Leviticus 18:17

KJV

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; [for] they [are] her near kinswomen: it [is] wickedness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not uncover {H1540} the nakedness {H6172} of a woman {H802} and her daughter {H1323}, neither shalt thou take {H3947} her son's {H1121} daughter {H1323}, or her daughter's {H1323} daughter {H1323}, to uncover {H1540} her nakedness {H6172}; for they are her near kinswomen {H7608}: it is wickedness {H2154}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'You are not to have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter, nor are you to have sexual relations with her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter; they are close relatives of hers, and it would be shameful.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter. You are not to marry her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter and have sexual relations with her. They are close relatives; it is depraved.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter; thou shalt not take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness; they are near kinswomen: it is wickedness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 18:17 presents a stringent prohibition within the Mosaic Law, specifically forbidding a man from engaging in sexual relations with a woman and her daughter, or with a woman and her granddaughter (whether through her son or daughter). This command unequivocally condemns such acts as incest, underscoring the sanctity of familial bonds and the profound moral depravity inherent in these relationships. The passage explicitly states that these individuals are "near kinswomen" and labels such conduct as "wickedness," thereby establishing a critical component of God's design for sexual purity and the preservation of societal order within the covenant community of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 18:17 is embedded within a comprehensive chapter dedicated to delineating forbidden sexual relationships and practices for the people of Israel. The chapter commences with a divine injunction for Israel to "not do according to the doings of the land of Egypt... or... of the land of Canaan" ([Leviticus 18:3](/leviticus/18-3 "Leviticus 18:3 - Avoid Unclean Practices")), setting the stage for a series of moral distinctions. It systematically enumerates various forms of sexual immorality, including incest, bestiality, and child sacrifice, all practices prevalent among the surrounding pagan nations. These prohibitions are presented as foundational for Israel's distinct identity as a holy nation, called to live by God's statutes and judgments ([Leviticus 18:4-5](/leviticus/18-4-5 "Leviticus 18:4-5 - Keep My Statutes and Judgments")). The verses immediately preceding [Leviticus 18:17](/leviticus/18-17 "Leviticus 18:17 - Prohibition of Incest with Mother, Daughter, or Granddaughter") detail prohibitions against sexual relations with close blood relatives such as mothers, sisters, and aunts, making this verse a logical and severe extension of the principle of avoiding sexual defilement within the family unit. The cumulative effect of these laws is to establish clear and unyielding boundaries for sexual conduct, reflecting God's character and His demand for purity within His covenant people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The laws presented in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations") were delivered to ancient Israel as they prepared to enter the land of Canaan, a region infamous for its deeply entrenched pagan religious practices and associated sexual immorality. Historical and archaeological evidence, corroborated by biblical accounts, reveals that Canaanite worship frequently involved cultic prostitution, ritualistic orgies, and even child sacrifice, alongside widespread incestuous practices. God's explicit commands in this chapter served as a stark contrast and a protective barrier, designed to prevent Israel from adopting the defiling customs of their neighbors. The pervasive emphasis on "holiness" throughout the book of Leviticus ([Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")) meant being set apart from the nations, not merely in ritualistic observances but fundamentally in moral conduct. By prohibiting such egregious acts as those described in [Leviticus 18:17](/leviticus/18-17 "Leviticus 18:17 - Prohibition of Incest with Mother, Daughter, or Granddaughter"), God was establishing a moral framework essential for the health and stability of Israelite society, ensuring the integrity of family lines, preventing exploitation, and reflecting His own righteous character in their communal life.

