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 presents a specific and foundational prohibition within God's comprehensive statutes on sexual morality, explicitly forbidding sexual relations with one's brother's wife. This command profoundly underscores the sanctity of marital bonds, the imperative of maintaining clear and holy familial boundaries, and God's unwavering call for His covenant people to live in purity and holiness, distinct from the corrupt and defiling practices of surrounding pagan nations. It highlights the profound unity and shared identity between husband and wife, asserting that a violation against one's spouse is considered a direct and grievous violation against the husband's intimate sphere and personhood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 18:16 is meticulously placed within a detailed and systematic enumeration of forbidden sexual relationships found in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws on Sexual Morality"). The chapter opens with a solemn divine injunction against adopting the abhorrent customs and statutes of Egypt and Canaan, emphasizing Israel's unique calling to obey God's decrees ([Leviticus 18:1-5](/leviticus/18-1-5 "Leviticus 18:1-5 - Do Not Follow Their Ways")). The subsequent verses systematically outline various incestuous unions, beginning with the closest blood relatives (parents, siblings, children) and extending to more distant, yet still forbidden, familial connections (aunts, uncles, daughters-in-law). The specific prohibition against a brother's wife in verse 16 is thus part of a broader, divinely ordained framework designed to protect the integrity of the family unit and the purity of the Israelite community. The chapter culminates with severe warnings regarding the defiling consequences of violating these laws, stating that such acts would pollute the land and its inhabitants, leading to expulsion from the Promised Land ([Leviticus 18:24-30](/leviticus/18-24-30 "Leviticus 18:24-30 - Consequences of Disobedience")). This immediate literary context firmly establishes the verse as an indispensable component of God's holistic legal and moral framework for establishing a holy nation, where sexual purity is paramount to communal well-being and covenant faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The divine laws articulated in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws on Sexual Morality") were delivered to the ancient Israelites as they stood poised to enter the land of Canaan, a region deeply permeated by cultural and religious practices explicitly condemned by Yahweh. Historical and archaeological evidence from the ancient Near East, particularly concerning Canaanite societies, reveals widespread sexual immorality, including various forms of incest and cultic prostitution, often integrated into their fertility cults and religious rituals. By promulgating these stringent prohibitions, God was unequivocally setting His people apart, calling them to a radically different and higher standard of moral and sexual conduct that authentically reflected His own holy and righteous character. The biblical idiom "uncovering nakedness" served as a common euphemism for sexual intercourse, and its consistent application throughout this chapter underscores the gravity of violating marital and familial purity. These divine commands stood in stark contrast to the pervasive and lax sexual mores prevalent in the surrounding pagan societies, as vividly highlighted by the warnings against their "abominations" ([Leviticus 18:26-27](/leviticus/18-26-27 "Leviticus 18:26-27 - Abominations of the Nations")).
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 18:16 significantly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Holiness**, as God repeatedly calls His people to "be holy, for I am holy" ([Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy")). This verse demonstrates that holiness is not merely ritualistic but extends profoundly into the realm of personal and communal sexual ethics. It also reinforces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as obedience to these moral statutes is presented as a condition for remaining in covenant relationship with God and dwelling in the Promised Land ([Leviticus 18:28](/leviticus/18-28 "Leviticus 18:28 - Land Vomits Out Disobedient")). Furthermore, the prohibition underscores the divine institution and **Sanctity of Marriage**, portraying it as an exclusive, sacred union that must be protected from all forms of illicit intrusion. The concept of **Separation** is also prominent, as Israel is commanded to distinguish itself sharply from the defiling practices of the nations around them, establishing a unique moral identity rooted in God's character. Finally, the verse speaks to the profound **Unity of Husband and Wife**, where a violation against one spouse is considered a direct affront to the other, echoing the foundational principle of "one flesh" established in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The One Flesh Union").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Uncover (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** This verb, H1540, literally means "to denude," "to reveal," or "to lay bare." In the specific context of sexual relations, particularly when paired with "nakedness," it functions as a euphemism for engaging in sexual intercourse. The use of "uncover" in this prohibition emphasizes the intimate, private, and inherently vulnerable nature of the act, which is divinely reserved exclusively for the covenant of marriage. When employed in a prohibitive sense, as it is here, it powerfully highlights the illicit, violative, and intrusive nature of the forbidden union, signifying an unwelcome transgression into a sacred and exclusive relational space.
