Deuteronomy 27:22
Deuteronomy 27:22 in Multiple Translations
‘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!’
Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed is he who has sex relations with his sister, the daughter of his father or of his mother. And let all the people say, So be it.
“A curse on any man who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother!” Everyone says “Amen!”
Cursed be he that lyeth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother: And all the people shall say: So be it.
'Cursed [is] he who is lying with his sister, daughter of his father, or daughter of his mother, — and all the people have said, Amen.
‘Cursed is he who lies with his sister, his father’s daughter or his mother’s daughter.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother: and all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or of his mother: and all the people shall say: Amen.
‘Yahweh will curse anyone who has sex with his sister or with his half-sister.’ And all the people must reply, ‘◄Amen/We want that to happen►.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 27:22
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 27:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָר֗וּר
שֹׁכֵב֙
עִם
אֲחֹת֔/וֹ
בַּת
אָבִ֖י/ו
א֣וֹ
בַת
אִמּ֑/וֹ
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
אֲחֹת֔/וֹ
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
N-fs | Suff
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
אָבִ֖י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
א֣וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
בַת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
אִמּ֑/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | 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 27:22
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.
אֲחֹת֔/וֹ
ʼâchôwth
H269
"sister"
N-fs | Suff
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
אָבִ֖י/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.
א֣וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
בַת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
אִמּ֑/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
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 27:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Curses Pronounced from Ebal
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!’
23‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his mother-in-law.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 24‘Cursed is he who strikes down his neighbor in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 20:17 | If a man marries his sister, whether the daughter of his father or of his mother, and they have sexual relations, it is a disgrace. They must be cut off in the sight of their people. He has uncovered the nakedness of his sister; he shall bear his iniquity. |
| 2 | Leviticus 18:9 | You must not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 22:11 | One man commits an abomination with his neighbor’s wife; another wickedly defiles his daughter-in-law; and yet another violates his sister, his own father’s daughter. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 13:8–14 | So Tamar went to the house of her brother Amnon, who was lying down. She took some dough, kneaded it, made cakes in his sight, and baked them. Then she brought the pan and set it down before him, but he refused to eat. “Send everyone away!” said Amnon. And everyone went out. Then Amnon said to Tamar, “Bring the food into the bedroom, so that I may eat it from your hand.” Tamar took the cakes she had made and went to her brother Amnon’s bedroom. And when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said, “Come lie with me, my sister!” “No, my brother!” she cried. “Do not humiliate me, for such a thing should never be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! Where could I ever take my shame? And you would be like one of the fools in Israel! Please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.” But Amnon refused to listen to her, and being stronger, he violated her and lay with her. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 13:1 | After some time, David’s son Amnon fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of David’s son Absalom. |
Deuteronomy 27:22 Summary
Deuteronomy 27:22 teaches us that God is very serious about the way we treat our family members, especially when it comes to respecting their boundaries and not engaging in inappropriate relationships. This is part of God's larger plan for families to be places of love, respect, and safety, as seen in scriptures like Ephesians 5:33 and 6:1-4. By honoring these boundaries, we can help create healthy and godly families. Remember, God's commands, including those in Deuteronomy 27:22, are given to guide us towards living in a way that honors Him and benefits us and our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the curse in Deuteronomy 27:22?
The curse in Deuteronomy 27:22 emphasizes the seriousness of incestuous relationships, as seen in Leviticus 18:9 and 20:17, where such acts are also condemned as sinful and harmful to individuals and society.
Why does the verse specify 'the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother'?
This specification ensures that all forms of sibling relationships are included, whether from the same mother, the same father, or both, highlighting the importance of maintaining familial boundaries as instructed in Deuteronomy 22:30 and Leviticus 18:6-10.
How does this verse relate to the broader biblical context of family and relationships?
Deuteronomy 27:22 fits into the biblical theme of honoring family relationships and respecting boundaries, as taught in the Fifth Commandment (Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16) and other scriptures like Ephesians 6:1-3, emphasizing respect and care within the family unit.
What is the purpose of the people saying 'Amen' after each curse?
The people's affirmation of 'Amen' signifies their agreement with and confirmation of these curses, acknowledging the gravity of the sins listed and their commitment to upholding God's laws and standards as outlined in Deuteronomy 27:11-26.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of respecting familial boundaries in my own life, considering the teachings of Deuteronomy 27:22 and other relevant scriptures?
- In what ways can I contribute to a culture that values and honors the integrity of family relationships, as emphasized in this verse and elsewhere in the Bible?
- What does this verse teach about God's view of incestuous relationships, and how should this inform my perspective on such matters?
- How does the concept of curses in Deuteronomy 27:22 relate to the New Testament teachings on grace, forgiveness, and the redemption found in Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 3:24 and other passages?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 27:22
Cursed [be] he that lieth with his sister,.... Which is forbid, Leviticus 18:9; the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother; whether his sister by father or mother's side: and all the
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 27:22
22. Cp. H, Leviticus 18:9; Leviticus 20:17. In earlier times marriage with a half-sister was apparently allowed, Genesis 20:12, 2 Samuel 13:13 b; but is condemned in Ezekiel 22:11.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:22
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 27:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
From the Death of Saul to the Death of David by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the tragic events in King David's family, including David's sin with Bathsheba, the death of their child, and the rebellion of his son Absalom. David's so |