Leviticus 18:12
Leviticus 18:12 in Multiple Translations
You must not have sexual relations with your father’s sister; she is your father’s close relative.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s sister: she is thy father’s near kinswoman.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s sister: she is thy father’s near kinswoman.
You may not have sex connection with your father's sister, for she is your father's near relation.
Don't have sex with your father's sister. She is a close relative of your father.
Thou shalt not vncouer the shame of thy fathers sister: for she is thy fathers kinswoman.
'The nakedness of a sister of thy father thou dost not uncover; she [is] a relation of thy father.
“‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s sister. She is your father’s near kinswoman.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she is thy father's near kinswoman.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s sister: because she is the flesh of thy father.
“Do not have sex with your father’s sister, because she is your father’s close relative.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 18:12
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.
Leviticus 18:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֶרְוַ֥ת
אֲחוֹת
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
לֹ֣א
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
שְׁאֵ֥ר
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
הִֽוא
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs
אֲחוֹת
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
N-fs
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
שְׁאֵ֥ר
shᵉʼêr
H7607
flesh
N-ms
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
הִֽוא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 18:12
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
"nakedness"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for nakedness, implying shame or exposure. It appears in Genesis 9:22 and Leviticus 18:6, often warning against improper behavior. This concept is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:14.
Definition: 1) nakedness, nudity, shame, pudenda 1a) pudenda (implying shameful exposure) 1b) nakedness of a thing, indecency, improper behaviour 1c) exposed, undefended (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: ar.vah (עַרְוָה "dishonor" H6173)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: nakedness, shame, unclean(-ness). See also: Genesis 9:22; Leviticus 20:11; Isaiah 20:4.
אֲחוֹת
ʼâchôwth
H269
"sister"
N-fs
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.
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
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.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
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.
שְׁאֵ֥ר
shᵉʼêr
H7607
"flesh"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means flesh or body, and can also refer to food or relatives by blood. It appears in various forms, including in Genesis and Leviticus. The KJV translates it as body, flesh, or kin.
Definition: 1) flesh, food, body, near kin, near kinswoman 1a) flesh 1a1) as food 1a2) for physical power (fig) 1b) flesh relation, blood relation 1c) self Also means: sha.a.rah (שַׁאֲרָה "kinswomen" H7608)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: body, flesh, food, (near) kin(-sman, -swoman), near (nigh) (of kin). See also: Exodus 21:10; Psalms 73:26; Psalms 78:20.
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
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.
הִֽוא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Leviticus 18:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 18:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:12
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 18:12
Context — Unlawful Sexual Relations
10You must not have sexual relations with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter, for that would shame your family.
11You must not have sexual relations with the daughter of your father’s wife, born to your father; she is your sister.
12You must not have sexual relations with your father’s sister; she is your father’s close relative.
13You must not have sexual relations with your mother’s sister, for she is your mother’s close relative. 14You must not dishonor your father’s brother by approaching his wife to have sexual relations with her; she is your aunt.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 20:19 | You must not have sexual relations with the sister of your mother or your father, for it is exposing one’s own kin; both shall bear their iniquity. |
| 2 | Exodus 6:20 | And Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years. |
Leviticus 18:12 Summary
Leviticus 18:12 teaches us that we should not have sexual relations with our father's sister, as she is considered a close relative. This command is about respecting and honoring family relationships, just like we are taught to honor our parents in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16. By following this command, we can maintain moral boundaries and avoid hurting our family and ourselves. We can also learn from other Bible verses, such as 1 Corinthians 5:1-2, which emphasize the importance of purity and moral integrity within the family and the church.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of Leviticus 18:12?
The main purpose of Leviticus 18:12 is to prohibit sexual relations with a father's sister, as she is considered a close relative, emphasizing the importance of maintaining family purity and moral boundaries, as seen in similar commands in Leviticus 18:10 and Leviticus 18:13.
How does this verse relate to the concept of family in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of respecting and honoring family relationships, as taught in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16, where God commands us to honor our parents and respect the boundaries within family ties.
Is this commandment still relevant today?
Yes, the principle of respecting and honoring family relationships and maintaining moral boundaries remains relevant today, as echoed in the New Testament teachings, such as 1 Corinthians 5:1-2, which emphasizes the importance of purity and moral integrity within the family and the church.
What are the consequences of disobeying this commandment?
Disobeying this commandment can lead to shame, guilt, and damage to family relationships, as well as spiritual consequences, as seen in the teachings of Proverbs 6:32 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, which emphasize the importance of maintaining purity and moral integrity.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of respecting family relationships in my own life, and what boundaries should I establish to maintain moral integrity?
- What are some ways I can honor my parents and respect my family ties, as commanded in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16?
- How can I balance the desire for close relationships with the need to maintain moral boundaries and respect the commands of Scripture, such as those found in 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7?
- What are some potential consequences of ignoring or disregarding the commandments regarding family relationships, and how can I avoid these consequences in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:12
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister,.... His aunt by his father's side, an instance of which we have in Amram, Exodus 6:20; and Maimonides says (i), an aunt was forbidden
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:12
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she is thy father's near kinswoman. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:12
Thy aunt by the father’ s side, as the next verse speaks of the aunt by the mother’ s side. If Amram’ s example be alleged to the contrary, See Poole "". Thy father’ s near kinswoman, Heb. thy father’ s flesh, a member and product of the same flesh from which thy father came.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:12
Leviticus 18:12 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’ s sister: she [is] thy father’ s near kinswoman. Ver. 12. She is thy father’ s near kins woman.] As near as may be: and therefore nature abhorreth any such copulation.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:12
(12) Thy father’s sister.—According to the law which obtained in the time of Christ this prohibition not only extended to the father’s half-sisters, but even when they were begotten by the grandfather illegitimately. It is remarkable that Moses himself was the offspring of such an alliance, since his father Amram married his own aunt Jochebed, who was the sister of his father. (See Exodus 6:20.)
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 18:12
Thy father’s sister - The instance of Amram and Jochebed Exodus 6:20 seems to show that marriage with an aunt was not considered wrong by the Israelites when they were in Egypt.