* **Key Themes:** [Leviticus 18:17](/leviticus/18-17 "Leviticus 18:17 - Prohibition of Incest with Mother, Daughter, or Granddaughter") significantly contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing that Israel's distinct identity as God's covenant people necessitates moral purity that sets them apart from the surrounding nations. The prohibition also highlights the theme of **Sanctity of Human Relationships**, particularly within the family unit, establishing clear boundaries for sexual expression that protect against exploitation, confusion of roles, and the breakdown of societal order. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Divine Authority and Moral Law**, demonstrating that God's commands are not arbitrary but are rooted in His character and serve to promote human flourishing and the well-being of the community. The severe condemnation of "wickedness" (`zimmah`) also ties into the theme of **Consequences of Sin**, signaling that such defiling acts pollute both the individuals involved and the land itself, leading to divine judgment if unaddressed, as seen later in [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24-28 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Consequences of Defilement").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **uncover (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** From H1540, this primitive root means "to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal." In the context of sexual prohibitions, "uncover" is a euphemism for engaging in sexual intercourse, specifically illicit or forbidden acts. It implies a violation of privacy and modesty, often bringing shame and defilement upon the individuals involved and the community.
* **nakedness (Hebrew, _ʻervâh'_):** From H6172, this noun refers to "nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)." When combined with "uncover," it forms the common biblical idiom "uncover the nakedness," which denotes sexual intimacy. In Leviticus 18, its consistent use highlights the inherent shame, impurity, and moral offense associated with the forbidden sexual acts, emphasizing the profound violation of purity and proper boundaries.
* **wickedness (Hebrew, _zimmâh'_):** From H2154, this powerful Hebrew term signifies "a plan, especially a bad one; heinous crime, lewd(-ly, -ness), mischief, purpose, thought, wicked (device, mind, -ness)." Unlike a mere error or minor transgression, `zimmah` denotes a deliberate, severe, and perverse offense that pollutes and defiles. Its inclusion here underscores the extreme gravity of the incestuous acts described, marking them as an abomination in God's sight and a source of profound defilement for both the land and the people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter,"**: This initial clause lays down the fundamental prohibition against a man having sexual relations with both a mother and her biological daughter. This specific form of incest is strictly forbidden, whether the acts occur simultaneously or sequentially, as it creates an utterly confused, morally repugnant, and deeply defiling familial dynamic, violating the sanctity of multiple relationships within the immediate family unit.
* **"neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness;"**: This extends the prohibition to include the woman's granddaughters, specifically whether they are the offspring of her son or her daughter. This demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the law, ensuring that the prohibition against sexual relations extends down through multiple generations of a direct female lineage. It prevents a man from engaging in sexual acts with a woman and any of her direct female descendants, reinforcing the principle of protecting the entire family line from such profound defilement and moral confusion.
* **"for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness."**: This concluding phrase provides both the rationale and the definitive divine judgment for the prohibition. The phrase "for they are her near kinswomen" (literally, "they are her flesh," from `sha'ărâh`) reiterates the close consanguineous relationship that makes such acts fundamentally unnatural, abhorrent, and a violation of God's created order for family. The declaration "it is wickedness" (Hebrew: `zimmah`) serves as a definitive moral verdict, unequivocally labeling these acts as utterly perverse, morally depraved, and a grave offense against God's law and the very fabric of creation.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 18:17 primarily employs **Euphemism** through the phrase "uncover the nakedness" (גלה ערות, _galah 'ervah'_'), which serves as a polite or indirect expression for engaging in sexual intercourse, particularly illicit or forbidden acts. This choice of language respects the gravity of the subject matter while avoiding explicit vulgarity, maintaining the sacred and authoritative tone appropriate for divine law. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** of this euphemism ("to uncover her nakedness") to reinforce the specific forbidden act across multiple familial relationships, emphasizing the consistency and universality of the prohibition within the specified kinship lines. Furthermore, the concluding declaration "it is wickedness" functions as a powerful **Moral Judgment**, unequivocally condemning the described actions and highlighting their severe moral depravity in God's sight. This stark pronouncement leaves no ambiguity regarding God's view of such transgressions, serving as a clear ethical boundary for the Israelite community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 18:17, along with the broader chapter, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to holiness, order, and the sanctity of human relationships. These laws are not arbitrary rules but are deeply rooted in God's character and His perfect design for human flourishing. They establish clear boundaries for sexual expression, defining what is pure and what is defiling, thereby protecting individuals and the very fabric of society. The prohibition of incest, particularly involving multiple generations, underscores the importance of maintaining distinct familial roles and preventing the profound confusion, exploitation, and moral decay that such relationships inevitably produce. The underlying theological principle is that God's people are to be set apart, reflecting His purity in all aspects of life, including their most intimate relationships, to avoid defiling themselves and the land.

