Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “’If a man sleeps with a female slave who is promised to another man but who has not been ransomed or given her freedom, there must be due punishment. Yet they are not to be put to death, because she had not been freed. New Living Translation “If a man has sex with a slave girl whose freedom has never been purchased but who is committed to become another man’s wife, he must pay full compensation to her master. But since she is not a free woman, neither the man nor the woman will be put to death. English Standard Version “If a man lies sexually with a woman who is a slave, assigned to another man and not yet ransomed or given her freedom, a distinction shall be made. They shall not be put to death, because she was not free; Berean Standard Bible If a man lies carnally with a slave girl promised to another man but who has not been redeemed or given her freedom, there must be due punishment. But they are not to be put to death, because she had not been freed. Berean Literal Bible And when a man lies with a woman, a lying of seed, and she is a maidservant betrothed to a man and has not been redeemed at all, or freedom has not been given to her, there shall be punishment. They shall not be put to death, because she was not free. King James Bible 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. New King James Version ‘Whoever lies carnally with a woman who is betrothed to a man as a concubine, and who has not at all been redeemed nor given her freedom, for this there shall be scourging; but they shall not be put to death, because she was not free. New American Standard Bible ‘Now if a man has sexual relations with a woman who is a slave acquired for another man, but who has in no way been redeemed nor given her freedom, there shall be punishment; they shall not, however, be put to death, because she was not free. NASB 1995 Now if a man lies carnally with a woman who is a slave acquired for another man, but who has in no way been redeemed nor given her freedom, there shall be punishment; they shall not, however, be put to death, because she was not free. NASB 1977 ‘Now if a man lies carnally with a woman who is a slave acquired for another man, but who has in no way been redeemed, nor given her freedom, there shall be punishment; they shall not, however, be put to death, because she was not free. Legacy Standard Bible ‘Now if a man lies sexually with a woman who is a slave assigned to another man, but who has in no way been redeemed nor given her freedom, there shall be punishment; they shall not, however, be put to death because she was not free. Amplified Bible ‘Now if a man has intimate relations with a woman who is a slave acquired for [marriage to] another man, but who has not been redeemed nor given her freedom, there shall be punishment [after an investigation]; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free; Berean Annotated Bible If a man lies carnally with a slave girl promised to another man but who has not been redeemed or given her freedom, there must be due punishment. But they are not to be put to death, because she had not been freed. Christian Standard Bible “If a man has sexual intercourse with a woman who is a slave designated for another man, but she has not been redeemed or given her freedom, there must be punishment. They are not to be put to death, because she had not been freed. Holman Christian Standard Bible If a man has sexual intercourse with a woman who is a slave designated for another man, but she has not been redeemed or given her freedom, there must be punishment. They are not to be put to death, because she had not been freed. American Standard Version And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to a husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; they shall be punished; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free. Contemporary English Version If a man has sex with a slave woman who is promised in marriage to someone else, he must pay a fine, but they are not to be put to death. After all, she was still a slave at the time. English Revised 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; they shall be punished; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free. GOD'S WORD® Translation "If a man has sexual intercourse with a female slave who is engaged to another man and if her freedom was never bought or given to her, they should not be put to death. He will only pay a fine because she is a slave. Good News Translation "If a slave woman is the recognized concubine of a man and she has not been paid for and freed, then if another man has sexual relations with her, they will be punished, but not put to death, since she is a slave. International Standard Version "When a person has sexual relations with a woman servant who is engaged to another man, but she has not been completely redeemed nor has her freedom been granted to her, there is to be an inquiry, but they won't be put to death, since she has not been freed. NET Bible "'When a man has sexual intercourse with a woman, although she is a slave woman designated for another man and she has not yet been ransomed, or freedom has not been granted to her, there will be an obligation to pay compensation. They must not be put to death, because she was not free. New Heart English Bible "'If a man lies carnally with a woman who is a slave girl, pledged to be married to another man, and not ransomed, or given her freedom; they shall be punished. They shall not be put to death, because she was not free. Webster's Bible Translation And whoever lieth carnally with a woman that is a bond-maid betrothed to a 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf a man lies carnally with a slave girl promised to another man but who has not been redeemed or given her freedom, there must be due punishment. But they are not to be put to death, because she had not been freed. World English Bible “‘If a man lies carnally with a woman who is a slave girl, pledged to be married to another man, and not ransomed or given her freedom; they shall be punished. They shall not be put to death, because she was not free. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd when a man lies with a woman with seed [from] intercourse, and she [is] a maidservant, betrothed to a man, and not really ransomed, or freedom has not been given to her, there is an investigation; they are not put to death, for she [is] not free. Berean Literal Bible And when a man lies with a woman, a lying of seed, and she is a maidservant betrothed to a man and has not been redeemed at all, or freedom has not been given to her, there shall be punishment. They shall not be put to death, because she was not free. Young's Literal Translation And when a man lieth with a woman with seed of copulation, and she a maid-servant, betrothed to a man, and not really ransomed, or freedom hath not been given to her, an investigation there is; they are not put to death, for she is not free. Smith's Literal Translation And when a man shall lie with a woman with effusion of seed, and she a maid-servant betrothed to a man, and not redeemed by ransoming, and freedom not given to her, there shall be a punishment: they shall not die because she was not free. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf a man carnally lie with a woman that is a bondservant and marriageable, and yet not redeemed with a price, nor made free: they both shall be scourged, and they shall not be put to death, because she was not a free woman. Catholic Public Domain Version If a man will have slept in sexual intercourse with a woman, who is a servant and who is also able to be married, and yet he has not redeemed her with a price, nor paid to set her free, they both shall be beaten, but they shall not die, for she was not a free woman. New American Bible If a man has sexual relations with a female slave who has been acquired by another man but has not yet been redeemed or given her freedom, an investigation shall be made. They shall not be put to death, because she has not been freed. New Revised Standard Version If a man has sexual relations with a woman who is a slave, designated for another man but not ransomed or given her freedom, an inquiry shall be held. They shall not be put to death, since she has not been freed; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd whosoever lies carnally with a woman who is his bondmaid betrothed to a husband, and not yet redeemed nor given her freedom, an inquiry shall be made into their case; and they shall not be put to death, because she was not free. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And a man who will lie down with a woman copulating with seed, and she is a Maidservant purchased by the man and has not been redeemed, neither has liberty been given to her, they shall inquire about them and they shall not be killed, because she was not free. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, designated for a man, and not at all redeemed, nor was freedom given her; there shall be inquisition; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free. Brenton Septuagint Translation And if any one lie carnally with a woman, and she should be a home-servant kept for a man, and she has not been ransomed, and her freedom has not been given to her, they shall be visited with punishment; but they shall not die, because she was not set at liberty. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Keep My Decrees19You are to keep My statutes. You shall not crossbreed two different kinds of livestock; you shall not sow your fields with two kinds of seed; and you shall not wear clothing made of two kinds of material. 20If a man lies carnally with a slave girl promised to another man but who has not been redeemed or given her freedom, there must be due punishment. But they are not to be put to death, because she had not been freed. 21The man, however, must bring a ram to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting as his guilt offering to the LORD.