Deuteronomy 27:20
Deuteronomy 27:20 in Multiple Translations
‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his father’s wife, for he has violated his father’s marriage bed.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
Cursed be he that lieth with his father’s wife; because he uncovereth his father’s skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with his father’s wife, because he hath uncovered his father’s skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed is he who has sex relations with his father's wife, for he has put shame on his father. And let all the people say, So be it.
“A curse on any man who sleeps with his father's wife, for he has disgraced his father!” Everyone says “Amen!”
Cursed be hee that lyeth with his fathers wife: for he hath vncouered his fathers skirt: And all the people shall say: So be it.
'Cursed [is] he who is lying with his father's wife, for he hath uncovered his father's skirt, — and all the people have said, Amen.
‘Cursed is he who lies with his father’s wife, because he dishonors his father’s bed.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt: and all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with his father’s wife, and uncovereth his bed: and all the people shall say: Amen.
‘Yahweh will curse anyone who ◄shows no respect for/disgraces his father► by having sex with [EUP] any of his father’s wives.’ And all the people must reply, ‘◄Amen/We want that to happen►.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 27:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 27:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָר֗וּר
שֹׁכֵב֙
עִם
אֵ֣שֶׁת
אָבִ֔י/ו
כִּ֥י
גִלָּ֖ה
כְּנַ֣ף
אָבִ֑י/ו
וְ/אָמַ֥ר
כָּל
הָ/עָ֖ם
אָמֵֽן
אָר֗וּר
ʼârar
H779
to curse
V-Qal-Inf-c
שֹׁכֵב֙
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
אֵ֣שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
אָבִ֔י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
גִלָּ֖ה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
כְּנַ֣ף
kânâph
H3671
wing
N-fs
אָבִ֑י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אָמַ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אָמֵֽן
ʼâmên
H543
amen
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 27:20
אָר֗וּר
ʼârar
H779
"to curse"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To curse someone or something, like God cursing the serpent in Genesis 3. It means to execrate or wish harm upon someone, often used in the context of punishment or judgment. This word appears in various biblical accounts.
Definition: 1) to curse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to curse 1a2) cursed be he (participle used as in curses) 1b) (Niphal) to be cursed, cursed 1c)(Piel) to curse, lay under a curse, put a curse on 1d) (Hophal) to be made a curse, be cursed
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bitterly curse. See also: Genesis 3:14; Deuteronomy 27:23; Psalms 119:21.
שֹׁכֵב֙
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
אֵ֣שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אָבִ֔י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
גִלָּ֖ה
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
כְּנַ֣ף
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
אָבִ֑י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וְ/אָמַ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אָמֵֽן
ʼâmên
H543
"amen"
Adv
Amen means something is true or faithful, like a promise or a statement of fact. Jesus often used it to begin his teachings, as in Matthew 5:18. It expresses certainty or agreement.
Definition: verily, truly, amen, so be it
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Amen, so be it, truth. See also: Numbers 5:22; Deuteronomy 27:26; Psalms 41:14.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 27:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Curses Pronounced from Ebal
18‘Cursed is he who lets a blind man wander in the road.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
19‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
20‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his father’s wife, for he has violated his father’s marriage bed.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
21‘Cursed is he who lies with any animal.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 22‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 22:30 | A man is not to marry his father’s wife, so that he will not dishonor his father’s marriage bed. |
| 2 | Leviticus 18:8 | You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 5:1 | It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. |
| 4 | Leviticus 20:11 | If a man lies with his father’s wife, he has uncovered his father’s nakedness. Both must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. |
| 5 | Genesis 49:4 | Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 5:1 | These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 22:10 | In you they have uncovered the nakedness of their fathers; in you they violate women during their menstrual impurity. |
| 8 | Amos 2:7 | They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the earth; they push the needy out of their way. A man and his father have relations with the same girl and so profane My holy name. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 16:22 | So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. |
| 10 | Genesis 35:22 | While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons: |
Deuteronomy 27:20 Summary
Deuteronomy 27:20 warns against the sin of sleeping with one's father's wife, which is a violation of the sacred bond of marriage. This act is considered a severe offense against God and the family, as seen in similar warnings in Leviticus 18:8. The Bible teaches us to honor and respect our family relationships, as commanded in Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1-3. By upholding these values, we can demonstrate our love and commitment to God and our loved ones, and live a life that is pleasing to Him (Hebrews 13:4).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the phrase 'his father's marriage bed' in Deuteronomy 27:20?
The phrase 'his father's marriage bed' refers to the sacred bond of marriage between a father and his wife, emphasizing the severity of violating this relationship, as seen in similar warnings in Leviticus 18:8 and 20:11.
How does this verse relate to the concept of family and marriage in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of respecting and honoring the institution of marriage and family, as commanded in Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1-3, and warns against any actions that would desecrate these relationships.
What is the purpose of the people saying 'Amen' after each curse in Deuteronomy 27?
The people's response of 'Amen' serves as a collective affirmation and confirmation of the curses, indicating their agreement with God's judgment and their commitment to upholding His laws, as seen in Deuteronomy 27:15-26.
How does this verse apply to believers today?
Although the specific context may differ, the principle of honoring marriage and family relationships remains essential for believers, as taught in Ephesians 5:33 and Hebrews 13:4, and is still considered a vital aspect of living a godly life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate respect and honor for my family and marriage relationships, as commanded in Scripture?
- How can I prioritize the well-being and dignity of my loved ones, especially in situations where they may be vulnerable or marginalized?
- In what ways can I uphold the sanctity of marriage and family in my own life and community, and what role can I play in promoting these values?
- What are some potential consequences of disregarding or violating the boundaries and relationships within my family, and how can I seek forgiveness and restoration if I have caused harm?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 27:20
Cursed [be] he that lieth with his father's wife,.... As Reuben did, and which is forbidden Leviticus 18:8; because he uncovereth his father's skirt; see Deuteronomy 22:30; and all the people shall
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:20
See .
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 27:20
20. See on Deuteronomy 22:30 (Deuteronomy 23:1); H, Leviticus 18:8; Leviticus 20:11.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:20
14-26. The Levites shall speak — These twelve curses were to be pronounced against transgressors of the law. The first is against those who make graven or molten images. Comp. Exodus 20:4.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 27:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Basics) 64. Unforgiveness and Bitterness by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the role of Satan as a full-time worker who constantly accuses and deceives believers. The preacher warns against harboring bitterness and u |
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Apostle's Doctrine - Part 2 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the redemption of the body and the anticipation of the trumpet blowing while believers are still on earth. The speaker emphasiz |
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Studies in 1 Corinthians-05 1 Cor 5:8-13 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher introduces a chorus that the congregation has previously learned and liked. The chorus emphasizes the belief in God's guidance and trust in Him during |
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(1 Corinthians) Overview to Chapter 5 by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of sexual immorality within the congregation. He emphasizes that this problem should not be overlooked or condoned, but rather deal |
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Leavening and Judging in Corinthians by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees are known for their strict adherence to studying and following the Old Testamen |
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Corinthians: Discipline of the Christian by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of church discipline as a form of correction and guidance within the Christian community. He emphasizes that church discipline is |
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(The Aggressive Holy Spirit) What Do You Do With Immorality? by Jim Elliff | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of maintaining the integrity of the church. He identifies five areas of sin that can threaten the integrity of the church: pers |