Leviticus 18:20: “Do not have sexual relations with your neighbor’s wife and defile yourself with her.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 18:20 is a direct command that forbids a man from having sexual relations with another man’s wife. This law addresses the issue of adultery, highlighting the severe consequences of violating the marriage covenant. The verse clearly states that engaging in such behavior defiles not only the individuals involved but also goes against God’s design for marriage and fidelity.
Adultery is not just a private sin; it has far-reaching impacts on families, communities, and one’s relationship with God. This command stresses the importance of respecting the boundaries of marriage and honoring the commitments made between a husband and wife. The term “defile” suggests that adultery is not just a personal failing but something that corrupts the purity and holiness that God desires for His people.
Historical Context
The Book of Leviticus was given to the Israelites as they were forming their identity as God’s chosen people, set apart from the surrounding nations. During this time, many cultures around them did not hold to the same moral standards, and sexual immorality, including adultery, was often practiced without consequence. God’s laws were meant to distinguish the Israelites as a people who lived according to His standards of holiness and integrity.
In ancient Israel, marriage was considered the foundation of family and society. Adultery was not just a personal sin but a crime that threatened the stability of the community. It brought dishonor, broke trust, and could lead to severe consequences, including societal breakdown. By forbidding adultery, God was protecting the sanctity of marriage, ensuring that relationships were built on faithfulness, respect, and commitment.
Theological Implications
Leviticus 18:20 highlights important theological truths about God’s nature and His expectations for human relationships. It shows that God values faithfulness, honesty, and purity in marriage. Marriage is not just a contract between two people; it is a covenant before God, and breaking that covenant through adultery is seen as a serious offense.
This verse also teaches that God’s laws are given for our protection and well-being. Adultery brings pain, betrayal, and destruction, not only to the people directly involved but also to families and communities. God’s command against adultery reflects His desire for His people to live in a way that honors Him and upholds the dignity and respect of others. It underscores the importance of maintaining trust and integrity in all relationships.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 18:20 is part of the “Holiness Code” within Leviticus, which outlines laws for living in a way that reflects God’s holiness. The verse is written in a straightforward, commanding style, typical of the laws in this chapter. The phrase “do not have sexual relations” is a clear directive, emphasizing the boundaries that God has set to maintain purity and respect within the community.
The structure of Leviticus 18, with its repeated prohibitions, serves to reinforce the importance of upholding God’s standards in all aspects of life. The literary style is concise and leaves no room for compromise, underscoring that these commands are not just cultural norms but divine instructions that carry significant moral and spiritual weight.
Biblical Cross-References
Several other passages in the Bible reinforce the principles found in Leviticus 18:20:
- Exodus 20:14: One of the Ten Commandments explicitly states, “You shall not commit adultery,” underscoring the importance of faithfulness in marriage.
- Proverbs 6:32-33: These verses warn about the consequences of adultery, describing it as a lack of understanding that leads to self-destruction and disgrace.
- Matthew 5:27-28: Jesus expands on the commandment against adultery, teaching that even looking at someone lustfully is a form of adultery in the heart, highlighting the need for purity in thought as well as action.
These cross-references show that the call to faithfulness in marriage is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the need to honor God in all relationships.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Leviticus 18:20 serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring the marriage covenant. In a culture where infidelity and casual attitudes toward marriage are common, this verse provides clear guidance on how God’s people are to live. It challenges believers to uphold the sanctity of marriage, to respect the commitments they have made, and to avoid actions that would bring harm and dishonor.
This command also encourages Christians to guard their hearts and minds, being mindful of how their actions affect others. Adultery is not just about physical actions; it starts with the intentions of the heart. By staying faithful, Christians reflect God’s faithfulness and set an example of integrity and honor in a world that often devalues these principles.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 18:20 reflects God’s love and care for His people. God’s commands are not meant to restrict us but to protect us from the pain and consequences of sin. Adultery damages trust, breaks hearts, and tears families apart. By forbidding such behavior, God is safeguarding the well-being of individuals, families, and the community as a whole.
God’s love is seen in His desire to see marriages flourish as faithful, loving partnerships that reflect His own faithfulness to us. The prohibition against adultery is one of the ways God ensures that relationships are built on trust, respect, and mutual honor. His commands are given to lead us into a life of joy, peace, and relational wholeness.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law, and His teachings often uphold the moral standards found in the Old Testament. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus declared that He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. Through His teachings, Jesus emphasized the importance of purity, integrity, and faithfulness in all relationships, especially marriage.
In the New Testament, Jesus expanded on the command against adultery, teaching that even lustful thoughts can be as damaging as the physical act (Matthew 5:27-28). Jesus’ message was clear: God’s standard is not just about avoiding outward sin but cultivating a heart that seeks to honor God and others. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus offers forgiveness for all sins, including those involving sexual immorality, and empowers believers to live according to God’s design.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of faithfulness in marriage?
- How can we protect our marriages and relationships from the temptation of infidelity?
- Why do you think God places such a strong emphasis on maintaining purity and respect within the marriage covenant?
- How does understanding God’s love help us see His commands as protective rather than restrictive?
- How does Jesus’ teaching on adultery challenge us to examine not just our actions but also our thoughts and attitudes?