Leviticus 18:10

KJV

The nakedness of thy son's daughter, or of thy daughter's daughter, [even] their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs [is] thine own nakedness.

KJV (with Strong's)

The nakedness {H6172} of thy son's {H1121} daughter {H1323}, or of thy daughter's {H1323} daughter {H1323}, even their nakedness {H6172} thou shalt not uncover {H1540}: for theirs {H2007} is thine own nakedness {H6172}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to have sexual relations with your son's daughter or with your daughter's daughter. Do not have sexual relations with them, because their sexual disgrace will be your own.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not have sexual relations with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter, for that would shame your family.

American Standard Version

The nakedness of thy son’s daughter, or of thy daughter’s daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 18:10 presents a critical prohibition within God's moral and legal framework for ancient Israel, specifically forbidding sexual relations with one's granddaughters, whether through a son or a daughter. This command is a foundational element in the broader call for sexual purity and the sanctity of familial relationships, serving to distinguish God's covenant people from the morally depraved practices prevalent in surrounding pagan cultures. It establishes a non-negotiable standard of holiness, underscoring the divine design for human sexuality and the imperative to maintain the integrity of the family unit as a reflection of God's ordered creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 18 initiates a pivotal section of the Mosaic Law, immediately following the detailed instructions for priestly conduct and sacrificial offerings in earlier chapters, and the laws concerning clean and unclean animals. The chapter begins with a sweeping command for Israel to obey God's statutes and judgments, explicitly stating, "Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the LORD your God" [Leviticus 18:4](/leviticus/18-4 "Leviticus 18:4 - Obey God's Ordinances"). This sets the stage for a comprehensive enumeration of prohibited sexual relationships, designed to establish and maintain the holiness of the covenant community. Verse 10, addressing incest with granddaughters, is part of a series of specific prohibitions that build upon the general principle introduced in [Leviticus 18:6](/leviticus/18-6 "Leviticus 18:6 - Do Not Uncover the Nakedness of Near Kin"), which forbids uncovering the nakedness of any close relative. The verses immediately preceding and following [Leviticus 18:10](/leviticus/18-10 "Leviticus 18:10 - Prohibition of Incest with Granddaughters") list other forbidden unions, such as with one's mother or stepmother [Leviticus 18:7-8](/leviticus/18-7 "Leviticus 18:7-8 - Prohibited Relations with Mother and Stepmother"), sister [Leviticus 18:9](/leviticus/18-9 "Leviticus 18:9 - Prohibited Relations with Sister"), and aunt [Leviticus 18:12-14](/leviticus/18-12-14 "Leviticus 18:12-14 - Prohibited Relations with Aunts"), collectively forming a robust legal framework aimed at protecting the integrity of the family unit and ensuring societal order and purity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The laws presented in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws Concerning Sexual Immorality") were delivered to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, having recently been delivered from slavery in Egypt. Both the Egyptian society they had left and the Canaanite cultures they were about to encounter were deeply steeped in sexual immorality, including various forms of incest, ritual prostitution, and child sacrifice, often intertwined with their polytheistic religious practices. [Leviticus 18:3](/leviticus/18-3 "Leviticus 18:3 - Do Not Follow Customs of Egypt or Canaan") explicitly warns Israel against adopting "the doings of the land of Egypt" or "the doings of the land of Canaan." By instituting these stringent prohibitions, God was establishing a distinct moral and social order for His people, one that would set them apart as a holy nation. These laws were not merely arbitrary; they were foundational to Israel's covenant identity, reflecting God's holy character and His perfect design for human flourishing within a pure, ordered, and just society, thereby preventing the moral degradation that had led to the corruption and eventual judgment of the surrounding nations.

