Leviticus 20:10

Authorized King James Version

And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִ֔ישׁ
And the man
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)
#2
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
וְהַנֹּאָֽפֶת׃
and the adulteress
to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize
#4
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#5
אֵ֣שֶׁת
wife
a woman
#6
אִ֔ישׁ
And the man
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)
#7
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
וְהַנֹּאָֽפֶת׃
and the adulteress
to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize
#9
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#10
אֵ֣שֶׁת
wife
a woman
#11
רֵעֵ֑הוּ
with his neighbour's
an associate (more or less close)
#12
יוּמַ֥ת
be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#13
יוּמַ֥ת
be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#14
וְהַנֹּאָֽפֶת׃
and the adulteress
to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize
#15
וְהַנֹּאָֽפֶת׃
and the adulteress
to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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