Leviticus 18:8
Leviticus 18:8 in Multiple Translations
You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father.
The nakedness of thy father’s wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father’s nakedness.
The nakedness of thy father’s wife shalt thou not uncover; it is thy father’s nakedness.
And you may not have sex relations with your father's wife: she is your father's.
Don't have sex with any of your father's wives and shame your father.
The shame of thy fathers wife shalt thou not discouer: for it is thy fathers shame.
'The nakedness of the wife of thy father thou dost not uncover; it [is] the nakedness of thy father.
“‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s wife. It is your father’s nakedness.
The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father's nakedness.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s wife: for it is the nakedness of thy father.
“Do not have sex with any of your father’s other wives, because that would disgrace your father.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 18:8
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 18:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֶרְוַ֥ת
אֵֽשֶׁת
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
לֹ֣א
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
עֶרְוַ֥ת
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
הִֽוא
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs
אֵֽשֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs
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 18:8
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.
אֵֽשֶׁת
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.
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.
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.
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 18:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 18:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:8
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 18:8
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 18:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:8
- Sermons on Leviticus 18:8
Context — Unlawful Sexual Relations
6None of you are to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD.
7You must not expose the nakedness of your father by having sexual relations with your mother. She is your mother; you must not have sexual relations with her.
8You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father.
9You 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. 10You must not have sexual relations with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter, for that would shame your family.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 27:20 | ‘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!’ |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 22:30 | A man is not to marry his father’s wife, so that he will not dishonor his father’s marriage bed. |
| 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 | 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. |
| 7 | 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: |
| 8 | Ezekiel 22:10 | In you they have uncovered the nakedness of their fathers; in you they violate women during their menstrual impurity. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 16:21–22 | Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. |
Leviticus 18:8 Summary
[Leviticus 18:8 teaches us that having sexual relations with your father's wife is wrong because it dishonors your father. This shows how important it is to respect and honor our parents, as also taught in Exodus 20:12. The Bible emphasizes the importance of purity and respect in all relationships, including within families. By following God's commands, we can maintain healthy and respectful relationships, as seen in the example of Jesus honoring His parents in Luke 2:51.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason given in Leviticus 18:8 for not having sexual relations with your father's wife?
The main reason given is that it would dishonor your father, emphasizing the importance of respecting and honoring one's parents as seen in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16.
Is this command only for the Israelites or does it apply to everyone?
While this specific command was given to the Israelites, the principle of respecting and honoring one's parents is universal, as seen in the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 15:4 and Mark 7:10, which reference the command to honor one's father and mother.
How does this verse relate to the concept of marriage and family in the Bible?
This verse, along with others in Leviticus 18, underscores the importance of maintaining purity and respect within family relationships, reflecting the Biblical view of marriage as a sacred institution between one man and one woman, as described in Genesis 2:24 and Ephesians 5:31.
What are the spiritual implications of disobeying this command?
Disobeying this command would not only lead to familial and societal dishonor but also to spiritual corruption, as it goes against God's design for human relationships and purity, as warned in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 and seen in the consequences faced by individuals in the Bible who committed similar sins, like Reuben in Genesis 35:22 and 49:4.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I honor my parents and respect their relationships, according to Leviticus 18:8 and other Biblical teachings?
- How does the command to not have sexual relations with your father's wife reflect God's desire for purity and respect in all relationships?
- What are some modern-day applications of this verse, considering the complexities of blended families and societal pressures?
- In what ways can I seek forgiveness and restoration if I or someone I know has been involved in a situation similar to what is described in Leviticus 18:8?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:8
The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover,.... That is, who is indeed a man's father's wife, but not his own mother, but a stepmother or mother-in-law; or otherwise this law would
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:8
The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:8
i.e. Thy step-mother. Examples of this are 49:4 . It is thy father’ s nakedness, by interest and relation; that which he only may uncover.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:8
Leviticus 18:8 The nakedness of thy father’ s wife shalt thou not uncover: it [is] thy father’ s nakedness. Ver. 8. It is thy father’ s nakedness.] For "the wife hath not power over her own body, but the husband": and when her chastity is assaulted, she should say, saith Chrysostom, Non est corpus meum, sed mariti, My body is not mine, but my husband’ s.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:8
(8) The nakedness of thy father’s wife.—Whilst the former prohibition refers to the son’s own mother, this law is directed against illicit commerce with his stepmother. Here we have an instance where the phrase “to uncover the nakedness” denotes both illicit commerce and incestuous marriage. Accordingly the administrators of the law during the second Temple defined it as follows; a man’s father’s wife is for ever prohibited, whether she be simply betrothed or married to his father, whether she be divorced or not, whether she be a widow or not; all connection with her on the part of the father’s son is forbidden. If he lie with her while her husband is alive, he is doubly guilty, first, because she is near of kin, and secondly, because she is another man’s wife. This, therefore, includes the sin of Reuben with Bilhah, his father’s concubine (Genesis 35:22), and of Absalom with the wives of his father (2 Samuel 16:20-23; 1 Kings 2:17), which was not incestuous marriage but adultery, since their husbands were alive and the wives were not divorced from them, as well as the sin practised among some of the Christians in Corinth, which consisted in sons actually marrying their divorced stepmothers in the lifetime of their fathers, and which the Apostle denounced with such severity (1 Corinthians 5:1-4). Among the ancient Arabs, marriages with stepmothers were common, and to this day among some tribes in Africa, when a father is unable through advanced age to attend to his young wives, he voluntarily gives them over to his eldest son. The Koran, however, like the Mosaic law, proscribes these marriages (Koran, 4:27).
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 18:8
8. This is the one case which appears (apart from two others in the imprecations, Deuteronomy 27:22-23), but stated in different words, in Deut. (Deuteronomy 22:30 [Heb. 23:1], Deuteronomy 27:20). This has been thought to point to the code represented by the v. in Deut. as earlier than that here; but an easier explanation is to suppose that the practice, as specially prevalent at the time, needed specific prohibition. Illicit connexion with a stepmother here forbidden, was not uncommon in the polygamous East. See Driver, Deut., p. 259, for the custom in Syria and Arabia. It seems to have been still common in the time of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:10).
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 18:8
Compare the case of Reuben, Genesis 49:3-4. See 1 Corinthians 5:1.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:8
8. Father’s wife — His stepmother is especially intended.
Sermons on Leviticus 18:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(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 |