Leviticus 19:20

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

ואיש כי ישכב את אשה שכבת זרע והוא שפחה נחרפת לאיש והפדה לא נפדתה או חפשה לא נתן לה בקרת תהיה לא יומתו כי לא חפשה:

What Does This Mean?

This verse talks about a situation where a man has a sexual relationship with a betrothed female slave. The punishment for the man and the slave is not death, but the slave is to be punished by being scourged. It emphasizes the lesser punishment for the slave because of her status.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a special toy that belongs to your friend, and you borrow it without asking. The rule says you'll get a time-out, but your friend won't be in trouble because the toy isn't fully yours yet.

Historical Background

The Book of Leviticus was likely written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE. This verse is part of the laws given to the Israelites to guide their behavior and societal norms, reflecting the cultural practices of that time.

Living It Out Today

In modern society, this verse can be applied to situations where there is a misunderstanding or a rule about personal boundaries and consent. It highlights the importance of understanding the context and status of individuals before judging a situation.

Topics

• justice
• slavery
• sexual ethics
• punishment
• social status
• laws

Related Verses

• Exodus 21:7-11
• Deuteronomy 21:10-14
• 1 Corinthians 7:21-24
• Colossians 4:1
• Ephesians 6:9

Recommended Reading

Commentary Leviticus Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the punishment being scourging instead of death?

The scourging instead of death highlights a distinction based on the slave's status and rights, showing a lesser form of punishment suitable for the context of that time.

How does this verse relate to modern views on justice and equality?

While the verse reflects the social norms of its time, modern views emphasize equality and justice without regard to social status, making this verse a point of reflection on evolving societal values.

Can you explain the concept of a 'betrothed bondmaid' in this context?

A 'betrothed bondmaid' refers to a female slave who is promised or engaged to another man, often indicating a complex set of rights and obligations within the social hierarchy.

What does this verse tell us about the legal and social status of slaves in ancient Israel?

This verse provides insight into the legal distinctions and social hierarchies of ancient Israel, indicating that slaves had some rights and protections, though these were limited compared to free citizens.