* **Key Themes:** The prohibition in [Leviticus 18:10](/leviticus/18-10 "Leviticus 18:10 - Prohibition of Incest with Granddaughters") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **holiness** (קְדֻשָּׁה, _qedushah_), which permeates the entire book. God's repeated command, "Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy" [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy"), underscores that Israel's moral conduct, including their sexual ethics, must reflect God's own pure character. This verse also reinforces the theme of **distinction and separation**, as God calls His people to be distinct from the pagan nations, whose practices were an abomination [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24-28 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Defilement of the Land"). Furthermore, the laws in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws Concerning Sexual Immorality") emphasize the **sanctity of the family unit**, which is presented as the foundational building block of society. Protecting the integrity of familial relationships through strict prohibitions against incest ensures order, prevents chaos, and preserves the purity of lineage, reflecting God's design for human relationships and procreation within divinely ordained boundaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nakedness (Hebrew, _ʻervâh'_):** From H6172, this term (עֶרְוָה) literally refers to "nudity," especially the "pudenda," but also carries the figurative sense of "disgrace" or "blemish." In the context of Leviticus 18, it functions as a euphemism for the genitalia and, by extension, for sexual intimacy or intercourse. The repeated phrase "uncover nakedness" is a legal idiom signifying sexual union. Its use here emphasizes the profound violation of purity and familial boundaries inherent in the prohibited act, highlighting the shame and moral degradation associated with such illicit relations.
* **Daughter (Hebrew, _bath'_):** From H1323, this word (בַּת) is derived from the root `bânâh` (to build) and signifies a "daughter" in a broad sense, including female descendants. Its repeated use in "son's daughter" and "daughter's daughter" precisely identifies the prohibited relationship as one's direct female lineal descendants of the second generation. This specificity underscores the close familial bond and the gravity of the transgression, indicating that the prohibition extends to even indirect descendants through one's children, emphasizing the sanctity of the entire family line.
* **Uncover (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** From H1540, this primitive root (גָּלָה) means "to denude," "to reveal," or "to expose," often with a sense of disgrace. When used in conjunction with "nakedness," it forms the idiomatic expression for sexual intercourse, particularly illicit or forbidden acts. The prohibition "thou shalt not uncover" is a strong, direct command, underscoring the absolute nature of the forbidden act. It implies not just the physical act but also the revelation of intimacy that is reserved for specific, God-ordained relationships, making its violation a profound transgression against divine order and familial sanctity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The nakedness of thy son's daughter, or of thy daughter's daughter,"**: This opening clause precisely identifies the specific relatives who are the subject of the prohibition: one's granddaughters. The phrasing meticulously specifies both paternal and maternal granddaughters, leaving no ambiguity regarding the scope of the forbidden relationship. The use of "nakedness" here serves as a euphemism, setting the stage for the command against sexual intimacy. This detailed identification underscores the close familial bond and the direct lineal descent, making the subsequent prohibition particularly grave.
* **"[even] their nakedness thou shalt not uncover:**": This is the direct, apodictic command, employing the idiomatic phrase "uncover nakedness" to explicitly forbid any form of sexual intimacy or intercourse with the identified granddaughters. The strong negative "thou shalt not" conveys the absolute and unconditional nature of the prohibition, marking this relationship as an abomination in God's eyes. It signifies a complete and utter ban on such unions, reflecting God's uncompromising standard for sexual purity within the covenant community.
* **"for theirs [is] thine own nakedness."**: This concluding phrase provides the theological and moral rationale for the prohibition, emphasizing the profound familial connection and the concept of shared flesh. A granddaughter is considered "thine own nakedness" because she is a direct descendant, an extension of one's own flesh and blood and lineage. To violate her is, in a profound sense, to violate oneself and one's own familial integrity, highlighting the deep moral, biological, and spiritual transgression involved. This phrase underscores the idea that these relationships are so intimately connected as to be an extension of oneself, making sexual union with them a profound perversion of natural order and familial sanctity.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 18:10 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful prohibition. **Euphemism** is central, as "nakedness" (עֶרְוָה, _ʻervâh'_) and the phrase "uncover nakedness" serve as polite yet clear substitutes for direct references to sexual organs and intercourse. This is a common feature in biblical legal texts, maintaining decorum while unambiguously conveying a clear prohibition. The **repetition** of "nakedness" (appearing three times in the KJV translation of this single verse) serves to emphasize the core concept of illicit sexual exposure and intimacy, reinforcing the gravity and abhorrence of the forbidden act. Furthermore, the passage utilizes **legal language** characteristic of the Mosaic Law, employing a direct, declarative prohibition ("thou shalt not uncover") followed by a concise, authoritative rationale ("for theirs is thine own nakedness"). This structure is typical of apodictic law, presenting an absolute command without conditions, thereby underscoring its divine authority and universal applicability within the covenant community. The final phrase, "thine own nakedness," also functions as a form of **synecdoche**, where a part (nakedness/flesh) represents the whole (the person and one's entire lineage), highlighting the profound violation of one's own familial integrity and the sacredness of one's descendants.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 18:10 is deeply rooted in the broader theological framework of holiness and the sanctity of life, which permeates the entire book of Leviticus. God's call for Israel to be holy as He is holy [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy") extends to every sphere of life, including sexual ethics and family purity. This specific prohibition against incest with granddaughters underscores God's design for human sexuality to be exercised within divinely ordained boundaries, protecting the vulnerable, preserving the integrity of the family unit, and preventing the moral chaos that characterized the pagan nations. The violation of such laws was considered an "abomination" (e.g., [Leviticus 18:27](/leviticus/18-27 "Leviticus 18:27 - Abominations of the Land")), defiling both the individuals and the land itself, demonstrating the profound spiritual, social, and even ecological consequences of disobedience. The law serves as a testament to God's character as a God of order, purity, and life, contrasting sharply with the destructive practices of idolatry and immorality.

