Leviticus 20:12
Leviticus 20:12 in Multiple Translations
If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both must surely be put to death. They have acted perversely; their blood is upon them.
And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.
And if a man lie with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.
And if a man has sex relations with his son's wife, the two of them are to be put to death: it is unnatural; their blood will be on them.
A man who has sex with his daughter-in-law must be executed, as well as the woman. They have done something perverse; they bear the responsibility for their punishment.
Also the man that lyeth with his daughter in lawe, they both shall dye the death, they haue wrought abomination, their blood shalbe vpon them.
'And a man who lieth with his daughter-in-law — both of them are certainly put to death; confusion they have made; their blood [is] on them.
“‘If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death. They have committed a perversion. Their blood shall be upon themselves.
And if a man shall lie with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.
If any man lie with his daughter in law, let both die, because they have done a heinous crime: their blood be upon them.
‘If a man has sex with [EUP] his daughter-in-law, both of them must be executed. What they have done is very perverse; and they will be responsible for their own deaths [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 20:12
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 20:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֗ישׁ
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
יִשְׁכַּב֙
אֶת
כַּלָּת֔/וֹ
מ֥וֹת
יוּמְת֖וּ
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֑ם
תֶּ֥בֶל
עָשׂ֖וּ
דְּמֵי/הֶ֥ם
בָּֽ/ם
וְ/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִשְׁכַּב֙
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
כַּלָּת֔/וֹ
kallâh
H3618
daughter-in-law
N-fs | Suff
מ֥וֹת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Ptc
יוּמְת֖וּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hophal-Imperf-3mp
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֑ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj | Suff
תֶּ֥בֶל
tebel
H8397
perversion
N-ms
עָשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
דְּמֵי/הֶ֥ם
dâm
H1818
blood
N-mp | Suff
בָּֽ/ם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 20:12
וְ/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִשְׁכַּב֙
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
כַּלָּת֔/וֹ
kallâh
H3618
"daughter-in-law"
N-fs | Suff
In biblical times, this word referred to a bride or daughter-in-law, like Rebekah who became Isaac's bride in Genesis 24:67.
Definition: : bride 1) bride, daughter-in-law 1a) daughter-in-law 1b) bride, young wife Also means: kal.lah (כַּלָּה ": daughter-in-law" H3618H)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bride, daughter-in-law, spouse. See also: Genesis 11:31; Song of Solomon 4:10; Isaiah 49:18.
מ֥וֹת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
יוּמְת֖וּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֑ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
תֶּ֥בֶל
tebel
H8397
"perversion"
N-ms
This Hebrew word describes a perversion of nature, like bestiality or other unnatural behaviors. It's used in the book of Leviticus to condemn such actions as sinful.
Definition: 1) confusion (violation of nature or divine order) 1a) perversion (in sexual sin)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: confusion. See also: Leviticus 18:23; Leviticus 20:12.
עָשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
דְּמֵי/הֶ֥ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-mp | Suff
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
בָּֽ/ם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Leviticus 20:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 20:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 20:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 20:12
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 20:12
- Sermons on Leviticus 20:12
Context — Punishments for Sexual Immorality
10If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death.
11If 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.
12If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both must surely be put to death. They have acted perversely; their blood is upon them.
13If a man lies with a man as with a woman, they have both committed an abomination. They must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. 14If a man marries both a woman and her mother, it is depraved. Both he and they must be burned in the fire, so that there will be no depravity among you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 18:15 | You must not have sexual relations with your daughter-in-law. She is your son’s wife; you are not to have sexual relations with her. |
| 2 | Leviticus 18:23 | You must not lie carnally with any animal, thus defiling yourself with it; a woman must not stand before an animal to mate with it; that is a perversion. |
| 3 | Genesis 38:18 | “What pledge should I give you?” he asked. She answered, “Your seal and your cord, and the staff in your hand.” So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she became pregnant by him. |
| 4 | Genesis 38:16 | Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her and said, “Come now, let me sleep with you.” “What will you give me for sleeping with you?” she inquired. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 27:23 | ‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his mother-in-law.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
Leviticus 20:12 Summary
This verse is saying that if a man has a sexual relationship with his daughter-in-law, it is a very serious sin and both people are responsible. This is because it goes against God's plan for families and relationships, as seen in verses like Ephesians 5:3 and 1 Corinthians 5:1-5. It's like a warning sign that says, 'Stay away from this kind of behavior, it's not what God designed.' We should always try to honor and respect the people in our families and community, and seek to live in a way that is pleasing to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the severe punishment in Leviticus 20:12?
The reason for the severe punishment is that such an act is considered a perversion of the natural order and a violation of family relationships, as seen in the similar punishments for other forms of incest and sexual immorality in Leviticus 20:10-14 and Leviticus 18:6-18.
Is this verse still applicable today?
While the specific punishments may not be directly applicable in modern societies, the principle of God's displeasure with sexual immorality and the importance of maintaining pure and honorable relationships within families remains relevant, as seen in verses like 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8.
What does it mean to 'act perversely' in this context?
To 'act perversely' means to engage in behavior that is contrary to God's design and natural order, as seen in Romans 1:26-27, where similar behavior is described as 'contrary to nature'.
How does this verse relate to Jesus' teachings on marriage and family?
Jesus' teachings on marriage and family, such as in Matthew 19:1-12 and Mark 10:1-12, emphasize the importance of honoring and respecting the institution of marriage and the relationships within families, which is consistent with the principles underlying Leviticus 20:12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can honor and respect the relationships within my own family, and what are some potential consequences of not doing so?
- How can I cultivate a heart of purity and self-control in my own life, and what role does God's grace and forgiveness play in this process?
- In what ways can I seek to promote a culture of honor and respect for marriage and family within my community, and what are some ways in which I can support and encourage those who are struggling in these areas?
- What are some potential warning signs or 'red flags' that may indicate someone is at risk of engaging in behavior that is 'perversely' contrary to God's design, and how can I lovingly and compassionately respond to someone who is struggling in this way?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:12
If a man lie with his daughter in law,.... His son's wife, whether in the lifetime of his son, or after his death, or whether she was espoused or married, according to the above tradition (f): both
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:12
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. Sanctify yourselves ... and be ye holy.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 20:12
By perverting the order which God hath appointed, and mixing the blood which God would have separated, and making the same offspring both his own immediate child and his grandchild, they have wrought confusion.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:12
Leviticus 20:12 And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood [shall be] upon them. Ver. 12. See on Leviticus 18:1-30.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:12
(12) With his daughter in law.—See Notes on Leviticus 18:15.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 20:12
Verse 12. They have wrought confusion] See Leviticus 18:1-30, and especially Clarke's note on "Leviticus 18:6".
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:12
10–21. Directions on the whole similar to those of Lev 18:6-20; Leviticus 18:22-23, but adding penalties for transgression.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 20:12
12. Confusion — The word tebhel occurs in only one other passage, Leviticus 18:23, note.
Sermons on Leviticus 20:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 38:24-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being concerned with the size of the crowd when preaching the word of God. He believes that if the word of God is given |