Leviticus 18:20

20 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your neighbor’s wife and defile yourself with her.

Leviticus 18:20 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
20 Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her.
English Standard Version (ESV)
20 And you shall not lie sexually with your neighbor's wife and so make yourself unclean with her.
New Living Translation (NLT)
20 “Do not defile yourself by having sexual intercourse with your neighbor’s wife.
The Message Bible (MSG)
20 "Don't have sex with your neighbor's wife and violate yourself by her.
American Standard Version (ASV)
20 And thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbor's wife, to defile thyself with her.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
20 Never have sexual intercourse with your neighbor's wife and become unclean with her.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
20 You are not to have sexual intercourse with your neighbor's wife, defiling yourself with her.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
20 " 'Do not have sex with your neighbor's wife. That would make you "unclean."

Leviticus 18:20 Meaning and Commentary

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 a man's wife, as it is sometimes called, but the adulterer defiles himself: all sin is of a defiling nature, but especially this, which defiles a man both in soul and body, and brings a blot and stain upon his character, which shall not be wiped off, ( Proverbs 6:32 Proverbs 6:33 ) .

Leviticus 18:20 In-Context

18 “ ‘Do not take your wife’s sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is living.
19 “ ‘Do not approach a woman to have sexual relations during the uncleanness of her monthly period.
20 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your neighbor’s wife and defile yourself with her.
21 “ ‘Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molek, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.
22 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 20:10; Matthew 5:27,28; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Hebrews 13:4
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