Leviticus 20:20
Leviticus 20:20 in Multiple Translations
If 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.
And if a man shall lie with his uncle’s wife, he hath uncovered his uncle’s nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.
And if a man shall lie with his uncle’s wife, he hath uncovered his uncle’s nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.
And if a man has sex relations with the wife of his father's brother, he has put shame on his father's brother: their sin will be on them; till the day of their death they will have no children.
A man who has sex with his uncle's wife brings shame on his uncle. They will bear responsibility for their sin; they shall die without having children.
Likewise the man that lyeth with his fathers brothers wife, and vncouereth his vncles shame: they shall beare their iniquitie, and shall die childlesse.
'And a man who lieth with his aunt, the nakedness of his uncle he hath uncovered; their sin they bear; childless they die.
If a man lies with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered his uncle’s nakedness. They shall bear their sin. They shall die childless.
And if a man shall lie with his uncle's wife, he hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.
If any mall lie with the wife of his uncle by the father, or of his uncle by the mother, and uncover the shame of his near akin, both shall bear their sin: they shall die without children.
‘If a man has sex [EUP] with his aunt, he has dishonored his uncle. I will punish both of them by causing them to die without having any children.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 20:20
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 20:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֗ישׁ
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
יִשְׁכַּב֙
אֶת
דֹּ֣דָת֔/וֹ
עֶרְוַ֥ת
דֹּד֖/וֹ
גִּלָּ֑ה
חֶטְאָ֥/ם
יִשָּׂ֖אוּ
עֲרִירִ֥ים
יָמֻֽתוּ
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
דֹּ֣דָת֔/וֹ
dôwdâh
H1733
aunt
N-fs | Suff
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs
דֹּד֖/וֹ
dôwd
H1730
beloved
N-ms | Suff
גִּלָּ֑ה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
חֶטְאָ֥/ם
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
sin
N-ms | Suff
יִשָּׂ֖אוּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
עֲרִירִ֥ים
ʻărîyrîy
H6185
childless
Adj
יָמֻֽתוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 20:20
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.
דֹּ֣דָת֔/וֹ
dôwdâh
H1733
"aunt"
N-fs | Suff
This word means 'aunt', referring to the sister of one's father or the wife of one's uncle.
Definition: aunt
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: aunt, father's sister, uncle's wife. See also: Exodus 6:20; Leviticus 18:14; Leviticus 20:20.
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.
דֹּד֖/וֹ
dôwd
H1730
"beloved"
N-ms | Suff
This word means 'beloved' or 'love', implying a strong affection, and can also refer to an uncle or close relative.
Definition: : beloved 1) beloved, love, uncle 1a) loved one, beloved 1b) uncle 1c) love (pl. abstract)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (well-) beloved, father's brother, love, uncle. See also: Leviticus 10:4; Song of Solomon 5:1; Proverbs 7:18.
גִּלָּ֑ה
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
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.
חֶטְאָ֥/ם
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
"sin"
N-ms | Suff
Sin refers to a crime or its punishment, including guilt and offense. It is the result of missing the mark or going wrong, and can have serious consequences.
Definition: 1) sin 1a) sin 1b) guilt for sin 1c) punishment for sin Aramaic equivalent: cha.ti (חֲטָי "sin" H2408)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: fault, [idiom] grievously, offence, (punishment of) sin. See also: Genesis 41:9; 2 Kings 10:29; Psalms 51:7.
יִשָּׂ֖אוּ
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.
עֲרִירִ֥ים
ʻărîyrîy
H6185
"childless"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means being childless or without kids. It describes someone who is bare or destitute of children, like Hannah in 1 Samuel 1. This word is used to show a person's emotional pain.
Definition: stripped, childless, bare of children
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: childless. See also: Genesis 15:2; Leviticus 20:21; Jeremiah 22:30.
יָמֻֽתוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-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.