* **Nakedness (Hebrew, _ʻervâh'_):** This noun, H6172, refers primarily to physical nudity, specifically the pudenda. However, in biblical usage, especially within the context of [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws on Sexual Morality"), its meaning extends far beyond mere physical exposure to encompass the profound sexual intimacy, vulnerability, and honor inherent in a relationship. Thus, the phrase "uncover nakedness" is a comprehensive idiom denoting sexual relations. More deeply, within the framework of marriage, it represents the complete intimacy, unity, and shared identity between husband and wife. To "uncover the nakedness" of a relative in a forbidden manner is to profoundly violate the sanctity of familial bonds and transgress the divinely ordained boundaries of sexual expression, bringing shame and defilement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife":** This initial clause issues a direct, absolute, and unequivocal prohibition against engaging in sexual intercourse with one's sister-in-law. It establishes a clear and inviolable boundary within the extended family structure, meticulously designed to protect the sanctity and exclusivity of the marital bond. This command prevents the blurring of familial roles and responsibilities, ensuring clarity and purity within the community. The absolute nature of the prohibition, devoid of exceptions or justifications, underscores the profound gravity of such a transgression against the divinely established marital covenant.
* **"it [is] thy brother's nakedness":** This explanatory and theological clause provides the foundational rationale for the preceding prohibition. It articulates the profound unity and shared identity that exists between a husband and wife, asserting that the wife's "nakedness" (her sexual intimacy, personhood, and marital exclusivity) is considered an intrinsic extension of the husband's own. Therefore, to sexually violate the brother's wife is not merely an offense against her, but it is considered a direct, deeply personal, and grievous violation against the brother himself in his most intimate and vulnerable sphere. This powerful statement reinforces the concept of marital oneness, where two individuals become "one flesh" in a sacred union ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The 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 before God and humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 18:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its authoritative and profound message. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, where the phrase "uncover the nakedness" serves as a decorous and indirect expression for sexual intercourse. This choice of language avoids explicit anatomical descriptions while unequivocally communicating the nature of the forbidden act, maintaining a sense of reverence appropriate for a sacred text. Furthermore, the explanatory clause "it is thy brother's nakedness" powerfully utilizes **Metonymy**. Here, "nakedness" stands not merely for the physical body but for the entire intimate sphere of the brother's marital relationship, encompassing his exclusive rights, honor, and the sanctity of his union. This metonymic usage profoundly communicates that an offense against the wife in this context is a direct and deeply personal offense against the husband, highlighting the profound unity, shared identity, and mutual vulnerability within marriage. The concise, declarative, and absolute nature of the prohibition itself also exemplifies **Legal Language**, a hallmark characteristic of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing its divine authority, binding nature, and the non-negotiable standard it sets for Israel's moral conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 18:16 profoundly articulates God's exceptionally high regard for the divine institution of marriage and the sanctity of sexual intimacy, which is exclusively reserved within its sacred boundaries. It establishes that marriage is a unique, exclusive, and covenantal bond, where the spouses are divinely united as "one flesh," and any violation of this profound bond, even by a close relative, is considered a direct affront to God's foundational design and the intrinsic integrity of the family unit. The prohibition extends the pervasive biblical concept of "holiness" directly into the sphere of sexual ethics, calling Israel to reflect God's own purity and moral character in their most intimate relationships, thereby distinguishing themselves sharply from the moral depravity and defiling practices of surrounding pagan nations. This verse, along with the broader chapter, lays a foundational theological principle that sexual purity and fidelity are not merely social norms but are integral, non-negotiable components of covenant faithfulness and essential for the spiritual well-being and flourishing of God's people.