6:29
This verse contains the topic of the two metaphors in 6:27–28. Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:
29a So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife ;
29b no one who touches her will go unpunished.
A person will always be hurt by touching fire or hot coals. Similarly, a man will definitely be punished if he sleeps with another man’s wife.
6:29a–b
sleeps with…touches: These two expressions are both euphemisms for having sexual relations. Use whatever euphemism(s) or direct expressions are appropriate in your language.
6:29a
another man’s wife: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as another man is the same word that it translated as “neighbor” in 3:28a. It refers to anyone with whom a person interacts, from a close friend to an acquaintance. See the note on “neighbor” in 3:28a–b.
6:29b
no one who touches her will go unpunished: This double negative may also be expressed as a positive statement:
everyone who touches her will certainly be punished
The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as go unpunished is one word in Hebrew, meaning “innocent” or “guiltless.” In this verse, it means that the adulterer will not be acquitted or released from punishment. The source and nature of the punishment is not specified. It may come from the LORD, a judicial court, the community, or the woman’s husband.
General Comment on 6:29a–b
In some languages, it may be more natural to combine the parallel terms that refer to sexual relations. For example:
The same is true if you have sexual relations with another man’s wife. Anyone who does so will be punished. (New Century Version)
-or-
It is just as dangerous to sleep with another man’s wife. Whoever does it will suffer. (Good News Translation)
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