Leviticus 18:7

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Leviticus 18 is a pivotal chapter within the Mosaic Law, detailing a comprehensive list of prohibited sexual relationships and practices. These divine statutes were given to ancient Israel to distinguish them morally and spiritually from the surrounding pagan nations, particularly Egypt and Canaan, whose cultures were characterized by widespread sexual depravity. This chapter sets a high standard for purity and holiness, serving as a foundational ethical code for God's covenant people. Verse 7 specifically addresses one of the most fundamental and universally condemned forms of incest, establishing a clear boundary within the family unit.

Key Themes

  • Sanctity of Family and Kinship: The verse underscores the sacredness of the immediate family, particularly the parent-child bond. It prohibits actions that would fundamentally corrupt or violate the natural order and integrity of family relationships.
  • Sexual Purity and Holiness: A central theme throughout Leviticus, this prohibition emphasizes God's demand for sexual purity among His people. "Uncovering nakedness" is a biblical euphemism for sexual intercourse, and its prohibition here highlights the severe moral offense of incest. This aligns with God's broader call for His people to be holy, as He is holy (Leviticus 19:2).
  • Divine Moral Boundaries: God establishes non-negotiable moral lines for human conduct, essential for societal order and individual well-being. This verse is part of a series of laws designed to prevent the degradation of human relationships and to protect the vulnerable.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "uncover nakedness" is a direct translation of the Hebrew galah ervah (Χ’ΧœΧ” Χ’Χ¨Χ•Χ”). This idiom consistently appears in Leviticus 18 and 20 to denote sexual intercourse, especially illicit or shameful acts. The literal meaning is "to expose the shame" or "to reveal the nakedness," emphasizing the profound violation and public disgrace inherent in such acts. The repetition, "shalt thou not uncover: she [is] thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness," serves to underscore the absolute nature and severity of this prohibition.

Significance and Application

Leviticus 18:7 establishes a foundational moral principle against incest with one's mother, a prohibition that is echoed across various cultures and legal systems due to its inherent violation of natural order and the profound harm it inflicts on individuals and society. For believers today, this verse remains relevant as it:

  • Reinforces Universal Moral Truths: It demonstrates that certain moral boundaries, especially regarding sexual ethics and the sanctity of family, are not merely cultural constructs but are divinely established for human flourishing.
  • Calls for Sexual Integrity: While specific to incest, the underlying principle extends to a broader call for sexual purity and respect within all relationships. The New Testament similarly upholds high standards of sexual morality, condemning all forms of sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18; Hebrews 13:4).
  • Highlights God's Concern for Order and Well-being: God's laws are not arbitrary; they are designed to protect and preserve human relationships, foster healthy societies, and promote the spiritual and physical well-being of His people. This particular law protects the foundational integrity of the family, which is the cornerstone of society.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
← Back