* [Leviticus 18:6](/leviticus/18-6 "General Prohibition of Incest")
* [Leviticus 20:17](/leviticus/20-17 "Penalty for Incest with Sister")
* [Deuteronomy 27:22](/deuteronomy/27-22 "Curse for Incest with Granddaughter")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific cultural context of ancient Israel informs the explicit prohibitions of Leviticus 18:10, the underlying principles of sexual purity, the sanctity of family, and the call to holiness remain profoundly relevant for believers today. God's moral laws are not arbitrary restrictions but are designed for human flourishing, protecting individuals and societies from the devastating consequences of sexual sin and relational brokenness. This verse reminds us that our bodies are sacred, temples of the Holy Spirit, and that sexual intimacy is a precious gift to be honored within the boundaries of God's design, specifically within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. Upholding these standards reflects our commitment to God's holy character and our desire to live in a way that honors Him and promotes healthy, godly relationships, distinguishing us as His people in a world often confused about sexual ethics. It calls us to examine our own lives and cultural influences, ensuring that our conduct aligns with God's unchanging moral will, thereby fostering environments of safety, respect, and purity within our families and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's emphasis on sexual purity in Leviticus 18, including the prohibition in verse 10, challenge contemporary societal norms regarding sexual freedom and expression?**
* **In what specific ways does upholding God's design for sexual relationships contribute to the health, integrity, and spiritual well-being of families and communities today?**
* **Considering that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, how does this profound truth inform our understanding and application of biblical standards for sexual conduct in our personal lives and public witness?**

### FAQ

**What does "uncover nakedness" mean in Leviticus 18:10?**

Answer: In biblical Hebrew, particularly within the legal texts of the Old Testament, the phrase "uncover nakedness" (גָּלָה עֶרְוָה, _galah ‘ervah_) is a well-established euphemistic idiom for engaging in sexual intercourse or intimacy. It signifies a profound act of sexual union, often with the strong implication of illicit or forbidden sexual relations. In [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws of Sexual Purity"), this phrase is consistently employed to denote prohibited sexual acts, emphasizing the violation of established boundaries and the shame, defilement, and moral degradation associated with such transgressions. Therefore, [Leviticus 18:10](/leviticus/18-10 "Leviticus 18:10 - Prohibition of Incest with Granddaughters") explicitly and unequivocally forbids sexual intercourse with one's granddaughters.

