pollute you and make you unclean.
Moreouer, thou shalt not giue thy selfe to thy neighbours wife by carnall copulation, to be defiled with her.
'And unto the wife of thy fellow thou dost not give thy seed of copulation, for uncleanness with her.
“‘You shall not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife, and defile yourself with her.
Moreover, thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbor's wife, to defile thyself with her.
Thou shalt not lie with thy neighbour’s wife, nor be defiled with mingling of seed.
“Do not ◄defile yourself/make yourself unacceptable to me► by having sex with someone else’s wife.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 18:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 18:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶל
אֵ֨שֶׁת֙
עֲמִֽיתְ/ךָ֔
לֹא
תִתֵּ֥ן
שְׁכָבְתְּ/ךָ֖
לְ/זָ֑רַע
לְ/טָמְאָה
בָֽ/הּ
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
אֵ֨שֶׁת֙
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
עֲמִֽיתְ/ךָ֔
ʻâmîyth
H5997
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
שְׁכָבְתְּ/ךָ֖
shᵉkôbeth
H7903
copulation
N-fs | Suff
לְ/זָ֑רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
Prep | N-ms
לְ/טָמְאָה
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בָֽ/הּ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 18:20
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֵ֨שֶׁת֙
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
עֲמִֽיתְ/ךָ֔
ʻâmîyth
H5997
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means a neighbor or companion, referring to someone you have a close relationship with, like a fellow worker or friend, as seen in the KJV translation of the Bible.
Definition: relation, neighbour, associate, fellow
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: another, fellow, neighbour. See also: Leviticus 5:21; Leviticus 24:19; Zechariah 13:7.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
שְׁכָבְתְּ/ךָ֖
shᵉkôbeth
H7903
"copulation"
N-fs | Suff
Copulation refers to the act of lying with someone, often in a sexual context. It is used in the Bible to describe human relationships and intimacy.
Definition: copulation
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] lie. See also: Leviticus 18:20; Leviticus 20:15; Numbers 5:20.
לְ/זָ֑רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
לְ/טָמְאָה
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
בָֽ/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Leviticus 18:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 18:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 18:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:20
- Sermons on Leviticus 18:20
Context — Unlawful Sexual Relations
18You must not take your wife’s sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is still alive.
19You must not approach a woman to have sexual relations with her during her menstrual period.
20You must not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife and thus defile yourself with her.
21You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD. 22You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 20:14 | You shall not commit adultery. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 6:9 | Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, |
| 3 | Hebrews 13:4 | Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. |
| 4 | Leviticus 20:10 | If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death. |
| 5 | Matthew 5:27–28 | You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. |
| 6 | Proverbs 6:25 | Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 5:18 | You shall not commit adultery. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 11:3–4 | So David sent and inquired about the woman, and he was told, “This is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” Then David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her. (Now she had just purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned home. |
| 9 | Proverbs 6:29–33 | So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished. Men do not despise the thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger. Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house. He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. Wounds and dishonor will befall him, and his reproach will never be wiped away. |
| 10 | Galatians 5:19 | The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; |
Leviticus 18:20 Summary
This verse reminds us that God wants us to respect and honor our neighbors' marriages. Having an affair with someone's spouse is a sin that can hurt many people and damage our relationship with God (Exodus 20:17). We should strive to prioritize purity, respect, and commitment in all our relationships, just as God designed (Matthew 5:27-28). By following God's commands, we can build stronger, healthier relationships and bring glory to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to lie carnally with someone in this verse?
In Leviticus 18:20, lying carnally with someone refers to having sexual relations outside of marriage, which is considered a sin (as seen in Exodus 20:17 and Deuteronomy 5:21).
Why is it important not to defile oneself with their neighbor's wife?
Defiling oneself with their neighbor's wife goes against God's commandments and can lead to spiritual and emotional harm, as well as damage to relationships and community (Proverbs 6:32).
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Leviticus 18?
Leviticus 18:20 is part of a larger passage that outlines God's laws regarding sexual purity and morality, emphasizing the importance of respecting boundaries and honoring commitments (Leviticus 18:1-5).
What are the consequences of disobeying this commandment?
Disobeying this commandment can lead to spiritual, emotional, and relational consequences, including guilt, shame, and damage to one's relationship with God and others (Psalm 51:1-4, Genesis 39:7-9).
Reflection Questions
- How can I prioritize purity and respect in my relationships, especially in a world that often promotes casual and fleeting connections?
- What are some ways I can honor God's design for marriage and relationships, even when it's difficult or unpopular?
- How can I seek forgiveness and restoration if I have fallen into sin or hurt someone through my actions?
- What role does self-control and discipline play in maintaining healthy boundaries and respecting others' commitments?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:20
Moreover, thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife,.... Which is adultery, and a breach of the seventh command, Exodus 20:14: to defile thyself with her; not only adultery is a defiling
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:20
Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:20
Leviticus 18:20 Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour’ s wife, to defile thyself with her.Ver. 20. To defile thyself.] As David, how did he embroil himself with Bathsheba, and chased away that pure Spirit. Casta Deus mens est.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:20
(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.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 18:20
Verse 20. Thy neighbour's wife] See Clarke on Exodus 20:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:20
20. Thy neighbour’s wife — This is a repetition of the seventh commandment, in another form, for the purpose of emphasis and of completing the enumeration of abominations prevalent in Egypt and Canaan.
Sermons on Leviticus 18:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Eternal Spirit the Gifts That Came by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence of dens of vice in our society, indicating that the Lord's coming is near. He refers to the book, which keeps him on the right |
|
Holy Harmony - Part 1 by Elisabeth Elliot | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a holy harmony in our lives. He reflects on the difference that Jesus Christ has made in his own life and challenges the au |
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Living With Your Passion by Erwin Lutzer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being thorough and complete in our commitment to God. He urges the audience to get rid of any associations or contacts that |
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(Through the Bible) 1 John 4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the love of God as demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He highlights that God's love is not based on our love for Him, |
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Boasting in the Law by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how the apostle Paul systematically addresses different types of people and their beliefs about acceptance before God. He emphasizes that all |
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The Ten Commandments Gospel Message by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker describes visiting a terminally ill patient in the hospital. The patient expresses fear of dying and the speaker asks if he is afraid to meet God. The p |
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Monogamatic Marriage by John Alexander Dowie | In this sermon, the preacher strongly condemns the social system that pretends to be monogamous but is actually filled with mischief. He emphasizes the importance of fathers taking |