Leviticus 20:10 conveys a strong commandment against the sin of adultery, underscoring the gravity and consequences of violating marital vows. The verse states, “If there is a man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, one who commits adultery with his friend’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.” (Lev 20:10). Within the broader framework of the Mosaic Law, handed down from the LORD to Moses around the mid-15th century BC at Mount Sinai in the Sinai Peninsula, this injunction illustrates the seriousness with which God addressed the sanctity of marriage and moral purity. Though harsh by modern standards, it served as a stern warning to protect the covenant of marriage from violation.
By stipulating “the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death,” the verse emphasizes the accountability of both participants, and not merely one party. In the ancient covenant community of Israel, breaking this moral boundary endangered society’s stability by eroding the essential trust within families. Adultery disrupted the faithful relationship that mirrors God’s covenant faithfulness with His people. Later, in the New Testament, Jesus affirms the sacredness of marriage and even expands the definition of adultery to include lustful thoughts (Matthew 5:27-28), highlighting that God’s purpose is to cultivate a pure heart rather than merely enforcing outward compliance.
Though no specific individual is mentioned in this passage, Moses, who lived from around 1526-1406 BC, plays a central role in receiving and conveying these laws within their historical and cultural context. He stands as the lawgiver through whom God delivered the Torah, providing structure and moral guidelines to help shape Israel into a holy nation (Exodus 19:6). While the Old Testament consequence for adultery was severe, Jesus’ ministry shows both the seriousness of sin and the depth of divine mercy, as illustrated when He forgives the woman caught in adultery and encourages her to leave her life of sin (John 8:3-11).
Set to dark mode
Leviticus 20:10 meaning
Leviticus 20:10 conveys a strong commandment against the sin of adultery, underscoring the gravity and consequences of violating marital vows. The verse states, “If there is a man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, one who commits adultery with his friend’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.” (Lev 20:10). Within the broader framework of the Mosaic Law, handed down from the LORD to Moses around the mid-15th century BC at Mount Sinai in the Sinai Peninsula, this injunction illustrates the seriousness with which God addressed the sanctity of marriage and moral purity. Though harsh by modern standards, it served as a stern warning to protect the covenant of marriage from violation.
By stipulating “the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death,” the verse emphasizes the accountability of both participants, and not merely one party. In the ancient covenant community of Israel, breaking this moral boundary endangered society’s stability by eroding the essential trust within families. Adultery disrupted the faithful relationship that mirrors God’s covenant faithfulness with His people. Later, in the New Testament, Jesus affirms the sacredness of marriage and even expands the definition of adultery to include lustful thoughts (Matthew 5:27-28), highlighting that God’s purpose is to cultivate a pure heart rather than merely enforcing outward compliance.
Though no specific individual is mentioned in this passage, Moses, who lived from around 1526-1406 BC, plays a central role in receiving and conveying these laws within their historical and cultural context. He stands as the lawgiver through whom God delivered the Torah, providing structure and moral guidelines to help shape Israel into a holy nation (Exodus 19:6). While the Old Testament consequence for adultery was severe, Jesus’ ministry shows both the seriousness of sin and the depth of divine mercy, as illustrated when He forgives the woman caught in adultery and encourages her to leave her life of sin (John 8:3-11).