**Why is this specific relationship (granddaughter) forbidden?**

Answer: The prohibition against sexual relations with one's granddaughter, along with other close familial relationships listed in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws of Sexual Purity"), is forbidden for several interconnected and profound reasons. Primarily, it is an act of incest, which fundamentally violates the sanctity and integrity of the family unit, a foundational institution ordained by God. The phrase "for theirs is thine own nakedness" emphasizes the direct lineal connection; a granddaughter is considered an extension of one's own flesh and blood, making sexual union with her a profound transgression against one's own lineage and a perversion of natural order. These laws were also crucial for distinguishing Israel from the morally corrupt practices of surrounding pagan nations, where such acts were common and often associated with idolatrous worship [Leviticus 18:3](/leviticus/18-3 "Leviticus 18:3 - Do Not Follow Customs of Egypt or Canaan"). God's prohibitions were designed to establish a holy and pure community, protecting the vulnerable, preventing genetic defects, and maintaining clear social and familial boundaries essential for a flourishing and righteous society.

**Is this law still relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: Yes, while the Old Testament ceremonial and civil laws find their fulfillment in Christ, the underlying moral principles of [Leviticus 18:10](/leviticus/18-10 "Leviticus 18:10 - Prohibition of Incest with Granddaughters") and similar prohibitions against incest and sexual immorality remain eternally relevant and binding for Christians. The New Testament consistently upholds and even deepens the call to sexual purity and holiness, moving beyond external compliance to address the heart. For example, [1 Corinthians 6:18-20](/1_corinthians/6-18-20 "1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee Sexual Immorality; Our Bodies are Temples") commands believers to "flee sexual immorality" because our bodies are sacred temples of the Holy Spirit, purchased by Christ's blood. Incest, as a profound violation of familial integrity, God's design for sexuality, and natural law, is universally condemned in Scripture. The specific prohibition in [Leviticus 18:10](/leviticus/18-10 "Leviticus 18:10 - Prohibition of Incest with Granddaughters") serves as a timeless reminder of God's unchanging standard for sexual purity, the sanctity of family relationships, and the call for believers to live distinctively as a holy people, reflecting God's character in all aspects of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Leviticus 18:10 is a specific prohibition from the Old Covenant Law, its underlying principles find profound fulfillment and re-expression in Christ. The Law, including these commands concerning sexual purity, served not only to define righteousness but also to reveal humanity's inherent sinfulness and our utter inability to perfectly uphold God's holy standards [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - Law Reveals Sin"). Christ, however, perfectly fulfilled the Law, not only through His sinless life but supremely through His atoning death and resurrection, which provides cleansing from all unrighteousness for those who believe [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - Christ Fulfilled the Law"). Through faith in Him, believers are brought into a new covenant, where the Spirit of God indwells us, empowering us to live according to God's righteous desires from the heart, rather than mere external compulsion [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"). The New Testament calls believers to a standard of purity that surpasses mere external adherence to rules, emphasizing the transformation of the heart and mind, even addressing the sin of lustful thoughts [Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Lust of the Heart"). Our bodies are now sacred temples of the Holy Spirit [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our Bodies are Temples"), and we are called to glorify God in our bodies, fleeing all forms of sexual immorality, including those that violate the sacred boundaries of family and God's design for human relationships [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Sexual Immorality"). Thus, Christ does not abolish the moral principles of the Law but fulfills them by enabling us, through His grace and the indwelling power of the Spirit, to live lives of genuine holiness and purity, reflecting His own righteousness in every aspect of our being, as a testament to the new creation He has inaugurated [Ephesians 5:3-5](/ephesians/5-3-5 "Ephesians 5:3-5 - No Immorality Among Believers").

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.