… Cross References If a man lies carnally with a slave girl Genesis 16:1-4 Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. / So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. / So after he had lived in Canaan for ten years, his wife Sarai took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to Abram to be his wife. … Genesis 30:3-4 Then she said, “Here is my maidservant Bilhah. Sleep with her, that she may bear children for me, so that through her I too can build a family.” / So Rachel gave Jacob her servant Bilhah as a wife, and he slept with her, Genesis 30:9-13 When Leah saw that she had stopped having children, she gave her servant Zilpah to Jacob as a wife. / And Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son. / Then Leah said, “How fortunate!” So she named him Gad. … promised to another man Deuteronomy 22:23-27 If there is a virgin pledged in marriage to a man, and another man encounters her in the city and sleeps with her, / you must take both of them out to the gate of that city and stone them to death—the young woman because she did not cry out in the city, and the man because he has violated his neighbor’s wife. So you must purge the evil from among you. / But if the man encounters a betrothed woman in the open country, and he overpowers her and lies with her, only the man who has done this must die. … Exodus 22:16-17 If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and sleeps with her, he must pay the full dowry for her to be his wife. / If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, the man still must pay an amount comparable to the bridal price of a virgin. Matthew 1:18-19 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. / Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly. but who has not been redeemed or given her freedom Exodus 21:2 If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything. Deuteronomy 15:12-15 If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. / And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. / You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. … Leviticus 25:47-54 If a foreigner residing among you prospers, but your countryman dwelling near him becomes destitute and sells himself to the foreigner or to a member of his clan, / he retains the right of redemption after he has sold himself. One of his brothers may redeem him: / either his uncle or cousin or any close relative from his clan may redeem him. Or if he prospers, he may redeem himself. … there must be due punishment. Deuteronomy 25:1-3 If there is a dispute between men, they are to go to court to be judged, so that the innocent may be acquitted and the guilty condemned. / If the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall have him lie down and be flogged in his presence with the number of lashes his crime warrants. / He may receive no more than forty lashes, lest your brother be beaten any more than that and be degraded in your sight. Exodus 21:22-25 If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband demands and as the court allows. / But if a serious injury results, then you must require a life for a life— / eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, … Deuteronomy 22:28-29 If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered, / then the man who lay with her must pay the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she must become his wife because he has violated her. He must not divorce her as long as he lives. But they are not to be put to death, Deuteronomy 24:16 Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin. Ezekiel 18:20 The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him. Deuteronomy 19:15-19 A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. / If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, / both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. … because she had not been freed. Exodus 21:7-11 And if a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do. / If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who had designated her for himself, he must allow her to be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her. / And if he chooses her for his son, he must deal with her as with a daughter. … Treasury of Scripture And whoever lies carnally with a woman, that is a female slave, 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. betrothed to an husband. she shall be scourged. Exodus 21:20,21 And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished… Deuteronomy 22:23,24 If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; … Jump to Previous Betrothed Bondmaid Bond-Maid Carnally Copulation Death Designated Due Free Freedom Girl Held However Husband Inquiry Lies Married Pledged Price Promised Punished Punishment Ransomed Redeemed Relations Scourged Servant-Woman Sex Slave Sleeps Way WordJump to Next Betrothed Bondmaid Bond-Maid Carnally Copulation Death Designated Due Free Freedom Girl Held However Husband Inquiry Lies Married Pledged Price Promised Punished Punishment Ransomed Redeemed Relations Scourged Servant-Woman Sex Slave Sleeps Way WordLeviticus 19 1. A repetition of various lawsIf a man lies carnally with a slave girl This phrase addresses a specific situation involving sexual relations with a slave girl. In ancient Israel, slavery was a part of the social structure, and laws were given to regulate and protect those in servitude. The term "lies carnally" indicates a sexual act, which in this context, is outside the bounds of marriage. The law here seeks to address the moral and social implications of such an act. promised to another man but who has not been redeemed or given her freedom there must be due punishment But they are not to be put to death because she had not been freed Persons / Places / Events 1. Slave GirlA female servant who is not free and is under the ownership of another person. In this context, she is promised to another man but has not yet been redeemed or freed. 