Study Notes — Leviticus 20:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 20:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 20:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:20
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:20
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 20:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 20:20
- Sermons on Leviticus 20:20
Context — Punishments for Sexual Immorality
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. 22You are therefore to keep all My statutes and ordinances, so that the land where I am bringing you to live will not vomit you out.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 18:14 | You must not dishonor your father’s brother by approaching his wife to have sexual relations with her; she is your aunt. |
| 2 | Job 18:19 | He has no offspring or posterity among his people, no survivor where he once lived. |
| 3 | Luke 23:29 | Look, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore, and breasts that never nursed!’ |
| 4 | Luke 1:25 | “The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” |
| 5 | Luke 1:7 | But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years. |
| 6 | Psalms 109:13 | May his descendants be cut off; may their name be blotted out from the next generation. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 22:30 | This is what the LORD says: “Enroll this man as childless, a man who will not prosper in his lifetime. None of his descendants will prosper to sit on the throne of David or to rule again in Judah.” |
Leviticus 20:20 Summary
Leviticus 20:20 teaches us that God is very serious about the way we treat our family members, especially when it comes to marriage and sexual relationships. The verse specifically talks about a man not being allowed to marry his uncle's wife, and if he does, he and his wife will not have children. This shows us that God wants us to respect and honor our family relationships, just like it says in Exodus 20:12 to honor our father and mother. By following God's rules, we can live in a way that pleases Him and avoids the consequences of sin, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the specific sin being addressed in Leviticus 20:20?
The sin being addressed is a man lying with his uncle's wife, which is considered a form of incest and is forbidden by God, as seen in Leviticus 18:14 and Leviticus 20:20.
What is the punishment for this sin according to Leviticus 20:20?
The punishment for this sin is that the individuals involved will bear their sin and die childless, highlighting the seriousness of this offense in God's eyes, as also seen in Leviticus 20:21.
How does this verse relate to the concept of family and marriage in the Bible?
This verse, along with others such as Leviticus 18:6-18 and Deuteronomy 22:30, emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and respect within family relationships, and warns against sexual immorality and its consequences.
What is the significance of the phrase 'they shall die childless' in this context?
The phrase 'they shall die childless' signifies not only a physical punishment but also a spiritual one, indicating that their lineage and legacy will be cut off, reflecting the severity of God's judgment on sin, as seen in Exodus 20:5 and Deuteronomy 5:9.
Reflection Questions
- How can we apply the principle of respecting family relationships and maintaining purity in our own lives, especially in a world where such values are often disregarded?
- What does this verse teach us about God's view of sin and its consequences, and how should this understanding shape our approach to sin in our own lives?
- In what ways can we, as believers, uphold the standards of purity and respect within our families and communities, as instructed in verses like Ephesians 5:3 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7?
- How does the concept of 'bearing one's sin' in Leviticus 20:20 relate to the New Testament teaching on sin and forgiveness, such as in Romans 3:23-25 and 1 John 1:9?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:20
And if a man shall lie with his uncle's wife,.... His uncle being dead, and he marry her, which is forbidden, Leviticus 18:14; he hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness: his wife's, which was his, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:20
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 20:20
i.e. Either shall be speedily cut off ere they can have a child by that incestuous conjunction, that the remembrance of the fact may be blotted out: or, if this seem a less crime than most of the former incestuous mixtures, because the relation is more remote, and therefore the magistrate shall forbear to punish it with death, yet they shall either have no children from such an unlawful bed, or their children shall die before them, ,12; or shall not be reputed their genuine children, but bastards, and therefore excluded from the congregation of the Lord, .
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:20
Leviticus 20:20 And if a man shall lie with his uncle’ s wife, he hath uncovered his uncle’ s nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless. Ver. 20. See on Leviticus 18:1-30.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:20
(20) His uncle’s wife.—See Leviticus 18:14.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:20
10–21. Directions on the whole similar to those of Lev 18:6-20; Leviticus 18:22-23, but adding penalties for transgression.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 20:20
They shall die childless - Either the offspring should not be regarded as lawfully theirs, nor be entitled to any hereditary privileges, or they should have no blessing in their children.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 20:20
20. Severed you… that ye should be mine — There can be no appropriation without separation. Consecration to Christ implies a death unto sin.
Sermons on Leviticus 20:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Barrenness Is Fruitlessness by G.W. North | G.W. North emphasizes the significance of spiritual fruitfulness in the life of believers, drawing parallels between marriage and the union with Christ as essential for producing f |