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.

Study Bible

If a man commits adultery
The Hebrew root for "commits adultery" is "na'aph," which signifies a breach of the marital covenant. In ancient Israel, marriage was not only a personal commitment but a societal one, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. Adultery was seen as a grave sin because it violated this sacred bond, symbolizing unfaithfulness to God Himself. The act of adultery disrupted the social fabric and was considered a direct affront to the divine order established by God.

with another man's wife
The phrase underscores the sanctity of marriage and the exclusive nature of the marital relationship. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, marriage was a foundational institution, and the family unit was central to societal stability. The phrase "another man's wife" highlights the personal and communal betrayal involved in adultery, as it not only affects the individuals directly involved but also the broader community.

with the wife of his neighbor
The term "neighbor" in Hebrew is "rea," which can mean friend, companion, or fellow citizen. This emphasizes the communal aspect of the commandment. Adultery was not just a private sin but a public offense that could lead to discord and distrust within the community. The use of "neighbor" reminds the Israelites of their interconnectedness and the importance of maintaining trust and integrity within the community.

both the adulterer and the adulteress
This phrase indicates the equal responsibility and culpability of both parties involved in the act of adultery. In a patriarchal society, this equality in judgment is significant, as it underscores the moral agency and accountability of both men and women. The law does not discriminate based on gender, reflecting the divine justice that holds all individuals to the same standard of righteousness.

must surely be put to death
The severity of the punishment reflects the seriousness with which God views the sin of adultery. The phrase "must surely be put to death" is a translation of the Hebrew "mot yumat," a legal formula indicating the certainty and necessity of the penalty. This underscores the holiness of God and the need for His people to reflect that holiness in their lives. The death penalty for adultery served as a deterrent and a means of purging evil from the community, preserving the sanctity of marriage and the moral integrity of the nation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Adulterer and Adulteress
These are the individuals involved in the act of adultery. In the context of ancient Israel, this refers to a man and a woman who engage in sexual relations outside the bounds of marriage, specifically when one or both are married to someone else.

2. Neighbor
In this context, "neighbor" refers to a fellow member of the Israelite community. The term underscores the communal aspect of the law, emphasizing the breach of trust and covenant within the community.

3. Ancient Israel
The setting for this law is the Israelite community, which was governed by the Mosaic Law. This law was given to the Israelites as part of their covenant with God, establishing guidelines for holy living.

4. Mosaic Law
The body of laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil laws. Leviticus is part of this legal and religious framework.

5. Death Penalty
The prescribed consequence for adultery in this passage, reflecting the seriousness with which the community was to regard the sanctity of marriage.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Marriage
Marriage is a covenant relationship that reflects God's faithfulness. Adultery violates this sacred bond and disrupts the community's moral fabric.

The Seriousness of Sin
The death penalty for adultery in ancient Israel underscores the gravity of sin and its consequences. While the New Testament emphasizes grace, it does not diminish the seriousness of sin.

Community Responsibility
The law highlights the communal aspect of sin. Adultery affects not just the individuals involved but the entire community, calling for collective responsibility in upholding God's standards.

Grace and Redemption
While the Old Testament law prescribes severe penalties, the New Testament reveals God's grace through Christ, offering forgiveness and a call to repentance for all sinners.

Guarding the Heart
Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount calls believers to guard their hearts against lust and impurity, recognizing that sin begins in the heart.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the commandment against adultery in Leviticus 20:10 reflect God's design for marriage?

2. In what ways does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:27-28 expand our understanding of adultery and purity?

3. How can the account of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11) inform our approach to sin and forgiveness in our own lives?

4. What steps can we take to guard our hearts against lust and maintain purity in our thoughts and actions?

5. How does understanding the communal impact of sin influence the way we live out our faith within our church and community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:14
The commandment "You shall not commit adultery" is part of the Ten Commandments, highlighting the foundational nature of this prohibition in God's law.

Matthew 5:27-28
Jesus expands on the concept of adultery, teaching that even lustful thoughts are equivalent to adultery in the heart, thus broadening the understanding of purity and faithfulness.

John 8:3-11
The account of the woman caught in adultery illustrates Jesus' approach to sin and forgiveness, emphasizing mercy and the call to repentance.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Paul lists adulterers among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, reinforcing the New Testament's continuity with the moral teachings of the Old Testament.