Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 20:10 mean?
A: Leviticus 20:10 states the Torah's prohibition against adultery, declaring that both the adulterer and adulteress are to be punished with death. According to Orthodox Jewish tradition, this severe penalty underscores the sanctity of marriage and the severe breach of trust that adultery represents. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 52b) discusses the legal procedures for such cases, emphasizing that capital punishment was rarely carried out due to the stringent requirements for evidence and witnesses.
Q: Why is adultery considered such a serious sin in Judaism?
A: Adultery is considered a grave sin in Judaism because it violates the sacred covenant of marriage, which is the foundation of family and societal stability. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:1) that adultery undermines trust between spouses and damages the moral fabric of the community. Additionally, the Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim) teaches 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 the death penalty for adultery still apply today?
A: No, the death penalty for adultery is not practiced today. The Talmud (Makkot 7a) explains that the Sanhedrin (Jewish high court) ceased issuing capital punishments long before its dissolution, due to the extremely high standards of evidence required. Today, adultery remains a severe sin, but its consequences are spiritual and communal rather than judicial. Repentance (teshuvah) is always possible, as emphasized by Jewish teachings on forgiveness and moral improvement.
Q: How does Judaism define adultery?
A: In Jewish law (Halacha), adultery is defined as a married woman having relations with a man other than her husband, or a man having relations with a married woman other than his own wife (Rambam, Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:5). The prohibition applies regardless of whether the other man is married or single. The Torah's definition is strict and does not include other forms of extramarital relationships under the term 'adultery,' though they may be prohibited for other reasons.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 20:10 about marriage in Judaism?
A: Leviticus 20:10 teaches that marriage in Judaism is a sacred bond with serious moral and legal obligations. Rashi comments on this verse that the severity of the punishment reflects the severity of betraying this bond. The verse emphasizes fidelity, trust, and the importance of maintaining pure family relationships. Jewish tradition values marriage (kiddushin) as a holy institution, and this law reinforces the idea that violating it has profound consequences for individuals and society.
Prohibition of Adultery in the Torah
The verse (Vayikra 20:10) establishes the severe prohibition of adultery, which is one of the Ten Commandments (Shemot 20:13). Adultery is defined as a married woman engaging in relations with a man other than her husband, or a man engaging with a married woman other than his own wife. The Torah prescribes the death penalty for both parties involved, emphasizing the gravity of this sin.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (on Vayikra 20:10) clarifies that the phrase "אֵשֶׁת אִישׁ" ("a man’s wife") refers specifically to a married woman, excluding an arusah (betrothed woman) from this particular law. The punishment for adultery with a betrothed woman is addressed separately (Devarim 22:23-24). Rashi also notes the repetition of "אֲשֶׁר יִנְאַף" ("that commits adultery") to include both the adulterer and adulteress equally in the punishment.
Rambam's Legal Perspective
In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:1), Rambam categorizes adultery as one of the most severe issurim (prohibitions) in the Torah. He explains that the prohibition applies regardless of whether the act was consensual or forced, though the death penalty only applies in cases of consensual relations. Rambam further elaborates (Hilchot Sanhedrin 14:2) that the method of execution for adultery is chenek (strangulation), as derived from the general principles of capital punishment in the Torah.
Talmudic Discussion
The Gemara (Sanhedrin 52b) discusses the conditions necessary for imposing the death penalty, including the requirement of hatra'ah (prior warning) and witnesses. The Talmud also notes (Sotah 7b) that the sin of adultery is particularly severe because it violates the sanctity of marriage, which is likened to a covenant with Hashem (Malachi 2:14).
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 23:9) compares adultery to idolatry, as both represent a betrayal of a sacred relationship. Just as idolatry is a betrayal of the covenant between Hashem and Klal Yisrael, adultery is a betrayal of the marital covenant. The Midrash also teaches that adultery disrupts the divine presence (Shechinah) in the world, as marital purity is foundational to kedushah (holiness).
Practical Halachic Considerations