Deuteronomy 27:20

KJV

Cursed [be] he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

Cursed {H779} be he that lieth {H7901} with his father's {H1} wife {H802}; because he uncovereth {H1540} his father's {H1} skirt {H3671}. And all the people {H5971} shall say {H559}, Amen {H543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'A curse on anyone who has sexual relations with his father's wife, because he has violated his father's rights.'All the people are to say, 'Amen!'

Berean Standard Bible

‘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!’

American Standard Version

Cursed be he that lieth with his father’s wife, because he hath uncovered his father’s skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:20 is one of twelve specific curses pronounced upon Israel from Mount Ebal, serving as a solemn warning against a severe violation of familial and covenantal purity. This particular curse targets incestuous relations, specifically a man lying with his stepmother, highlighting the profound defilement and dishonor such an act brings upon the family unit and the community. The communal affirmation "Amen" underscores the nation's collective agreement to uphold God's righteous standards and accept the consequences of disobedience, emphasizing the gravity of hidden sins before a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 27:20 is embedded within a significant covenant renewal ceremony described in [Deuteronomy 27](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - The Covenant Renewal Ceremony"). Following Moses' instruction, six tribes were to stand on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings, and six on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses. This verse is part of a series of twelve curses (Deuteronomy 27:15-26) to be declared by the Levites, with "all the people" responding "Amen." These curses primarily address sins that might be committed in secret, such as idolatry, disrespect for parents, injustice, and various forms of sexual immorality. The placement of this specific curse among others related to social justice and religious fidelity underscores the comprehensive nature of God's law and the community's accountability for upholding it, even in private matters. The solemn public declaration, culminating in the people's unified "Amen," served to impress upon the nation the binding nature of the covenant and the severe consequences of its violation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prohibition against a man lying with his father's wife (his stepmother) was a critical component of ancient Israelite law, reflecting broader Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) concerns for social order, family honor, and purity, though Israel's laws were distinct in their divine origin and ethical demands. In a patriarchal society, the family unit was the foundational structure, and maintaining its integrity and purity was paramount. Incestuous relationships, particularly with a stepmother, were seen as a profound violation of the father's authority, honor, and the sanctity of the marital bed, even if the father was deceased. Such acts blurred familial lines, threatened inheritance, and introduced chaos into the social fabric. This specific prohibition is reiterated in other parts of the Mosaic Law, notably in [Leviticus 18:8](/leviticus/18-8 "Leviticus 18:8 - Prohibition of Incest") and [Leviticus 20:11](/leviticus/20-11 "Leviticus 20:11 - Penalty for Incest"), where the penalty for such an offense was death. The inclusion of this curse in Deuteronomy 27 highlights its egregious nature and the divine judgment associated with it.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes **Sexual Purity and Holiness**, portraying sexual immorality, especially incest, as a defiling act that violates God's design for human relationships and the sanctity of the family. This aligns with the repeated call for Israel to be a holy nation set apart from the surrounding pagan cultures, whose practices often included such sexual aberrations (cf. [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws Concerning Sexual Immorality")). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Family Honor and Order**, demonstrating that God's law protects the integrity and respect within the family unit, which is foundational to societal stability. The "uncovering of the father's skirt" is not merely a sexual act but a symbolic assault on the father's authority and the family's reputation. Finally, the communal "Amen" underscores **Divine Justice and Community Accountability**. It signifies the people's collective acknowledgment of God's righteous judgment against sin and their shared responsibility to uphold the covenant, recognizing that individual transgressions could bring corporate consequences. This communal affirmation transforms the curse from a mere legal pronouncement into a solemn, binding commitment by the entire nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cursed (Hebrew, _ʼārûr'_):** This term signifies being under a divine ban or condemnation, separated from God's favor and subject to His judgment. It is the opposite of "blessed" (בָּרוּךְ, _bārûkh_). In the context of Deuteronomy 27, it denotes the dire consequences of covenant disobedience, particularly for sins that might be hidden from human sight but are known to God. The declaration of "cursed be he" is a divine pronouncement of judgment, not merely a human wish.
* **Uncovereth his father's skirt (Hebrew, גָּלָה כְּנַף אָבִיו, _galah kenaf aviv'_):** This is a powerful euphemism for sexual intercourse, specifically illicit and highly transgressive relations. The word "skirt" (כְּנַף, _kenaf_) literally means "wing" or "hem" and can symbolize protection, covering, or authority (as in Ruth 3:9, where Boaz spreads his "skirt" over Ruth as a symbol of protection and marital claim). To "uncover" it, in this context, means to expose, violate, or usurp the father's marital and familial honor and authority. It signifies a profound act of disrespect, betrayal, and defilement that strikes at the heart of the patriarchal family structure.
* **Amen (Hebrew, אָמֵן, _amen'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be firm, trustworthy, true," "Amen" is a solemn affirmation, meaning "so be it," "truly," or "let it be established." In this context, the people's collective "Amen" is not merely an acknowledgment but a binding oath. It signifies their full agreement with the justice and severity of the curse, their acceptance of the consequences should they commit such a sin, and their commitment to uphold the covenant and its moral demands. It transforms the curse from a unilateral divine pronouncement into a bilateral covenantal agreement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cursed [be] he that lieth with his father's wife;":** This clause pronounces a divine curse upon any man who engages in sexual intercourse with his stepmother. The act is condemned as an abomination, violating the sanctity of marriage (even if the father is deceased or divorced from the wife) and the sacred boundaries of family relationships. It represents a profound breach of trust, a usurpation of the father's marital space, and a defilement of the family lineage, striking at the very core of Israelite societal and moral order.
* **"because he uncovereth his father's skirt.":** This explanatory clause clarifies the nature of the transgression, using a potent euphemism. It emphasizes that the sin is not merely a sexual act but a symbolic assault on the father's honor, authority, and the protective covering he provides for his household. It implies a deep disrespect and a rebellious act that undermines the patriarchal structure and the purity of the family, bringing shame and defilement upon the entire household.
* **"And all the people shall say, Amen.":** This final clause highlights the communal aspect of the covenant. The unified "Amen" from the entire congregation signifies their solemn agreement with the divine judgment pronounced. It underscores their collective responsibility to uphold the Law, their acknowledgment of the seriousness of this particular sin, and their acceptance that such a transgression would bring divine condemnation upon the perpetrator, and potentially, upon the community if left unaddressed. It is a public affirmation of their commitment to God's moral standards.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:20 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, seen in the phrase "uncovereth his father's skirt." This indirect expression for sexual intercourse, particularly illicit relations, serves to convey the gravity and taboo nature of the act without explicit vulgarity, while simultaneously emphasizing the profound violation of honor and authority. The **Repetition** of the phrase "Cursed be he" throughout Deuteronomy 27:15-26, followed by the communal "Amen," creates a powerful rhythmic and liturgical structure, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the covenant's demands and the solemnity of the people's commitment. This **Liturgical Call and Response** ("Cursed be he... Amen") functions as a binding oath, transforming the individual curses into a corporate covenantal agreement. Furthermore, the "skirt" (כְּנַף, _kenaf_) functions as **Symbolism**, representing the father's protective covering, authority, and marital claim. Its "uncovering" therefore symbolizes not just a sexual act but a profound violation of these sacred boundaries and the disruption of the family's integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:20 deeply intertwines with the broader biblical theology of holiness, covenant, and justice. This curse, like others in the chapter, underscores that God's covenant with Israel was not merely ceremonial but profoundly moral, demanding purity in all aspects of life, especially within the foundational unit of the family. The severity of the curse for incestuous relations highlights God's unwavering commitment to sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage, reflecting His own holy character. Such acts were considered an abomination, defiling both the individuals involved and the land itself, necessitating divine judgment. The communal "Amen" further emphasizes that upholding these moral standards was a corporate responsibility, reflecting the understanding that individual sin could have communal repercussions, and that the nation's well-being was tied to its adherence to God's righteous decrees.

