Leviticus 18:7

KJV

The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she [is] thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

KJV (with Strong's)

The nakedness {H6172} of thy father {H1}, or the nakedness {H6172} of thy mother {H517}, shalt thou not uncover {H1540}: she is thy mother {H517}; thou shalt not uncover {H1540} her nakedness {H6172}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to have sexual relations with your father, and you are not to have sexual relations with your mother. She is your mother -do not have sexual relations with her.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not expose the nakedness of your father by having sexual relations with your mother. She is your mother; you must not have sexual relations with her.

American Standard Version

The nakedness of thy father, even the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 18:7 establishes a foundational and severe prohibition against incestuous relationships, specifically forbidding a man from engaging in sexual intercourse with his mother. This command is an integral part of a broader set of divine statutes designed to distinguish Israel's moral and sexual practices from the depraved customs of surrounding pagan nations. It underscores the sanctity of family relationships and God's unwavering demand for purity and holiness among His covenant people, reinforcing the inherent violation and profound moral offense of such an act and the absolute nature of this boundary within the family unit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 18 initiates a comprehensive catalog of forbidden sexual relationships and practices, serving as a critical ethical code within the Mosaic Law. Following the introductory verses that call Israel to obey God's statutes and judgments, distinguishing themselves from the ways of Egypt and Canaan, as seen in [Leviticus 18:1-5](/leviticus/18-1-5 "Leviticus 18:1-5 - Call to Obedience"), this chapter systematically details various forms of sexual immorality, including incest, adultery, child sacrifice, and bestiality. Verse 7, addressing the prohibition against uncovering the nakedness of one's father or mother, stands as the very first specific sexual prohibition listed, immediately following the general command to avoid the practices of the nations. Its prominent position highlights the fundamental nature and severity of this particular transgression, setting the tone for the subsequent prohibitions that follow regarding other close relatives, in-laws, and various illicit sexual acts. The chapter culminates with dire warnings against these "abominations" and the severe consequences of disobedience, including the land "vomiting out" its inhabitants, as described in [Leviticus 18:24-30](/leviticus/18-24-30 "Leviticus 18:24-30 - Consequences of Disobedience").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was situated geographically and culturally between two dominant civilizations: Egypt to the southwest and Canaan to the north and east. Both cultures were known for practices that God explicitly condemned, particularly in the realm of sexual ethics and religious rituals. While Egyptian society generally did not condone incest for the broader populace, instances of incestuous relationships, especially within royal families, were known. The Canaanite cultures, however, were notoriously characterized by widespread sexual depravity, including ritual prostitution, fertility cults involving illicit sexual acts, and even child sacrifice, as explicitly forbidden in [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice"). God's laws in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations") served as a stark contrast to these pagan norms, establishing a unique moral standard for His covenant people. The prohibition against incest, specifically with one's mother, was a universal taboo in many ancient societies, yet its explicit inclusion here underscores God's absolute demand for a distinct and holy lifestyle for Israel, setting them apart as a nation whose moral code was derived directly from divine revelation, not human custom or pagan influence. This divine imperative was crucial for maintaining the purity of the Israelite community and preventing the moral degradation observed in the surrounding nations.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 18:7 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing that God's people must reflect His holy character in their conduct, particularly in their most intimate relationships. This verse, along with the entire chapter, defines what constitutes "unclean" or "defiling" behavior in contrast to the purity God demands. It also reinforces the **Sanctity of the Family Unit**, which God ordained as the foundational building block of society. The prohibition against incest protects the integrity and proper order of familial relationships, preventing chaos and moral decay. Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of **Separation and Distinction**, as Israel is called to be distinct from the surrounding pagan nations whose practices God condemns. By adhering to these divine statutes, Israel would demonstrate their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, contrasting sharply with the moral degradation of Egypt and Canaan, as consistently warned against throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nakedness (Hebrew, _‘ervâh'_):** From H6172, this term refers to nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish). In the context of Leviticus 18, "nakedness" is a consistent euphemism for the sexual organs and, by extension, for sexual intercourse itself. The act of "uncovering nakedness" is therefore a direct reference to sexual relations, particularly illicit ones. The use of this term underscores the profound violation and moral offense inherent in the forbidden acts, emphasizing the exposure of what should remain private and sacred within appropriate boundaries, leading to shame and defilement.