* [Deuteronomy 27:20](/deuteronomy/27-20 "Deuteronomy 27:20 - Curse for Uncovering Father's Nakedness")
* [1 Corinthians 5:1](/1_corinthians/5-1 "1 Corinthians 5:1 - Immorality in the Church")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 18:17 stands as a timeless testament to God's unchanging standards for sexual morality and the profound importance of familial integrity. While the specific cultural context is ancient Israel, the underlying principles are universally applicable to all humanity. This verse calls us to recognize the sacredness of human sexuality as a precious gift from God, intended to be expressed exclusively within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman, and to respect the inherent dignity and proper roles within all family relationships. It challenges us to cultivate a high view of purity, not merely as an external adherence to rules, but as an internal disposition that honors God and protects others from harm and exploitation. In a world often confused about sexual ethics and familial boundaries, this passage provides a clear, divine plumb line, reminding us that true freedom, flourishing, and societal health are found in aligning our lives with God's wise and loving design. It compels us to examine our own attitudes towards sexuality, family, and holiness, and to strive for a life that reflects God's character in every sphere, contributing to a healthy and righteous community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "holiness" in Leviticus 18 inform our understanding of sexual purity and boundaries today?**
* **What are the societal and personal consequences when God's boundaries for sexual relationships, particularly within families, are disregarded?**
* **How can believers uphold God's standards for sexual morality in a culture that often challenges or dismisses them?**
* **In what ways does respecting proper familial boundaries contribute to the overall health and well-being of a community and its individuals?**

### FAQ

**What does "uncover the nakedness" mean in the Bible?**

Answer: "Uncover the nakedness" is a common biblical euphemism for engaging in sexual intercourse, particularly illicit or forbidden sexual acts. It implies a violation of modesty, privacy, and proper boundaries, often carrying connotations of shame, defilement, and moral transgression. In passages like [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations"), it specifically refers to sexual acts that are prohibited due to kinship, marital status, or other circumstances that would render the act impure or sinful in God's eyes.

**Why are these specific relationships forbidden in Leviticus 18:17?**

Answer: The relationships forbidden in [Leviticus 18:17](/leviticus/18-17 "Leviticus 18:17 - Prohibition of Incest with Mother, Daughter, or Granddaughter")—a man with a woman and her daughter, or with her granddaughter—are prohibited primarily because they involve "near kinswomen," meaning close blood relatives. This prohibition is rooted in God's design for the sanctity and integrity of the family unit and the prevention of incest. Such relationships confuse familial roles, lead to profound moral and social disorder, and cause immense harm to individuals and the community. God labels these acts as "wickedness" (`zimmah`), emphasizing their severe moral depravity and defiling nature, which would corrupt the land and the people if practiced ([Leviticus 18:24-25](/leviticus/18-24-25 "Leviticus 18:24-25 - Defilement of the Land and Its Consequences")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Leviticus 18:17](/leviticus/18-17 "Leviticus 18:17 - Prohibition of Incest with Mother, Daughter, or Granddaughter") details a specific prohibition under the Old Covenant, its underlying principle of holiness and the sanctity of human relationships finds profound fulfillment and transformation in Christ. The Mosaic Law, including these detailed sexual prohibitions, served to reveal the depth of human sinfulness and the impossibility of achieving righteousness through mere external adherence to rules ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). Christ, as the perfect Lamb of God, fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")) and, through His atoning sacrifice, provided the means for true inner transformation and reconciliation with God. Believers in Christ are no longer under the Law as a means of salvation, but are called to a higher standard of holiness, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The New Testament consistently upholds the sanctity of marriage and condemns all forms of sexual immorality, including incest, as antithetical to the Spirit-filled life and the nature of Christ's body ([1 Corinthians 6:18-20](/1_corinthians/6-18-20 "1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee Sexual Immorality")). Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")), and we are called to honor God with our bodies, living lives of purity and self-control, reflecting the holiness of Christ who has redeemed us and called us to be holy as He is holy ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct")). Thus, the spirit of [Leviticus 18:17](/leviticus/18-17 "Leviticus 18:17 - Prohibition of Incest with Mother, Daughter, or Granddaughter")—a call to sexual purity and respect for God's design for relationships—is not abolished but elevated and made attainable through Christ's transformative power and the new life we have in Him.

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 20:14

And if a man take a wife and her mother, it [is] wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.

Amos 2:7

That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek: and a man and his father will go in unto the [same] maid, to profane my holy name:

Deuteronomy 27:23

Cursed [be] he that lieth with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen.