Leviticus 18:12

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she [is] thy father's near kinswoman.

Thou shalt not uncover {H1540} the nakedness {H6172} of thy father's {H1} sister {H269}: she is thy father's {H1} near kinswoman {H7607}.

You are not to have sexual relations with your father's sister, because she is your father's close relative.

You must not have sexual relations with your father’s sister; she is your father’s close relative.

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s sister: she is thy father’s near kinswoman.

Commentary

Leviticus 18:12 is part of a larger set of laws given by God to the Israelite nation concerning forbidden sexual relationships. This specific verse prohibits sexual relations between a man and his father's sister, emphasizing the close familial bond and the unacceptability of such an act.

Context

The book of Leviticus establishes the covenant relationship between God and Israel, detailing laws for worship, purity, and moral conduct. Chapter 18, in particular, lays out a comprehensive list of illicit sexual unions. These prohibitions were crucial for distinguishing Israel from the surrounding pagan nations, such as Egypt and Canaan, whose cultures often practiced various forms of incest and sexual depravity. God commanded Israel to be holy, reflecting His own character, which included maintaining strict moral boundaries within family structures. The general principle of not "uncovering the nakedness" of close relatives is introduced at the beginning of the chapter, setting the stage for specific prohibitions like this one.

Key Themes

  • Sexual Purity and Holiness: God demands a high standard of sexual conduct from His people. This verse, like others in Leviticus 18, underscores the importance of maintaining sexual purity as a reflection of God's holiness and His design for human relationships.
  • Protection of Family Structures: The prohibition safeguards the sanctity and integrity of the family unit. Incestuous relationships, such as with a paternal aunt, inherently violate natural and divinely ordained familial boundaries, leading to social disorder and potential harm.
  • Distinction from Pagan Practices: These laws served to set Israel apart from the corrupt moral practices of the nations around them, who often engaged in such relationships without moral compunction. This was part of God's call for Israel to be a holy nation, distinct from the world (Leviticus 19:2).
  • Respect for Kinship: The explicit statement, "she [is] thy father's near kinswoman," highlights that the close blood relationship itself makes the act a grave transgression, demonstrating God's regard for the natural order of family and the importance of respecting those bonds.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "uncover the nakedness" (Hebrew: gālāh 'ervah) is a common biblical euphemism for engaging in sexual intercourse, especially illicit or shameful acts. The term 'ervah refers to nakedness or shame, implying that such acts bring disgrace upon individuals and the community. The description "near kinswoman" (Hebrew: sh'er qārōb) emphasizes the closeness of the blood relationship, reinforcing the severity of violating these sacred family bonds and the inherent moral wrongness of the act.

Practical Application

While specific cultural contexts have changed, the underlying moral principles of Leviticus 18:12 remain timeless. This verse reminds us that God has established clear boundaries for sexual relationships, primarily within the confines of marriage. It underscores the importance of respecting familial relationships and maintaining sexual purity in all generations. The biblical emphasis on sexual purity and holiness is a constant call for believers today to live in a way that honors God and respects the sanctity of human relationships, avoiding all forms of sexual immorality and protecting the vulnerable within families.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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.

  • Exodus 6:20

    And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram [were] an hundred and thirty and seven years.
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