* **Uncover (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** From H1540, a primitive root meaning to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile; figuratively, to reveal. When combined with "nakedness" (ervah), the phrase "gâlâh ‘ervâh" (to uncover nakedness) becomes a powerful idiom for sexual intercourse, especially when it is forbidden or shameful. This idiom is central to the prohibitions in Leviticus 18 and 20, consistently denoting illicit sexual relations. The act of "uncovering" implies a violation of privacy, intimacy, and proper boundaries, leading to disgrace and defilement. Its repeated use emphasizes the deliberate and transgressive nature of the prohibited sexual acts.
* **Mother (Hebrew, _ʼêm'_):** From H517, a primitive word denoting a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively). In the context of Leviticus 18:7, the explicit mention of "mother" highlights the most fundamental and universally recognized familial bond. The prohibition against uncovering her nakedness emphasizes the sanctity of this relationship and the inherent violation of natural order and familial integrity that incest with a mother represents. The parent-child relationship is foundational to human society, and its perversion through sexual acts is presented as an ultimate transgression against both divine law and natural morality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover:"** This opening clause establishes the primary prohibition. While "nakedness of thy father" might seem to imply a direct sexual act with the father, in the context of Leviticus 18, it is understood as referring to the father's wife, i.e., the mother, as the subsequent clause clarifies and as is common in ancient Near Eastern legal codes where a man's wife is considered an extension of his person. The phrase "shalt thou not uncover" is the euphemism for engaging in sexual intercourse. This command unequivocally forbids sexual relations with one's parents, specifically emphasizing the mother, as the most direct and egregious form of incest, setting a clear, non-negotiable boundary for sexual conduct within the immediate family.
* **"she [is] thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness."** This second clause reinforces and clarifies the prohibition, specifically focusing on the mother. The explanatory phrase "she is thy mother" serves as a powerful justification for the command, appealing to the most basic and sacred familial bond. It highlights the inherent moral repugnance of such an act, which fundamentally corrupts the natural order and the integrity of the parent-child relationship. The repetition of "thou shalt not uncover her nakedness" underscores the absolute and severe nature of this prohibition, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the gravity of the offense. It emphasizes the profound defilement and societal disruption that such a transgression would cause.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 18:7 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful prohibition with clarity and emphasis. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, where the phrase "uncover nakedness" ("gâlâh ‘ervâh") serves as a polite or indirect expression for sexual intercourse, particularly illicit sexual acts. This indirect language, common in biblical texts, maintains a degree of decorum while clearly communicating the prohibited action. Furthermore, **Repetition** is strategically used, as the phrase "shalt thou not uncover her nakedness" is stated twice, with the explanatory clause "she is thy mother" inserted between the first general prohibition and the second specific one. This repetition, combined with the explanatory clause, serves to heighten the emphasis and underscore the absolute and non-negotiable nature of the command. The clause "she [is] thy mother" also functions as a form of **Explanatory Justification** or **Rationale**, providing the inherent moral reason for the prohibition, appealing to the fundamental and sacred nature of the parent-child relationship as the self-evident basis for the law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 18:7 is deeply rooted in the broader theological framework of holiness and separation that permeates the book of Leviticus. God's command for Israel to "be holy, for I am holy" as stated in [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - God's Call to Holiness"), is directly applied to their sexual conduct, establishing that purity in relationships is not merely a social convention but a divine imperative reflecting God's own character. This verse underscores the sanctity of the family unit, which God ordained as the foundational building block of society, and any act that perverts this sacred bond is a direct affront to His design and order. The prohibition against incest, therefore, is not arbitrary but is designed to protect the integrity of human relationships, prevent societal degradation, and promote the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of individuals. It highlights God's concern for order, boundaries, and the flourishing of His people, demonstrating that true freedom and blessing are found in adherence to His righteous statutes.

