Old Testament
Leviticus 19:20
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If a man sleeps with a slave woman who is promised to another man but hasn't been redeemed or given her freedom, she shall be punished; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.
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And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.
What Leviticus 19:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse addresses a specific situation involving a slave woman who is betrothed to another man but has not been freed or redeemed. If a man has sexual relations with her, the punishment is not death for either party, as she is considered not fully free. Instead, the woman is to be punished, likely to reflect the seriousness of the act while acknowledging her lack of autonomy. This law highlights the complexities of relationships and responsibilities in ancient Israelite society, particularly regarding slavery and betrothal. It underscores the importance of recognizing the status of individuals and the consequences of actions that violate social and moral codes. The distinction made here between free and enslaved individuals reflects the cultural context of the time, where social hierarchies significantly influenced legal outcomes.
How to apply Leviticus 19:20 to your life
This verse reminds us to consider the implications of our actions on others, especially those in vulnerable positions. It encourages us to uphold justice and compassion in our relationships, recognizing the dignity of every individual, regardless of their social status.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 19:20 mean?
Leviticus 19:20 addresses the situation of a slave woman who is betrothed to another man. If a man has sexual relations with her, the punishment is not death for either party, as she is not fully free, but the woman is to be punished.
What is the punishment in Leviticus 19:20?
In Leviticus 19:20, the punishment for the slave woman who has relations with a man is that she shall be scourged. The man is not put to death because the woman is considered not fully free.
What does 'not free' mean in Leviticus 19:20?
In Leviticus 19:20, 'not free' refers to the status of the slave woman who is betrothed but has not been redeemed or given her freedom. This status affects the legal consequences of her actions.
What is the context of Leviticus 19:20?
Leviticus 19:20 is set in the context of ancient Israelite laws regarding slavery and betrothal. It reflects the complexities of social hierarchies and the legal implications of relationships involving individuals of different statuses.
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