20 " 'Do not have sexual relations with your neighbor's wife and defile yourself with her.

Other Translations of Leviticus 18:20

King James Version

20 Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her.

English Standard Version

20 And you shall not lie sexually with your neighbor's wife and so make yourself unclean with her.

The Message

20 "Don't have sex with your neighbor's wife and violate yourself by her.

New King James Version

20 Moreover you shall not lie carnally with your neighbor's wife, to defile yourself with her.

New Living Translation

20 "Do not defile yourself by having sexual intercourse with your neighbor's wife.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 18:20

Chapter Contents

Unlawful marriages and fleshly lusts.

Here is a law against all conformity to the corrupt usages of the heathen. Also laws against incest, against brutal lusts, and barbarous idolatries; and the enforcement of these laws from the ruin of the Canaanites. God here gives moral precepts. Close and constant adherence to God's ordinances is the most effectual preservative from gross sin. The grace of God only will secure us; that grace is to be expected only in the use of the means of grace. Nor does He ever leave any to their hearts' lusts, till they have left him and his services.