Leviticus 18:20 Meaning and Explanation
“Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour’s wife, to defile thyself with her.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The command turns directly from near-kin boundaries to a neighbor's marriage. The addressee must not have sexual relations with the neighbor's wife, and the verse places serious defilement upon the actor. Adultery violates covenant faithfulness and harms a nearby household.
God forbids sexual relations with a neighbor's wife and warns the person who commits the act that he defiles himself through it.
The Context of Leviticus 18:20
Verse 19 sets a boundary during a woman's menstrual uncleanness. Verse 20 then prohibits lying carnally with a neighbor's wife, and verse 21 turns to children, Molech, and profaning God's name. The adultery command also appears concisely in the Ten Commandments. Here the wording adds the neighbor relationship and the consequence to defile thyself. Later in the chapter, verses 24 through 30 describe the listed acts as defiling and warn Israel against committing them. The verse addresses the addressee's conduct directly. It does not make the betrayed spouse responsible, and it does not tell readers to assume mutual consent where coercion or assault may have occurred.
What Does Leviticus 18:20 Mean?
Neighbor makes the offense relational as well as sexual. The act violates another marriage and the trust that should govern life among people who dwell near one another. The words to defile thyself place moral responsibility on the person addressed. He cannot blame desire, opportunity, marital dissatisfaction, the neighbor, or the neighbor's wife for his choice. The command speaks to conduct without inviting readers to rank the social worth of the people involved. Both public scandal and concealed adultery stand under the LORD's concern because holiness reaches private acts.
A careful modern response must distinguish consensual infidelity from sexual coercion or assault. Where two adults freely choose adultery, each is accountable for that choice. Where one person threatens, incapacitates, manipulates, or forces another, the survivor does not share the offender's guilt. The betrayed spouse also did not cause another person's violation by being inattentive, ill, absent, or imperfect. Pastoral care should avoid pressuring either harmed person toward immediate reconciliation. Safety, health testing, factual clarity, legal obligations, and separate support may all be necessary before decisions about a marriage can be responsibly considered.
Jesus quotes the adultery command and carries responsibility into the lustful gaze of the person looking. His teaching blocks the excuse that another person's appearance caused inner betrayal. The severe images about eye and hand demand decisive action against sin and should never be used to promote bodily self-harm. Christian repentance may require ending secret contact, surrendering access, disclosing truth appropriately, accepting consequences, and obtaining accountable care. Hebrews honors marriage and places judgment with God. Churches should support truth and safety without gossip, public spectacle, coercive counseling, or promises that every marriage will have the same outcome.
Bible Verses Related to Leviticus 18:20
“Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time. Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness. Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour’s wife, to defile thyself with her. And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.”
- Leviticus 18:18-21
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
- Exodus 20:14
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.”
- Matthew 5:27-30
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
- Hebrews 13:4
Where Leviticus 18:20 Echoes in Scripture
The seventh commandment states the adultery prohibition directly, while Jesus applies it to the lustful intention of the responsible person looking. Hebrews openly honors marriage and warns that God judges sexual wrongdoing, keeping personal conduct and responsibility before divine judgment.
How to Apply Leviticus 18:20 Today
End secret messages, flirtation, private meetings, and emotional arrangements that cultivate betrayal. Use transparent boundaries before desire becomes a crisis. If adultery is disclosed, tell the truth without blaming the betrayed spouse and arrange appropriate health care and independent counsel. If coercion or assault is alleged, prioritize survivor safety and qualified legal or clinical help rather than labeling the event an affair. Do not force joint counseling while intimidation continues. Congregations should limit leadership access where necessary, protect confidentiality, correct misinformation carefully, and make support available regardless of whether the harmed spouse chooses separation, reconciliation, or further time.
Reflection & Prayer
Do we take responsibility for the private desires and choices that threaten a neighbor's home? We might pray: 'Faithful Lord Jesus, deeply purify our hearts, protect every spouse from betrayal and assault, and patiently lead us in truth, genuine repentance, justice, and healing wisdom.'