Leviticus 18:15

KJV

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she [is] thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not uncover {H1540} the nakedness {H6172} of thy daughter in law {H3618}: she is thy son's {H1121} wife {H802}; thou shalt not uncover {H1540} her nakedness {H6172}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to have sexual relations with your daughter-in-law; because she is your son's wife. Do not have sexual relations with her.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter-in-law: she is thy son’s wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 18:15 explicitly forbids a man from engaging in sexual relations with his daughter-in-law, emphasizing her status as his son's wife. This command is an integral component of God's broader statutes on sexual purity and familial integrity, designed to distinguish the Israelite community from the morally corrupt practices of surrounding pagan nations. It underscores the sanctity of marital covenants and the foundational role of the family unit in maintaining a holy and ordered society under divine law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 18:15 is situated within a broader chapter, [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations"), which details a comprehensive list of illicit sexual unions. This chapter opens with a divine command for Israel to "do my judgments, and keep my ordinances, to walk therein" ([Leviticus 18:4](/leviticus/18-4 "Leviticus 18:4 - Keep My Judgments and Ordinances")), immediately distinguishing God's standards from the depraved practices of Egypt and Canaan. The prohibitions range from various forms of incest (e.g., mother, sister, granddaughter) to bestiality and child sacrifice, culminating in a solemn warning about the land "vomiting out" those who defile it with such abominations ([Leviticus 18:28](/leviticus/18-28 "Leviticus 18:28 - The Land Vomits Out Its Inhabitants")). Within this framework, the prohibition against a man uncovering the nakedness of his daughter-in-law is a specific injunction safeguarding the integrity of the nuclear family and the sanctity of marriage within that structure, reinforcing the principle that marriage creates new, distinct family units whose boundaries must be respected.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The laws in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations") were given to ancient Israel as they stood on the cusp of entering the land of Canaan, a region notorious for its moral depravity. Archaeological and textual evidence from the ancient Near East, particularly regarding Canaanite and Egyptian societies, indicates that many of the practices explicitly forbidden in this chapter, including various forms of incest, cultic prostitution, and child sacrifice, were common. For instance, Egyptian pharaohs sometimes married their sisters to maintain royal bloodlines, and cultic practices in Canaan often involved sexual rituals that blurred moral boundaries. God's commands in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus") were therefore not merely arbitrary rules but a divine mandate to establish a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures. The pervasive call to be holy, "for I am holy" ([Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")), permeated every aspect of Israelite life, including their sexual ethics. By prohibiting relations with a daughter-in-law, God directly countered cultural norms that blurred familial and sexual boundaries, ensuring the purity and stability of Israelite families, which were the foundational units of their covenantal society.
* **Key Themes:** The prohibition in [Leviticus 18:15](/leviticus/18-15 "Leviticus 18:15 - Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law") contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive throughout [the book of Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus"). Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute moral standard and His demand for His people to reflect His character in their conduct. This verse, alongside others in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations"), defines the boundaries of acceptable behavior, particularly in the realm of sexuality, as integral to Israel's sanctification. Another crucial theme is the **Sanctity of Marriage and Family**. The law protects the integrity of the marital covenant and the family unit, recognizing them as divinely instituted foundations of society. Violations like that described in this verse directly undermine these sacred bonds. Finally, the theme of **Distinction from Pagan Practices** is evident. By explicitly forbidding practices common in surrounding cultures, God establishes Israel as a separate, holy nation, whose ethical framework is derived from divine revelation, not human depravity. The consequences for violating these laws, such as the land "vomiting out" its inhabitants ([Leviticus 18:28](/leviticus/18-28 "Leviticus 18:28 - The Land Vomits Out Its Inhabitants")), underscore the gravity of maintaining these distinctions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Uncover (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** From the primitive root H1540, meaning "to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal." In the context of "uncover the nakedness," this verb functions as a euphemism for sexual intercourse, implying a stripping away of modesty and a disgraceful, illicit act.
* **Nakedness (Hebrew, _ʻervâh'_):** From H6172, meaning "nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)." In phrases like "uncover the nakedness," it is a legal and moral euphemism for sexual intercourse itself. Its use throughout Leviticus 18 emphasizes the profound defilement and moral disgrace associated with the forbidden sexual acts, highlighting them as violations of divine purity and human dignity.
* **Daughter in law (Hebrew, _kallâh'_):: From H3618, meaning "a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife." This term precisely defines the relationship, emphasizing the familial bond established through marriage. The prohibition acknowledges the daughter-in-law as a distinct member of the extended family unit, whose marital bond with the son must be respected and protected by the father-in-law, establishing a clear boundary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law":** This is a direct, apodictic command, characteristic of the Holiness Code. It unequivocally forbids sexual intercourse between a man and his son's wife. The use of "uncover the nakedness" euphemistically yet powerfully conveys the illicit and defiling nature of the sexual act.
* **"she [is] thy son's wife":** This clause provides the explicit rationale and legal justification for the prohibition. It grounds the command in the existing, sacred marital relationship. The daughter-in-law's status as "thy son's wife" means she is already in a sacred, exclusive covenant with the son, and any sexual act with the father-in-law would be a profound act of adultery against the son, a betrayal of family trust, and a severe disruption of the family's integrity.
* **"thou shalt not uncover her nakedness":** The repetition of the prohibition serves to emphasize its gravity and finality. This reiteration underscores the absolute nature of the command, leaving no room for ambiguity or exception. It reinforces the seriousness of violating this particular familial and marital boundary, highlighting the divine abhorrence for such an act.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 18:15 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and force. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, specifically the phrase "uncover the nakedness," which serves as a polite yet potent substitute for direct reference to sexual intercourse. This device allows the sacred text to discuss sensitive topics without explicit vulgarity, while simultaneously highlighting the profound moral and spiritual implications of the forbidden acts. The use of **Repetition** is also evident, with the phrase "thou shalt not uncover her nakedness" appearing twice. This repetition is not redundant but serves to emphasize the absolute nature of the prohibition, underscoring its non-negotiable importance and the severe consequences of its violation. Furthermore, the verse exemplifies **Legal Formulation**, presenting an apodictic (absolute, unconditional) command. This direct, declarative style is typical of the Holiness Code, emphasizing the divine authority behind the law and its non-negotiable character. The clarity and directness of the language ensure that the command is easily understood and its violation unequivocally condemned, establishing a clear moral boundary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 18:15, like the broader chapter, profoundly connects to the overarching theological theme of God's holiness and His demand for His people to reflect that holiness in their lives. The prohibition against sexual relations with a daughter-in-law is not merely a social rule but a divine standard for purity, designed to protect the sanctity of marriage and the integrity of the family unit, which are foundational to a righteous society. This command underscores that marriage is a sacred covenant established by God, and any act that defiles or undermines it is an affront to His divine order. It teaches that boundaries within family relationships are divinely ordained for protection and flourishing, preventing chaos, moral decay, and the blurring of roles that would inevitably lead to societal breakdown. The integrity of the family, as the basic building block of society, is thus directly linked to the nation's covenant faithfulness and its ability to dwell securely in the promised land.

