Keraia
Leviticus 19

Leviticus 19:20

Keep My Statutes · Leviticus 19:19–37
Read Leviticus 19

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
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.
Latin
Homo, si dormierit cum muliere coitu seminis, quæ sit ancilla etiam nubilis, et tamen pretio non redempta, nec libertate donata: vapulabunt ambo, et non morientur, quia non fuit libera.

Original

Hebrew
English
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.

Notes

Leviticus 19:20–22

In the biblical world, betrothal (engagement) was viewed as equal to marriage. Having sexual relations with a betrothed woman who was not a slave brought the same punishment as adultery. The punishment was death (Deuteronomy 22:22; see Leviticus 18:20).

The situation was less clear if the woman was a slave, since she might not be able to refuse. Slaves in Israel had more rights than those in Mesopotamia or Egypt, but they were still not free. They could not punish a slave girl, so the man also went unpunished. Yet, he was guilty in God's eyes and had to sacrifice a ram for his sin.

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Law of Moses Leviticus, Book of Neighbor Offerings and Sacrifices Ransom

Topics

Adultery: Penalties For Concubinage: Laws Concerning Punishment: Minor offenses: Scourging Scourging: Prescribed in the Mosaic Law for Committing the Sin of Fornication Servant: Bond: Laws of Moses Concerning Trespass offering: Special Occasions of offering for Connection with a Betrothed Bondmaid