Leviticus 18:16

KJV

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it [is] thy brother's nakedness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not uncover {H1540} the nakedness {H6172} of thy brother's {H251} wife {H802}: it is thy brother's {H251} nakedness {H6172}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to have sexual relations with your brother's wife, because this is your brother's prerogative.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would shame your brother.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother’s wife: it is thy brother’s nakedness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 18:16 is a foundational prohibition within a comprehensive chapter of divine statutes concerning sexual morality, specifically forbidding sexual relations with one's brother's wife. This command underscores the sanctity of marital bonds, the importance of maintaining clear familial boundaries, and God's unwavering call for His people to live in purity and holiness, distinct from the corrupt practices of surrounding pagan nations. It highlights the profound unity between husband and wife, where a violation against one's spouse is considered a direct violation against the husband's intimate sphere.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 18:16 is situated within a detailed list of forbidden sexual relationships found in Leviticus 18, which begins with a general admonition against following the customs of Egypt and Canaan ([Leviticus 18:3](/leviticus/18-3 "Leviticus 18:3 - Do Not Follow Their Ways")). The chapter systematically outlines various incestuous unions (e.g., parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, daughters-in-law) before addressing the specific prohibition against a brother's wife in verse 16. The chapter concludes with severe warnings about the consequences of violating these laws, emphasizing that such acts defile the land and its inhabitants, leading to expulsion ([Leviticus 18:24-30](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-30 - Consequences of Disobedience")). This immediate context frames the verse as part of God's broader legal framework for establishing a holy nation, where sexual purity is paramount to communal well-being and covenant faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The laws in Leviticus 18 were given to ancient Israel as they stood on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, a land inhabited by the Canaanites, whose cultures were deeply steeped in practices explicitly condemned by God. Historical and archaeological evidence suggests that many Canaanite religious rituals involved cultic prostitution and various forms of sexual immorality, including incestuous relationships, as part of their fertility cults. By issuing these strict prohibitions, God was setting His people apart, calling them to a higher standard of moral and sexual conduct that reflected His own holy character. The emphasis on "uncovering nakedness" was a common biblical idiom for sexual intercourse, and its application here highlights the gravity of violating marital and familial purity, contrasting sharply with the lax sexual mores prevalent in the surrounding pagan societies of the ancient Near East, as seen in the warnings against their "abominations" ([Leviticus 18:26-27](/leviticus/18-26 "Leviticus 18:26-27 - Abominations of the Nations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Uncover (Hebrew, _gālāh'_):** This verb literally means "to reveal," "to expose," or "to lay bare." In the context of sexual relations, particularly with "nakedness," it serves as a euphemism for sexual intercourse. The use of "uncover" emphasizes the intimate, private, and vulnerable nature of the act, which is reserved exclusively for the marital covenant. When used in prohibitions, it highlights the illicit and violative nature of the forbidden union, an unwelcome intrusion into a sacred space.
* **Nakedness (Hebrew, עֶרְוָה, _‘ervah'_):** This noun refers to the private parts of the body, but in biblical usage, especially in Leviticus 18, it extends beyond mere physical exposure to signify the sexual intimacy and vulnerability inherent in a relationship. The phrase "uncover nakedness" thus denotes sexual relations. More profoundly, in the context of marriage, it represents the complete intimacy and unity between husband and wife. To "uncover the nakedness" of a relative in a forbidden way is to violate the sanctity of family and the divinely ordained boundaries of sexual expression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife":** This clause issues a direct and unequivocal prohibition against sexual intercourse with one's sister-in-law. It establishes a clear boundary within the extended family, protecting the sanctity of the marital bond and preventing the blurring of familial roles. The command is absolute, leaving no room for exceptions or justifications, highlighting the gravity of such a transgression against the marital covenant.
* **"it [is] thy brother's nakedness":** This explanatory clause provides the theological rationale for the prohibition. It emphasizes the profound unity between husband and wife, asserting that the wife's "nakedness" (her sexual intimacy and person) is considered an extension of the husband's own. Therefore, to violate the brother's wife is to violate the brother himself in his most intimate and vulnerable sphere. This statement reinforces the concept of marital oneness, where two become "one flesh" ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union")). It underscores that adultery or any illicit sexual act with a married person is not merely a private transgression but a profound violation of the spouse's person and the sacred covenant they share.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 18:16 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, where the phrase "uncover the nakedness" serves as a polite or indirect expression for sexual intercourse. This avoids explicit language while clearly conveying the nature of the forbidden act, maintaining a sense of decorum appropriate for sacred text. Furthermore, the phrase "it is thy brother's nakedness" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "nakedness" stands in for the entire intimate sphere of the brother's marital relationship. It's not just about the physical body but the totality of the marital union, its sanctity, and the husband's exclusive rights within that union. This metonymic usage powerfully communicates the idea that an offense against the wife in this context is an offense against the husband, highlighting the profound unity and shared identity within marriage. The concise and direct nature of the prohibition also lends itself to **Legal Language**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing its authoritative and binding nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 18:16 profoundly articulates God's high regard for the institution of marriage and the sanctity of sexual intimacy within its boundaries. It establishes that marriage is a unique, exclusive covenant, where the spouses become "one flesh," and any violation of this bond, even by a close relative, is a direct affront to God's design and the integrity of the family unit. The prohibition extends the concept of "holiness" to the sphere of sexual ethics, calling Israel to reflect God's purity in their relationships and distinguish themselves from the moral depravity of surrounding nations. This verse, along with the broader chapter, lays a foundational theological principle that sexual purity is integral to covenant faithfulness and the well-being of God's people.

* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The One Flesh Union")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Honor Marriage")
* [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Sexual Immorality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 18:16, though rooted in ancient Israelite law, offers timeless principles for believers today concerning the sanctity of marriage, sexual purity, and the importance of healthy family boundaries. In a world increasingly challenged by shifting moral landscapes regarding sexuality, this verse stands as a firm declaration of God's unchanging standard: sexual intimacy is a sacred gift reserved exclusively for the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. It calls us to honor not only our own marital vows but also to respect and uphold the marital covenants of others, recognizing the profound unity established by God between husband and wife. This respect extends to maintaining appropriate boundaries within families, fostering environments of purity and trust. Ultimately, living out the principles of this verse requires a commitment to holiness, reflecting God's character in every aspect of our lives, particularly in our most intimate relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "one flesh" in marriage, as implied by "it is thy brother's nakedness," deepen your understanding of the sanctity of the marital covenant today?**
* **In what ways does our contemporary culture challenge the biblical principles of sexual purity and marital exclusivity, and how can believers faithfully uphold these standards?**
* **What practical steps can individuals and families take to establish and maintain healthy boundaries that honor God's design for relationships?**

### FAQ
**Why is the phrase "it is thy brother's nakedness" used instead of simply saying "it is your brother's wife"?**

Answer: The phrase "it is thy brother's nakedness" is a powerful theological statement that goes beyond merely identifying the person. It emphasizes the profound spiritual and physical unity that exists between a husband and wife in marriage. In biblical thought, when two people marry, they become "one flesh" ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The One Flesh Union")). Therefore, to "uncover the nakedness" (have sexual relations with) the brother's wife is not just an act against her, but it is considered a direct violation of the brother's own intimate sphere and personhood. It underscores that the wife's body and sexual intimacy are exclusively tied to her husband. This phrasing elevates the offense from a simple breach of social etiquette to a deep transgression against the very essence of the marital covenant and the husband's identity within that union.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Leviticus 18:16 is a specific prohibition under the Old Covenant Law, its underlying principles find their ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Christ. The call to holiness and purity, central to this command, is perfectly embodied by Jesus, who lived a life of absolute moral perfection. In the New Covenant, Christ does not abolish the moral law but fulfills it and elevates its demands, moving beyond external compliance to an internal transformation of the heart ([Matthew 5:27-28](/matthew/5-27 "Matthew 5:27-28 - Adultery of the Heart")). The sanctity of marriage, so vigorously defended in Leviticus 18:16, is upheld and glorified by Christ, who teaches the indissolubility of the marital bond ([Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4 "Matthew 19:4-6 - Marriage as One Flesh")). Furthermore, the relationship between husband and wife is presented as a profound mystery, a living picture of Christ's sacrificial love for His Church ([Ephesians 5:25-32](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-32 - Christ and the Church")). Thus, the prohibition against violating a brother's marriage is not merely a legal restriction but a reflection of God's desire for His people to live in purity, honor, and love, mirroring the covenant faithfulness of Christ to His bride, the Church, and empowering believers through the Holy Spirit to pursue true sexual holiness ([1 Thessalonians 4:3-5](/1_thessalonians/4-3 "1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 - God's Will: Sanctification")).

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.