* [Leviticus 18:8](/leviticus/18-8 "Leviticus 18:8 - Prohibition of Lying with Father's Wife")
* [Leviticus 20:11](/leviticus/20-11 "Leviticus 20:11 - Penalty for Lying with Father's Wife")
* [1 Corinthians 5:1](/1_corinthians/5-1 "1 Corinthians 5:1 - Paul Condemns Incest in Corinth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 27:20, while rooted in the specific covenant context of ancient Israel, offers enduring principles for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that God's standards for sexual morality and the sanctity of family relationships are timeless and foundational to human flourishing. The emphasis on hidden sins reveals that God sees beyond outward appearances and holds us accountable for our private thoughts and actions, challenging us to cultivate inner purity and integrity. The communal "Amen" calls us to a collective commitment to God's moral law, urging us to stand for righteousness within our communities, to speak truth, and to uphold ethical standards, even when they are unpopular. It compels us to consider how our actions impact not only ourselves but also the broader body of Christ and the testimony we bear to the world. Ultimately, this verse serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin and the just consequences that follow, prompting us to seek God's grace for repentance and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "hidden sins" in this passage challenge your understanding of personal accountability before God?**
* **In what ways can the church community today embody the "Amen" of collective commitment to God's moral standards, particularly concerning sexual purity and family integrity?**
* **What specific boundaries or principles from God's Word concerning relationships do you need to reaffirm or strengthen in your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why was lying with one's father's wife considered such a severe sin in ancient Israel?**

Answer: This act was considered an abomination for several profound reasons. Firstly, it violated the sanctity of marriage and the very strict incest prohibitions outlined in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 18:8](/leviticus/18-8 "Leviticus 18:8 - Prohibition of Lying with Father's Wife")). Such relationships blurred familial lines, undermined the patriarchal authority of the father (even if deceased), and introduced chaos and defilement into the family unit, which was the foundational building block of Israelite society. It was a profound act of disrespect, betrayal, and a direct affront to God's design for order and purity within human relationships. The "uncovering of the father's skirt" symbolized a usurpation of his marital space and an attack on his honor, carrying immense social and spiritual weight.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 27:20, like all the curses of the Law, ultimately points to the profound need for a Savior who could redeem humanity from the curse of sin. The Law, in its demands for absolute purity and its pronouncements of judgment against every transgression, reveals the utter impossibility of human beings to perfectly keep God's righteous standards. This curse, targeting a specific and egregious sin, underscores the comprehensive nature of sin and its deserving penalty. However, Christ entered this world not to condemn, but to fulfill the Law and bear its curse on our behalf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law") declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." Jesus, the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), took upon Himself the full weight of God's righteous judgment for all sin, including sexual immorality and violations of family honor. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He broke the power of sin and its curse, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe. Believers are now called to live by the Spirit, not under the Law's condemnation, but empowered by grace to pursue the holiness that the Law demanded (cf. [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - Law Fulfilled in Christ")). Our pursuit of sexual purity and honoring family relationships is now a response of gratitude and love for Christ, who has made us new creations (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")) and called us to live in a manner worthy of His holy name (cf. [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.