Leviticus 19:20
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The verse highlights a crucial distinction: the penalty for sexual sin shifts dramatically based on the woman's status. While adultery with a free woman could be capital, the same act with a slave, even one betrothed, resulted in a lesser punishment because her legal standing as a "wife" was compromised by her lack of freedom. This reveals that God's justice, while valuing all persons, recognized societal structures and their impact on responsibility within the ancient legal framework.
“If a man lies sexually with a woman who is a slave, assigned to another man and not yet ransomed or given her freedom, a distinction shall be made. They shall not be put to death, because she was not free;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage addresses the consequences of sexual relations between a man and a slave woman who is already betrothed. Unlike the severe penalty for adultery with a free woman, the punishment here is less severe, involving scourging rather than death, because the woman's enslaved status and betrothal are not considered fully legally binding. The man is also required to bring a trespass offering to atone for his sin.
Why did the penalty change so drastically based on whether a woman was free or enslaved?
This passage highlights a profound difference in legal and social standing in ancient Israel. The severity of punishment for sexual relations was directly tied to the freedom and rights of the woman involved.
Different Status, Different Consequences
The Reason: Legal Standing, Not Favoritism
The crucial phrase is "because she was not free." This wasn't because God favored free people over enslaved ones. Instead, it acknowledged the enslaved woman's diminished legal standing. Her betrothal, often arranged by a master, wasn't seen as having the same legal weight as that of a free woman. Therefore, the violation, while still sinful and requiring punishment, didn't carry the same capital consequence.
Beyond the immediate act, what were the deeper implications of this sin, and how was it addressed?
Ask a follow-up
Leviticus 19:20-22 outlines a multi-layered response to the offense, recognizing it as both a sin against God and an injury to others.
Beyond Just Punishment
While the verse mentions scourging, the subsequent verses (21-22) introduce a significant element: the man must bring a ram as a trespass offering.
Understand the original words
padah · Hebrew Verb
To be bought back or set free from a state of bondage, typically involving the payment of a price.
This passage outlines the severe penalty of death for a betrothed virgin who is found to have been violated, directly contrasting the situation in Leviticus where the slave status of the woman mitigates the punishment.
Exodus 21:7-11This passage addresses the specific laws regarding the sale and treatment of a daughter who is a slave, providing context for the legal status and rights (or lack thereof) of a bondwoman in ancient Israelite society.
Galatians 3:28This New Testament passage proclaims unity in Christ, stating there is 'neither slave nor free,' which powerfully contrasts with the societal distinctions maintained in Leviticus and highlights a fundamental shift in spiritual standing.
1 Corinthians 6:15-20This passage discusses sexual sin and the believer's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, underscoring that all sexual immorality is an offense against God, regardless of the social status of those involved.
bensonLeviticus 19:20: "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."
Leviticus 19:20 . She shall be scourged — Hebrew, There shall be a scourging, which probably may belong to both of them; for, 1st, Both were guilty; 2d, It follows, they shall not be punished with death, which may seem to imply that they were to be punished by so…
gillLeviticus 19:20: "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."
And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman,.... Has carnal knowledge of her: a man and woman are expressed, signifying those that are of age, Aben Ezra observes, that according to the mystical exposition of these words, this same carnally lying is as of divers kin…
The verse highlights a crucial distinction: the penalty for sexual sin shifts dramatically based on the woman's status. While adultery with a free woman could be capital, the same act with a slave, even one betrothed, resulted in a lesser punishment because her legal standing as a "wife" was compromised by her lack of freedom. This reveals that God's justice, while valuing all persons, recognized societal structures and their impact on responsibility within the ancient legal framework.
This passage addresses the consequences of sexual relations between a man and a slave woman who is already betrothed. Unlike the severe penalty for adultery with a free woman, the punishment here is less severe, involving scourging rather than death, because the woman's enslaved status and betrothal are not considered fully legally binding. The man is also required to bring a trespass offering to atone for his sin.
This passage addresses the consequences of sexual relations between a man and a slave woman who is already betrothed. Unlike the severe penalty for adultery with a free woman, the punishment here is less severe, involving scourging rather than death, because the woman's enslaved status and betrothal are not considered fully legally binding. The man is also required to bring a trespass offering to atone for his sin.
"“If a man lies sexually with a woman who is a slave, assigned to another man and not yet ransomed or given her freedom, a distinction shall be made. They shall not be put to death, because she was not free;" — The verse highlights a crucial distinction: the penalty for sexual sin shifts dramatically based on the woman's status. While adultery with a free woman could be capital, the same act with a slave, e…
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Last reviewed October 2026
