“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.”
Context:Leviticus is a book of the Law in the Old Testament, and it provides instructions and regulations for the Israelites in various areas of life, including moral, ethical, and religious practices. Leviticus 19 contains a collection of commandments and laws given by God to Moses for the people of Israel.
Understanding the verse:Leviticus 19:20 addresses a specific situation of sexual misconduct. It refers to a scenario where a man engages in sexual relations with a woman who is a bondmaid, or a female slave, who is already betrothed (promised to be married) to another man. However, she has not been redeemed or granted freedom, indicating that she is still a slave. In this case, the punishment for both the man and the woman is scourging (physical punishment), but they are not to be put to death.
Principles from the verse:
Sanctity of marriage:This verse recognises the importance of the marital covenant. It indicates that sexual relations outside the boundaries of marriage are considered sinful and punishable.
Protection of the vulnerable:The verse highlights the concern for the well-being and dignity of the woman involved. Even though she is a slave, she is not to be put to death but subjected to a lesser punishment. This demonstrates God’s concern for justice and care for those who are in vulnerable positions.
Accountability for actions:The verse implies that both the man and the woman are responsible for their actions. They are held accountable for engaging in an immoral act, even if the woman is a slave and lacks full agency in her circumstances.
Differentiation of punishments:The verse illustrates that the punishment may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the offense. In this case, the severity of the penalty is mitigated because the woman is not free.
Application to modern life:While the Old Testament Law, including the regulations in Leviticus, provides guidance and insights into God’s moral standards, it’s important to understand that Christians are no longer under the Old Covenant of the Law. Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law and established a new covenant based on grace and faith (Matthew 5:17, Romans 6:14). Therefore, the specific punishments outlined in Leviticus are not directly applicable today.
However, we can draw general principles from this verse and apply them in our lives:
Honour marriage:As believers, we are called to uphold the sanctity of marriage and to remain faithful to our spouses.
Promote justice and care:We should advocate for the well-being and dignity of those who are vulnerable or oppressed, treating all individuals with respect and compassion.
Take responsibility for our actions:Each of us is accountable for our choices and behaviours. We should strive to live according to God’s standards and repent when we fall short.
Show mercy and forgiveness:While the verse mentions a punishment, it is essential to remember that in Christ, we are called to extend grace, mercy, and forgiveness to others, recognising our own need for God’s forgiveness.
Remember to always interpret and apply Scripture in the light of the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament, as they provide the ultimate guidance for Christians today.