* [Leviticus 20:11](/leviticus/20-11 "Leviticus 20:11 - Penalty for Incest")
* [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Sexual Immorality")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 18:7, while specifically addressing a severe form of incest, offers profound principles that resonate with believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order, and His moral laws are not arbitrary but are designed for human flourishing and the preservation of healthy relationships. The sanctity of the family, as ordained by God, remains a cornerstone of society, and any act that defiles or corrupts this foundational unit is a serious offense against divine design. For us, this verse calls for a deep commitment to sexual purity and integrity in all our relationships, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, as taught in [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple"). It challenges us to uphold God's standards in a world that often dismisses or redefines moral boundaries, fostering a counter-cultural commitment to holiness that reflects our allegiance to Christ. Ultimately, living by God's moral boundaries protects us and enables us to experience the true freedom and blessing that come from walking in His ways, honoring Him in every aspect of our lives, including our most intimate relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific prohibition in Leviticus 18:7 illuminate God's broader concern for the sanctity and integrity of the family unit in all generations?**
* **In what ways does society today challenge or redefine the moral boundaries concerning sexual relationships, and how should believers respond to uphold God's standards?**
* **Beyond the explicit prohibition, what underlying principles of purity, respect, and self-control can we apply from this verse to our personal lives and relationships?**

### FAQ
**What does "uncover nakedness" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations") and other Old Testament texts, "uncover nakedness" (Hebrew: *gâlâh ‘ervâh*) is a consistent euphemism for engaging in sexual intercourse, particularly illicit or forbidden sexual acts. It literally translates to "expose the shame" or "reveal the nakedness," emphasizing the profound violation, disgrace, and defilement associated with such acts when they occur outside of God-ordained boundaries. In [Leviticus 18:7](/leviticus/18-7 "Leviticus 18:7 - Prohibition of Incest with Mother"), it specifically refers to sexual relations with one's mother.

**Why is this specific prohibition (incest with one's mother) so prominently placed and emphasized?**

Answer: This prohibition is placed first in the list of sexual offenses in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations") because it represents one of the most fundamental and universally condemned forms of incest. The relationship between a mother and child is the most basic and sacred familial bond, foundational to human society. Violating this bond through sexual intercourse is considered an ultimate perversion of natural order and a profound moral transgression. Its prominence underscores the absolute nature of this boundary and the severity with which God views such a violation, setting the tone for all subsequent prohibitions against sexual immorality.

**How does this ancient law apply to believers in the New Covenant today?**

Answer: While the specific legal code of Leviticus is part of the Old Covenant, the underlying moral principles it conveys are eternal and transcend dispensations. The prohibition against incest, particularly with one's mother, reflects a universal moral truth about the sanctity of family and the inherent wrongness of sexual perversion. The New Testament consistently upholds high standards of sexual purity, condemning all forms of sexual immorality, as seen in [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Fornication") and [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable"). Believers today are called to live lives of holiness, not merely by external rules, but by the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, embracing sexual integrity as an expression of their love for God and respect for His design for human relationships.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The prohibitions in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations"), including the one in [Leviticus 18:7](/leviticus/18-7 "Leviticus 18:7 - Prohibition of Incest with Mother"), reveal the depth of human sinfulness and the absolute holiness of God. While these laws served to set Israel apart and expose their need for a redeemer, they find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Christ did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, as He Himself declared in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"), not only by perfectly obeying its every command but also by providing the means for humanity to be reconciled to a holy God. The Old Testament laws, including those on sexual purity, highlighted the defilement that separated humanity from God. In Christ, we find cleansing from all sin, including sexual impurity, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, as powerfully stated in [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing from Sin"). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, given to believers through Christ, empowers us to live lives of purity and holiness from the inside out, transforming our desires and enabling us to honor God with our bodies, fulfilling the righteous requirement of the law, as seen in [Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Righteousness of the Law Fulfilled in Us") and [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Glorify God with Your Body"). Thus, the call to sexual purity, exemplified by the severe prohibition in Leviticus 18:7, is not merely an external legal requirement for the New Covenant believer, but an inward transformation and an empowered pursuit of holiness, reflecting the character of Christ who is our ultimate standard of purity and the very source of our sanctification, as He sanctifies the church in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church").

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 20:11

And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them.

Ezekiel 22:10

In thee have they discovered their fathers' nakedness: in thee have they humbled her that was set apart for pollution.

Leviticus 18:8

The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it [is] thy father's nakedness.

Leviticus 18:16

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

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.