Leviticus 19:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְאִ֔ישׁ

H376

And whosoever

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִשְׁכַּ֨ב

H7901

lieth

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אִשָּׁ֜ה

H802

with a woman

a woman

שִׁכְבַת

H7902

a lying down (of dew, or for the sexual act)

זֶ֗רַע

H2233

carnally

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

וְהִ֤וא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

שִׁפְחָה֙

H8198

that is a bondmaid

a female slave (as a member of the household)

#10

נֶֽחֱרֶ֣פֶת

H2778

betrothed

to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;

#11

לְאִ֔ישׁ

H376

And whosoever

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#12

נִפְדָּ֔תָה

H6299

and not at all

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

#13

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#14

נִפְדָּ֔תָה

H6299

and not at all

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

#15

א֥וֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

#16

חֻפְשָׁ֖ה

H2668

nor freedom

liberty (from slavery)

#17

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#18

נִתַּן

H5414

given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#19

לָ֑הּ

#20

בִּקֹּ֧רֶת

H1244

her she shall be scourged

properly, examination, i.e., (by implication) punishment

#21

תִּֽהְיֶ֛ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#22

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#23

יֽוּמְת֖וּ

H4191

they shall not be put to death

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#24

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#25

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#26

חֻפָּֽשָׁה׃

H2666

because she was not free

to spread loose; figuratively, to manumit

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Leviticus chapter 19 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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Leviticus 19:20

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources