Lexical Summary shekobeth: Lying down, sexual intercourse Original Word: שֶׁכֹבֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lie From shakab; a (sexual) lying with -- X lie. see HEBREW shakab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shakab Definition copulation NASB Translation intercourse (2), intercourse* (1), lies* (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שְׁכֹ֫בֶת LagBN 179 BaNB 144] noun feminine copulation; — suffix, all with וַיִּתֵּן אֶתשְֿׁכָבְתּוֺ ׃נָהַן Numbers 5:20 (P; בְּ feminine); לֹא תִתֵּן שְׁכָבְתְּךָ לְזָ֑רַע Leviticus 18:20 (אֶל feminine), ׳בְּכָלבְּֿהֵמָה לֹא תִתֵּן שׁ Leviticus 18:33, compare Leviticus 20:15 (all H). Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope of Meaning שֶׁכֹבֶת (shekhóveth) denotes the physical act of “lying with” another, specifically sexual intercourse. In its four occurrences the word always appears in prohibitive or investigative contexts, underscoring boundaries that protect covenant fidelity and the sanctity of life. Biblical Usage 1. Leviticus 18:20 warns against adultery: “You must not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife and thus defile yourself with her.” Across these texts, שֶׁכֹבֶת appears only in contexts where the act would violate covenant order—either by adulterating marriage, confusing species boundaries, or jeopardizing familial purity. Theological Significance: Holy Boundaries for Sexuality Scripture consistently roots sexual ethics in God’s character and covenant purposes. By restricting שֶׁכֹבֶת to monogamous marriage, the Torah safeguards: Thus illicit שֶׁכֹבֶת is not a mere private sin; it distorts divine revelation designed into human bodies and relationships. Historical and Cultural Context Ancient Near Eastern societies tolerated or ritualized many sexual practices condemned by Moses. By contrast, Israel’s laws set her apart (Leviticus 18:3). The death penalty associated with bestiality (Leviticus 20:15–16) and severe penalties for adultery protected women, property rights, unborn offspring, and covenant inheritance patterns. The jealousy ordeal (Numbers 5) aimed to resolve suspicion without vigilante violence, reinforcing due process under priestly oversight. Moral and Ethical Implications The prohibitions demonstrate that: Connections to New Testament Teaching While שֶׁכֹבֶת itself is Hebrew, its ethic undergirds apostolic instruction. Hebrews 13:4 echoes Leviticus, “Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled.” Paul warns that those who practice porneia “will not inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10). Jesus radicalizes fidelity by locating adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:27–28), showing continuity with the holiness code’s concern for inward purity. Applications for Ministry and Discipleship • Marriage Counseling: Emphasize covenantal faithfulness as worship, not merely contract. Further Study Compare שֶׁכֹבֶת with מִשְׁכָּב (mishkav, “bed/lying place”) in Leviticus 18:22; survey Deuteronomy 22–24 for complementary marriage laws; trace New Testament fulfillment in Ephesians 5:22–33, where marital union typifies Christ and the church. Forms and Transliterations שְׁכָבְתְּךָ֖ שְׁכָבְתּ֔וֹ שְׁכָבְתּ֛וֹ שכבתו שכבתך šə·ḵā·ḇə·tə·ḵā šə·ḵā·ḇə·tōw šəḵāḇətəḵā šəḵāḇətōw shechaveteCha shechaveToLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 18:20 HEB: לֹא־ תִתֵּ֥ן שְׁכָבְתְּךָ֖ לְזָ֑רַע לְטָמְאָה־ KJV: Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally INT: shall not have lie carnally to be defiled Leviticus 18:23 Leviticus 20:15 Numbers 5:20 4 Occurrences |
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