Leviticus 18:16

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 18:16

Leviticus 18:16 is part of a comprehensive chapter in the Old Testament outlining a series of forbidden sexual relationships and practices for the Israelites. These laws were given by God to distinguish His chosen people from the surrounding pagan nations, particularly the Egyptians and Canaanites, whose cultures often engaged in such acts (see Leviticus 18:3). The overarching purpose was to establish a holy nation, set apart by its adherence to divine moral standards, especially concerning sexual purity and the sanctity of family.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sanctity of Marriage: The verse strictly prohibits sexual relations with a brother's wife. This underscores the profound respect God demands for the marital covenant. A marriage is a sacred bond, and to violate it, even with a close relative, is a severe transgression against the covenant and the spouse.
  • Family Boundaries: God establishes clear boundaries within families to prevent incestuous relationships and maintain order and purity. The phrase "it is thy brother's nakedness" emphasizes that the brother's wife is considered an extension of the brother himself in this context, making such an act a violation of the brother's marital intimacy.
  • Holiness and Purity: These laws are foundational to the concept of holiness in the Old Testament, where God calls His people to be holy as He is holy (Leviticus 19:2). Sexual purity was a significant aspect of this call, reflecting internal righteousness and external distinction.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "uncover the nakedness" is a common biblical euphemism for engaging in sexual intercourse. It signifies an act of intimate unveiling that is reserved exclusively for the marital relationship. When applied to forbidden unions, it highlights the violation of sacred boundaries. The KJV's "it is thy brother's nakedness" emphasizes the unity of husband and wife, signifying that to violate the wife is to violate the husband's intimate sphere.

Practical Application

While specific cultural contexts have changed, the timeless principles embedded in Leviticus 18:16 remain highly relevant for believers today:

  • Respect for Marital Vows: This verse powerfully reinforces the sanctity of marriage. Believers are called to honor marital covenants, not only their own but also those of others. The New Testament reiterates this principle, stating, "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled" (Hebrews 13:4).
  • Sexual Purity: The underlying call to sexual purity and faithfulness is a consistent theme throughout Scripture. God's design for sexual intimacy is within the bounds of a lifelong, monogamous marriage between one man and one woman.
  • Maintaining Healthy Boundaries: The verse teaches us the importance of respecting personal and family boundaries, even with those we are closely related to. This promotes healthy relationships and prevents destructive behaviors.

Leviticus 18:16 serves as a clear reminder of God's unchanging standards for sexual morality and the high regard He holds for the institution of marriage.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 20:21

    And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it [is] an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless.

  • Deuteronomy 25:5

    ¶ If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her.

  • Matthew 22:24

    Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

  • Mark 12:19

    Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave [his] wife [behind him], and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

  • Mark 6:17

    For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.

  • Matthew 14:3

    For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put [him] in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.

  • Matthew 14:4

    For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.
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