* [Leviticus 20:12](/leviticus/20-12 "Leviticus 20:12 - Penalty for Incest with Daughter-in-Law")
* [1 Corinthians 5:1](/1_corinthians/5-1 "1 Corinthians 5:1 - Paul Rebukes Incest in Corinth")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable and the Bed Undefiled")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 18:15, while rooted in the ancient Israelite context, provides timeless principles for reflection and application in contemporary life. It profoundly reminds us that God is deeply concerned with the purity and integrity of our relationships, especially within the family. This command calls believers to a high standard of sexual morality, emphasizing that sexual intimacy is sacred and reserved exclusively for the covenant of marriage. It challenges us to honor and protect the marital bonds of others, recognizing that to violate these boundaries, even indirectly, is to sow discord, cause profound harm, and undermine the very fabric of family and society. For us today, it means cultivating a heart that respects God's design for marriage, maintains healthy and appropriate boundaries in all relationships, and actively pursues holiness in thought, word, and deed, reflecting Christ's character in every sphere of life. This pursuit of holiness is not merely about avoiding sin, but about embracing God's good design for human flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this command highlight the importance of clear, divinely ordained boundaries within family relationships today, and what are practical ways to uphold them in our modern context?**
* **In what ways does society's increasingly fluid view of sexual ethics differ from God's unchanging standards as revealed in this passage, and how should believers thoughtfully and faithfully respond to this disparity?**
* **Beyond avoiding specific forbidden acts, how can we actively cultivate a heart that honors and protects the sanctity of marriage, both our own and others', in our words, actions, and even our private thoughts?**

