Leviticus 20:19
Leviticus 20:19 in Multiple Translations
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.
And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister, nor of thy father’s sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.
And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister, nor of thy father’s sister; for he hath made naked his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.
And you may not have sex connection with your mother's sister or your father's sister, for they are his near relations: their sin will be on them.
Don't have sex with your aunt, whether on your father's or your mother's side, because it brings shame on your own family. Both will bear responsibility for their sin.
Moreouer thou shalt not vncouer the shame of thy mothers sister, nor of thy fathers sister: because he hath vncouered his kin, they shall beare their iniquitie.
'And the nakedness of thy mother's sister, and of thy father's sister, thou dost not uncover; because his relation he hath made bare; their iniquity they bear.
“‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother’s sister, nor of your father’s sister, for he has made his close relative naked. They shall bear their iniquity.
And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy aunt by thy mother, and of thy aunt by thy father: he that doth this, hath uncovered the shame of his own flesh, both shall bear their iniquity.
‘Do not have sex with the sister of either your father or your mother, because that would be disgracing someone who is a close relative. And you and the woman must both be punished.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 20:19
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 20:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עֶרְוַ֨ת
אֲח֧וֹת
אִמְּ/ךָ֛
וַ/אֲח֥וֹת
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
לֹ֣א
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
כִּ֧י
אֶת
שְׁאֵר֛/וֹ
הֶעֱרָ֖ה
עֲוֺנָ֥/ם
יִשָּֽׂאוּ
וְ/עֶרְוַ֨ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
Conj | N-fs
אֲח֧וֹת
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
N-fs
אִמְּ/ךָ֛
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | Suff
וַ/אֲח֥וֹת
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
Conj | N-fs
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
כִּ֧י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁאֵר֛/וֹ
shᵉʼêr
H7607
flesh
N-ms | Suff
הֶעֱרָ֖ה
ʻârâh
H6168
to uncover
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
עֲוֺנָ֥/ם
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
N-cs | Suff
יִשָּֽׂאוּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 20:19
וְ/עֶרְוַ֨ת
ʻervâh
H6172
"nakedness"
Conj | 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.
אֲח֧וֹת
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.
אִמְּ/ךָ֛
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.
וַ/אֲח֥וֹת
ʼâchôwth
H269
"sister"
Conj | 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.
כִּ֧י
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁאֵר֛/וֹ
shᵉʼêr
H7607
"flesh"
N-ms | Suff
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.
הֶעֱרָ֖ה
ʻârâh
H6168
"to uncover"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to uncover or make something bare, and is used in various contexts, including being naked or pouring something out. It appears in Deuteronomy 28:48 and Isaiah 32:11. The KJV translates it as 'uncover' or 'empty'.
Definition: 1) to be bare, be nude, uncover, leave destitute, discover, empty, raze, pour out 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to bare, lay bare 1a2) to lay bare by emptying, empty 1a3) to pour out 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make naked, strip bare (of sexual offences) 1b2) to pour out 1c) (Niphal) to be poured out, be exposed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to expose oneself, make oneself naked 1d2) pouring oneself, spreading oneself (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: leave destitute, discover, empty, make naked, pour (out), rase, spread self, uncover. See also: Genesis 24:20; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 37:35.
עֲוֺנָ֥/ם
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
יִשָּֽׂאוּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
Study Notes — Leviticus 20:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 20:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:19
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 20:19
- Sermons on Leviticus 20:19
Context — Punishments for Sexual Immorality
17If 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.
18If a man lies with a menstruating woman and has sexual relations with her, he has exposed the source of her flow, and she has uncovered the source of her blood. Both of them must be cut off from among their people.
19You 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.