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 18:16, though originating from ancient Israelite law, offers timeless and profoundly relevant principles for believers today concerning the sanctity of marriage, the imperative of sexual purity, and the crucial importance of establishing and maintaining healthy familial boundaries. In a contemporary world increasingly characterized by shifting moral landscapes and challenging norms regarding sexuality and relationships, this verse stands as a firm and unwavering declaration of God's unchanging standard: sexual intimacy is a sacred and precious gift, divinely reserved exclusively for the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. It calls us, as followers of Christ, to honor not only our own marital vows with utmost fidelity but also to deeply respect and uphold the marital covenants of others, recognizing the profound unity and sacred bond established by God between husband and wife. This respect extends to maintaining appropriate and healthy boundaries within our extended families and communities, fostering environments of purity, trust, and mutual honor. Ultimately, living out the enduring principles embedded in this verse requires a steadfast commitment to personal and communal holiness, striving to reflect God's own pure and righteous character in every aspect of our lives, particularly within our most intimate and foundational relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the biblical concept of "one flesh" in marriage, profoundly implied by the phrase "it is thy brother's nakedness," deepen your understanding of the sanctity and exclusivity of the marital covenant in today's context?**
* **In what specific ways does our contemporary culture, with its diverse views on sexuality and relationships, challenge the biblical principles of sexual purity and marital exclusivity, and how can believers faithfully uphold these divine standards with grace and truth?**
* **What practical and intentional steps can individuals, couples, and families take to establish, communicate, and maintain healthy boundaries that honor God's design for relationships and promote purity within their spheres of influence?**

### 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 profound theological and relational statement that transcends a mere identification of the person involved. It serves to emphasize the deep spiritual, emotional, and physical unity that God establishes between a husband and wife in the covenant of marriage. In biblical thought, particularly articulated in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The One Flesh Union"), when two people marry, they become "one flesh," signifying an indissoluble bond and a shared identity. Therefore, to "uncover the nakedness" (to have sexual relations with) the brother's wife is not merely an act against her as an individual; it is considered a direct, deeply personal, and grievous violation of the brother's own intimate sphere, his marital covenant, and his very personhood. This phrasing underscores the exclusivity of the marital bond, asserting that the wife's body and sexual intimacy are exclusively tied to her husband. It elevates the offense from a simple breach of social etiquette or a property violation to a profound transgression against the very essence of the marital covenant, the husband's identity within that union, and ultimately, against God's holy design for marriage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Leviticus 18:16 stands as a specific prohibition within the Old Covenant Law, its underlying principles of holiness, purity, and the sanctity of marriage find their ultimate fulfillment and deeper spiritual meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The call to live a life of holiness and sexual purity, which is central to this command, is perfectly embodied by Jesus, who lived a life of absolute moral perfection and unblemished righteousness. In the New Covenant, Christ does not abolish the moral law but rather fulfills it and elevates its demands, moving beyond mere external compliance to an internal transformation of the heart and mind ([Matthew 5:27-28](/matthew/5-27-28 "Matthew 5:27-28 - Adultery of the Heart")). The sanctity of marriage, so vigorously defended in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Laws on Sexual Morality"), is upheld, affirmed, and glorified by Christ Himself, who teaches the divine origin and indissolubility of the marital bond ([Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4-6 "Matthew 19:4-6 - Marriage as One Flesh")). Furthermore, the profound relationship between husband and wife is presented in the New Testament as a sacred mystery, serving as a living parable and profound picture of Christ's sacrificial, unconditional love for His Church, His bride ([Ephesians 5:25-32](/ephesians/5-25-32 "Ephesians 5:25-32 - Christ and the Church")). Thus, the prohibition against violating a brother's marriage is not merely a legal restriction for ancient Israel but a timeless reflection of God's unchanging desire for His people, the Church, to live in purity, honor, and covenantal love, mirroring the faithful and exclusive relationship of Christ to His bride and empowering believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit to pursue true sexual holiness and sanctification in every aspect of their lives ([1 Thessalonians 4:3-5](/1_thessalonians/4-3-5 "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.

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.