### FAQ
**Why is this specific relationship forbidden, and what are its broader implications for family integrity?**

Answer: This relationship is forbidden primarily because the woman is "thy son's wife," meaning she is already in a sacred marital covenant with the man's son. Engaging in sexual relations with her would constitute adultery against the son, a profound betrayal of family trust, and a severe violation of God's established order for marriage and family. The broader implications are significant: it safeguards the integrity of the nuclear family, prevents confusion of lineage and roles, and upholds the sanctity of the marital bond as exclusive and inviolable. It also reinforces the principle that marriage creates new, distinct family units that must be respected by the original family, ensuring clarity and order within the broader community.

**Is this law still relevant for believers today, given its Old Testament context, or is it merely an ancient cultural artifact?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the specific legal context is ancient Israel, the underlying moral principles are eternal and universally applicable. The prohibition against incest and adultery, of which this command is a specific instance, reflects God's unchanging character and His design for human sexuality and relationships. The New Testament consistently upholds the sanctity of marriage and calls believers to sexual purity, echoing the spirit of these Old Testament laws. For example, [1 Thessalonians 4:3](/1_thessalonians/4-3 "1 Thessalonians 4:3 - God's Will for Sanctification") states, "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication," and [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Fornication") commands believers to "Flee fornication." The specific prohibition in [Leviticus 18:15](/leviticus/18-15 "Leviticus 18:15 - Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law") serves as a powerful reminder of God's high standard for sexual morality and the importance of respecting familial and marital boundaries, which remain foundational for human flourishing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The prohibitions in Leviticus, including that of [Leviticus 18:15](/leviticus/18-15 "Leviticus 18:15 - Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law"), reveal the holy standard of God and humanity's inherent inability to perfectly fulfill it, thus pointing to the pervasive nature of sin and the ultimate need for a Savior. While these laws established a distinct moral code for Israel, their ultimate purpose was to highlight sin and the necessity of redemption. In Christ, the moral essence of these laws is not abolished but fulfilled and elevated. Jesus declared that He did not come to destroy the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He expands the concept of purity beyond outward actions to the very intentions of the heart, as seen in His teaching on lust ([Matthew 5:27-28](/matthew/5-27-28 "Matthew 5:27-28 - Jesus on Adultery and Lust")), demonstrating that true holiness originates from within. Through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection, Christ provides the righteousness that the Law demands and the power for believers to live in genuine holiness. The Holy Spirit, given to those who believe, enables them to walk "not after the flesh, but after the Spirit," thereby fulfilling "the righteousness of the law" ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")). Thus, the call to sexual purity and the honoring of marital bonds, exemplified in [Leviticus 18:15](/leviticus/18-15 "Leviticus 18:15 - Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law"), finds its ultimate empowerment and deepest meaning in Christ, who calls His followers to be holy as God is holy ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy as God is Holy")) and to flee all forms of sexual immorality, recognizing their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:18-20](/1_corinthians/6-18-20 "1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee Sexual Immorality")).

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.

Cross-References

Leviticus 20:12

And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood [shall be] upon them.

Genesis 38:26

And Judah acknowledged [them], and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.

Ezekiel 22:11

And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour's wife; and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in thee hath humbled his sister, his father's daughter.

Genesis 38:18

And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that [is] in thine hand. And he gave [it] her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.

Genesis 38:19

And she arose, and went away, and laid by her vail from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.