2. Man The individual who engages in sexual relations with the slave girl. His actions are subject to punishment according to the law. 3. Promised to Another Man The slave girl is betrothed or engaged to another man, indicating a future commitment that has not yet been fulfilled due to her status. 4. Redemption/Freedom The process by which a slave could be set free, often involving a payment or fulfillment of certain conditions. 5. Due Punishment The consequence prescribed by the law for the man’s actions, which does not include the death penalty due to the specific circumstances of the slave girl's status. Teaching Points Understanding Contextual JusticeThe law in Leviticus 19:20 reflects a balance between justice and mercy, recognizing the complex social dynamics of slavery and betrothal. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the context when applying justice. Value of Human Dignity Even within the constraints of ancient societal norms, the law acknowledges the dignity of the slave girl by prescribing punishment for the man, highlighting the intrinsic value of every individual. Redemption and Freedom The concept of redemption is central to this passage, pointing to the greater spiritual truth of redemption through Christ. Believers are called to live in the freedom that comes from being redeemed by Jesus. Moral Responsibility The passage underscores the moral responsibility of individuals to act justly and honor commitments, even when societal structures complicate personal relationships. Mercy and Consequences While the law prescribes punishment, it also shows mercy by not imposing the death penalty. This reflects God's character as both just and merciful, encouraging believers to seek a balance of justice and mercy in their own lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 19:20?2. How does Leviticus 19:20 address consequences for sin within the community? 3. What does Leviticus 19:20 teach about God's justice and mercy? 4. How does Leviticus 19:20 connect with New Testament teachings on sin and forgiveness? 5. How can we apply the principles of Leviticus 19:20 in modern relationships? 6. What does Leviticus 19:20 reveal about God's expectations for holiness and accountability? 7. What does Leviticus 19:20 reveal about God's view on justice and punishment? 8. How does Leviticus 19:20 align with modern views on consent and relationships? 9. Why does Leviticus 19:20 address punishment for the woman but not the man? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 19? 11. What does the Bible say about bestiality? 12. Why does God allow Lot's daughters to commit incest, yet punish others for lesser sexual sins? 13. In Leviticus 20:10, how can this text mandate capital punishment for adultery when other passages in the Bible offer alternative outcomes for similar offenses (e.g., John 8:1-11)? 14. Should you not resist an evil person? What Does Leviticus 19:20 Mean If a man lies carnally with a slave girlThe verse opens by addressing sexual relations between a free man and a female slave. Scripture assumes the reality of servitude in ancient Israel while regulating it so that God’s holiness governs even hidden acts (cf. Exodus 21:20–21; Deuteronomy 23:17). Sexual sin is never excused by social status differences (1 Corinthians 6:18). The phrase “lies carnally” plainly refers to intercourse, reminding us that God’s law penetrates private behavior. promised to another man The woman is “promised” (betrothed) to someone else, meaning a covenantal commitment already exists (Deuteronomy 22:23). Though she is not yet married, her pledge carries legal weight, underscoring that sexual faithfulness is expected before and after marriage (Matthew 1:18-19; Hebrews 13:4). but who has not been redeemed or given her freedom Because she remains enslaved, her legal power to refuse may be limited. Redemption—the purchase of freedom (Leviticus 25:47-55)—has not occurred. Scripture recognizes her diminished agency; therefore her moral culpability differs from that of a free woman (compare Luke 12:48, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required”). there must be due punishment God demands accountability. “Punishment” (literally “investigation” leading to correction) shows sin has consequences (Numbers 5:6-7). Though the woman’s freedom is restricted, the man’s responsibility is clear; he exploited a vulnerable person (Colossians 4:1). Restitution and sacrifice are detailed in the next verse (Leviticus 19:21-22). But they are not to be put to death Adultery involving two free, consenting parties incurred capital punishment (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22). Here, that ultimate penalty is lifted. The law distinguishes circumstances without minimizing sin, reflecting God’s perfect balance of justice and mercy. because she had not been freed Her bondage mitigates the sentence. The Lord defends the oppressed (Psalm 146:7) and refuses to equate her situation with that of a free adulteress. While Scripture never trivializes immorality, it consistently protects those with limited power (Isaiah 1:17; James 1:27). summary Leviticus 19:20 affirms that God’s moral law governs every social layer: • Sexual purity is obligatory, irrespective of status. • Engagement vows are sacred. • Exploiting the powerless intensifies guilt. • Justice is proportional, factoring in responsibility and capacity. • Even in the Mosaic Law, mercy tempers punishment, foreshadowing Christ, who fully satisfies both justice and grace (Romans 3:25-26). (20) And whosoever lieth.--Better, If a man lie, as the same phrase is translated in the Authorised Version, Leviticus 22:14; Leviticus 24:19; Leviticus 25:29; Leviticus 27:14.Betrothed to an husband.--Better, betrothed to a man. From the law about the mixed seeds the Lawgiver passes to heterogeneous alliances. The case here legislated for is that of seducing a bondwoman who is espoused to another man. This bondwoman might be either one of an intermediate kind, that is, one whose redemption money had been partially paid, or belong to that class who had no prospect of a free discharge. According to the administrators of the law during the second Temple, the case before us is that of a Canaanitish maid, partly free and partly servile, whom her master had espoused to a Hebrew slave. (See Exodus 21:4.) . . . Verses 20-22. - A distinction is drawn between adultery with a free woman, or a betrothed free virgin, which was punishable with death (Leviticus 20:20; Deuteronomy 22:23), and with a slave betrothed to another man (probably a slave also). In the latter ease a lesser punishment, no doubt that of scourging (according to the Mishna to the extent of forty stripes), was to be inflicted on one or both, according to the circumstances of the case. The words, she shall he scourged, should be translated, there shall be investigation, followed, presumably, by the punishment of scourging, for both parties if both were guilty, for one if the woman was unwilling. The man is afterwards to offer a trespass offering. As the offense has been a wrong as well as a sin, his offering is to be a trespass offering (see on Leviticus 5:14). In this case the fine of one-fifth could not be inflicted, as the wrong done could not be estimated by money, and the cost of the ram seems to be regarded as the required satisfaction. No mention is made of damages to be paid to the man to whom the slave-girl was betrothed, probably because he was himself a slave, and had not juridical rights against a freeman.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Ifכִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction a man וְ֠אִישׁ (wə·’îš) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person has sexual relations with יִשְׁכַּ֨ב (yiš·kaḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7901: To lie down a slave girl שִׁפְחָה֙ (šip̄·ḥāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8198: Maid, maidservant promised נֶחֱרֶ֣פֶת (ne·ḥĕ·re·p̄eṯ) Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine singular Strong's 2778: To pull off, to expose, to betroth, to carp at, defame, to spend the winter to another man לְאִ֔ישׁ (lə·’îš) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person but who has not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no been redeemed וְהָפְדֵּה֙ (wə·hā·p̄ə·dêh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hofal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 6299: To sever, ransom, gener, to release, preserve or א֥וֹ (’ōw) Conjunction Strong's 176: Desire, if given נִתַּן־ (nit·tan-) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set her freedom, חֻפְשָׁ֖ה (ḥup̄·šāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2668: Liberty there must be תִּהְיֶ֛ה (tih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be due punishment. בִּקֹּ֧רֶת (biq·qō·reṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1244: Examination, punishment [But] they are not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no to be put to death, יוּמְת֖וּ (yū·mə·ṯū) Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 4191: To die, to kill because כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction she had not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no been freed. חֻפָּֽשָׁה׃ (ḥup·pā·šāh) Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 2666: To spread loose, to manumit Links Leviticus 19:20 NIVLeviticus 19:20 NLT Leviticus 19:20 ESV Leviticus 19:20 NASB Leviticus 19:20 KJV Leviticus 19:20 BibleApps.com Leviticus 19:20 Biblia Paralela Leviticus 19:20 Chinese Bible Leviticus 19:20 French Bible Leviticus 19:20 Catholic Bible OT Law: Leviticus 19:20 If a man lies carnally (Le Lv Lev.) |
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