What is the meaning of Leviticus 18:20? You must not lie carnally Leviticus 18:20 begins with a clear command: “You must not lie carnally…”. • The phrase forbids all sexual contact outside God-ordained marriage, echoing “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14) and reinforced by “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18). • Scripture treats sexual sin uniquely because it joins two bodies in a way designed for covenant commitment (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5-6). • Violating that purpose invites consequences: broken trust, damaged families, and spiritual distance from God (Proverbs 6:32-33; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). with your neighbor’s wife “…with your neighbor’s wife…” narrows the command to adultery. • “Neighbor” in Leviticus includes anyone in the community (Luke 10:29-37), underscoring that marital vows matter to all. • Adultery assaults three relationships at once: – the marriage covenant (Malachi 2:14) – the neighbor’s welfare (Romans 13:9-10) – one’s own walk with the Lord (Psalm 51:4) • God protects marriage because it pictures Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:31-32). To touch what symbolizes the gospel is to tamper with sacred ground. and thus defile yourself with her “…and thus defile yourself with her.” Adultery is not only a social wrong; it is spiritual pollution. • Defilement in Leviticus means becoming unfit for God’s presence (Leviticus 15:31; 18:24-28). • Sin always carries a cost. “He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself” (Proverbs 6:32). • Yet the same Law that warns also provides a path back: confession, repentance, and restored fellowship (Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:9). summary Leviticus 18:20 speaks plainly: God forbids sexual intimacy outside marriage, specifically adultery, because it violates the marriage covenant, harms our neighbor, and defiles us before Him. The verse calls believers to cherish marriage, honor others, and keep themselves pure for the One who designed sexuality for blessing within His holy boundaries. |
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