20If a man lies with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered the nakedness of his uncle. They will bear their sin; they shall die childless. 21If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they shall be childless.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 18:6 | None of you are to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD. |
| 2 | Leviticus 18:12–30 | You must not have sexual relations with your father’s sister; she is your father’s close relative. You must not have sexual relations with your mother’s sister, for she is your mother’s close relative. You must not dishonor your father’s brother by approaching his wife to have sexual relations with her; she is your aunt. 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. You must not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would shame your brother. You must not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter. You are not to marry her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter and have sexual relations with her. They are close relatives; it is depraved. You must not take your wife’s sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is still alive. You must not approach a woman to have sexual relations with her during her menstrual period. You must not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife and thus defile yourself with her. You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD. You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination. 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. Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants. But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances, and you must not commit any of these abominations—neither your native-born nor the foreigner who lives among you. For the men who were in the land before you committed all these abominations, and the land has become defiled. So if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it spewed out the nations before you. Therefore anyone who commits any of these abominations must be cut off from among his people. You must keep My charge not to practice any of the abominable customs that were practiced before you, so that you do not defile yourselves by them. I am the LORD your God.” |
| 3 | Exodus 6:20 | And Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years. |
Leviticus 20:19 Summary
This verse teaches that it is not right to have sexual relations with the sister of one's mother or father, as it is considered a form of incest and is displeasing to God. This is because it is seen as exposing one's own kin, which is a way of saying that it is a violation of the natural boundaries of family relationships, as taught in scriptures such as Leviticus 18:6. By respecting these boundaries, we can demonstrate our love and respect for God and for our families, and avoid the consequences of sin, as seen in other verses such as 1 Corinthians 5:1-5. By following God's teachings on family relationships and sexual purity, we can live in a way that is pleasing to Him and healthy for ourselves and those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the prohibition against having sexual relations with the sister of one's mother or father?
The reason is that it is considered exposing one's own kin, which is seen as a form of incest, and both parties shall bear their iniquity, as stated in Leviticus 20:19. This is also supported by other scriptures, such as Leviticus 18:6, which prohibits uncovering the nakedness of near relatives.
How does this verse relate to other biblical teachings on family relationships?
This verse is part of a larger section of scripture that deals with family relationships and sexual purity, as seen in Leviticus 18:1-30 and Leviticus 20:1-21. These teachings emphasize the importance of respecting boundaries and maintaining healthy relationships within families.
What are the consequences for disobeying this command?
According to Leviticus 20:19, both parties shall bear their iniquity, which means they will be held accountable for their actions and will face the consequences of their sin, as seen in other verses such as Leviticus 20:20-21.
How does this verse apply to Christians today?
While the specific laws and regulations in Leviticus 20:19 may not directly apply to Christians today, the underlying principles of respecting family relationships and maintaining sexual purity are still relevant, as taught in scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can honor God by respecting the boundaries of family relationships, as taught in Leviticus 20:19?
- How can I prioritize sexual purity in my own life, and what are some practical steps I can take to maintain healthy relationships?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of respecting 'one's own kin' in my relationships with extended family members, and how can I demonstrate love and respect for them without crossing boundaries?
- What are some potential consequences of disregarding the teachings of Leviticus 20:19, and how can I avoid these consequences in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:19
And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister,.... An aunt either by mother or father's side, against which the law is, Leviticus 18:13; for he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:19
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. Sanctify yourselves ... and be ye holy.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:19
Leviticus 20:19 And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’ s sister, nor of thy father’ s sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity. Ver. 19. See on Leviticus 18:1-30.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:19
(19) Thy mother’s sister.—See Leviticus 18:12.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:19
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 20:19
19. They shall bear their iniquity — Oehler thinks that this expression does not involve the death penalty. See Leviticus 10:17; Numbers 9:13, notes.
Sermons on Leviticus 20:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Key to Reclaiming Culture by Ken Ham | This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing on the authority of God's Word, particularly focusing on the foundational history presented in Genesis. It addresses the impact of |
|
On Head Coverings by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the importance of maintaining decorum and order in sacred assemblies, emphasizing the significance of following traditions and practices that are rooted |