Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 18:20 mean?
A: Leviticus 18:20 prohibits adultery, specifically forbidding a man from having intimate relations with another man's wife. This is considered a serious sin in Jewish law (Halacha) because it violates the sanctity of marriage and damages trust between people. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the severity of the prohibition by stating it causes spiritual defilement ('to defile yourself with her').
Q: Why is adultery forbidden in the Torah?
A: Adultery is forbidden because it breaks the sacred bond of marriage, which is the foundation of family and society. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Issurei Biah 1:1) that adultery undermines trust and stability. Additionally, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 52b) states that adultery is one of the three cardinal sins (along with murder and idolatry) for which one must give up their life rather than transgress.
Q: Does this law apply only to men, or also to women?
A: While the verse addresses men directly ('you shall not lie with your neighbor’s wife'), Jewish law applies the prohibition equally to women. The Talmud (Sotah 26b) clarifies that both parties involved in adultery are held accountable. The Torah’s wording here follows a common biblical pattern of addressing the male perspective, but the prohibition is universal.
Q: How does this verse apply in modern times?
A: The prohibition against adultery remains fully applicable today, as Jewish law considers marital fidelity a timeless moral obligation. The Chofetz Chaim (in his work 'Shemirat HaLashon') emphasizes that guarding against improper relationships preserves peace in the home and society. Even in contemporary life, maintaining trust and holiness in marriage is a fundamental Jewish value.
Q: What is the punishment for adultery according to Jewish law?
A: In biblical times, the punishment for adultery (if there were witnesses and proper warning) was death by strangulation (Sanhedrin 52b). Today, while courts do not administer capital punishment, adultery remains a severe sin requiring repentance (teshuvah). The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 1:1) teaches that sincere remorse, confession, and commitment to change are necessary for atonement.
Prohibition of Adultery in Vayikra 18:20
The verse "וְאֶל־אֵשֶׁת עֲמִיתְךָ לֹא־תִתֵּן שְׁכָבְתְּךָ לְזָרַע לְטָמְאָה־בָהּ" (Vayikra 18:20) explicitly forbids adultery, prohibiting a man from engaging in intimate relations with a married woman. This is one of the איסורי עריות (forbidden sexual relationships) listed in the Torah.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Vayikra 18:20) clarifies that this prohibition applies even if the husband consents to the act, as the verse emphasizes "אֵשֶׁת עֲמִיתְךָ"—your fellow's wife—indicating that the marital bond itself makes the act forbidden. The term "לְטָמְאָה־בָהּ" (to defile yourself with her) underscores that adultery is not only a legal violation but also a spiritual defilement.
Rambam's Legal Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:1) categorizes adultery as one of the most severe transgressions, punishable by כרת (spiritual excision) if done intentionally and by מיתת בית דין (court-administered capital punishment) if there were witnesses and proper warning. He emphasizes that this prohibition applies universally, regardless of whether the woman is Jewish or a בת נח (Noahide).
Talmudic and Midrashic Insights
Moral and Ethical Dimensions
Beyond the legal prohibition, the verse carries profound ethical implications. The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 18:20) explains that adultery corrupts the soul and disrupts the divine order of family purity (טוהר המשפחה). The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that this sin is particularly grievous because it harms not only the individuals involved but also the broader community by eroding moral boundaries.