Leviticus 18:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The nakedness {H6172} of thy father's {H1} wife {H802} shalt thou not uncover {H1540}: it is thy father's {H1} nakedness {H6172}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to have sexual relations with your father's wife; that is your father's prerogative.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father.

American Standard Version

The nakedness of thy father’s wife shalt thou not uncover; it is thy father’s nakedness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 18:8, a foundational prohibition within the Holiness Code, strictly forbids a man from engaging in sexual relations with his stepmother, whether his father is living or deceased. This command serves to uphold the sanctity of marital bonds, protect the integrity of the family unit, and distinguish Israel from the morally corrupt practices prevalent among surrounding pagan nations. It underscores the profound theological principle that a spouse's intimacy is an extension of the partner's own "nakedness," making a violation of one a direct affront to the other and to the divine order of marriage, thereby safeguarding the purity and honor of the family in God's sight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 18 is a pivotal chapter within the Holiness Code ([Leviticus 17-26](/leviticus/17-26 "The Holiness Code - Leviticus 17-26")), a comprehensive section of the Torah that outlines God's expectations for Israel's moral and ritual purity, setting them apart as a holy nation. This chapter specifically details a comprehensive list of prohibited sexual relationships and practices, including various forms of incest, adultery, and cultic prostitution. These laws follow general instructions on proper sacrifices and precede further regulations on holiness in daily life, forming the ethical core of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. The prohibition in [Leviticus 18:8](/leviticus/18-8 "Leviticus 18:8 - Prohibition against sexual relations with stepmother") is part of a series of specific injunctions that elaborate on the general principle introduced in [Leviticus 18:6](/leviticus/18-6 "Leviticus 18:6 - General prohibition against uncovering nakedness of close kin"), which broadly forbids uncovering the nakedness of close relatives. The meticulous enumeration of these forbidden unions emphasizes their gravity and the absolute necessity for Israel to maintain sexual purity as a reflection of God's own holiness and to avoid the defilement that would lead to their expulsion from the land, as warned in [Leviticus 18:28](/leviticus/18-28 "Leviticus 18:28 - Land Vomits Out Inhabitants").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was situated amidst cultures, particularly the Egyptians and Canaanites, whose sexual practices were often characterized by incest, cultic prostitution, and other forms of immorality. [Leviticus 18:3](/leviticus/18-3 "Leviticus 18:3 - Do not follow the customs of Egypt or Canaan") explicitly warns Israel not to follow the customs of these nations, highlighting the stark contrast God demanded. The prohibition against "uncovering the nakedness of thy father's wife" directly addresses practices that were likely common in the surrounding pagan societies, where such unions might have occurred for various reasons, including levirate marriage customs (though distinct from this prohibition), maintaining family lines, or consolidating power. For Israel, adherence to these laws was not merely a matter of social order but a theological imperative, distinguishing them as God's covenant people. By forbidding sexual relations with a stepmother, the law reinforced the sanctity of the father's marriage, even after his death, and prevented the blurring of familial boundaries, which was crucial for maintaining the integrity of the Israelite family structure and their unique identity as a holy nation set apart for Yahweh. This distinction was vital for their spiritual survival and their witness to the surrounding world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing that God's people must reflect His moral purity in all aspects of life, especially in their most intimate relationships. This is intrinsically linked to the theme of **Purity and Defilement**, where specific actions, like incest, are deemed "abominations" that defile both the individual and the land ([Leviticus 18:27](/leviticus/18-27 "Leviticus 18:27 - Abominations of the Land")). The law also reinforces the **Sanctity of Marriage and Family**, establishing clear boundaries for sexual relations to protect the integrity of the "one flesh" union ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The One Flesh Union in Marriage")) and the divinely ordained family structure. Finally, it underscores the theme of **Distinction and Separation**, as Israel is called to be distinct from the pagan nations around them, not adopting their immoral practices but living according to God's righteous decrees ([Leviticus 18:24-25](/leviticus/18-24-25 "Leviticus 18:24-25 - Do Not Defile Yourselves")). This prohibition, therefore, is not an isolated rule but an integral part of God's comprehensive vision for a holy people living in a holy land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nakedness (Hebrew, _ʻervâh'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be bare," this term (H6172) refers literally to nudity, especially the pudenda. Figuratively, it denotes disgrace, shame, or blemish, and in the context of Leviticus 18, it serves as a common biblical euphemism for sexual intercourse or the private parts involved in such an act. "Uncovering nakedness" signifies an illicit sexual act that violates established boundaries, bringing dishonor, defilement, and public shame.
* **Uncover (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** This primitive root (H1540) literally means "to denude," "to reveal," or "to expose." In the context of sexual prohibitions, _gâlâh_ functions as a euphemism for engaging in sexual intercourse. The act of "uncovering" implies an unveiling of intimacy that is reserved exclusively for the marital covenant. When performed outside of its divinely ordained boundaries, it constitutes a profound violation of purity, order, and the sacredness of human relationships.
* **Wife (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** This feminine noun (H802) refers to a woman, often specifically a wife. In the phrase "father's wife," it denotes the stepmother. The inclusion of this specific term highlights that the prohibition applies to the woman who has entered into a marital covenant with the father, emphasizing the enduring nature of that bond and the respect due to her status within the family, even if the father is no longer living.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover":** This clause issues a direct, unequivocal, and absolute prohibition against a man having sexual relations with his stepmother. The imperative negative command ("shalt thou not") leaves no room for ambiguity or exception. It establishes a clear and inviolable boundary within the extended family structure, emphasizing that certain relationships are off-limits for sexual intimacy, regardless of personal desire, the father's living status, or prevailing cultural norms. This command primarily protects the sanctity and integrity of the father's marriage and, by extension, the entire family unit.
* **"it [is] thy father's nakedness":** This profound statement provides the theological and ethical rationale for the prohibition, elevating it beyond a mere social rule. It asserts that the stepmother, by virtue of her marriage to the father, is considered an extension of the father's own intimate being and marital covenant. To violate the stepmother is, therefore, to violate the father's marital bond and his personal intimacy, even if he is no longer alive. This reflects the "one flesh" principle established in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The One Flesh Union in Marriage"), where husband and wife become inextricably linked in a sacred union. Thus, the sin is not merely against the stepmother but against the sacred covenant of marriage, the familial honor due to the father, and ultimately, against God's divine order for human relationships.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 18:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful and non-negotiable message. The primary device is **Euphemism**, where the phrase "uncover nakedness" is used to refer to sexual intercourse. This indirect language respects the sanctity and privacy of the sexual act while clearly communicating the prohibition without explicit, graphic detail. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** in the profound statement "it is thy father's nakedness." Here, "nakedness" stands in for the entirety of the intimate marital relationship and the sacred bond of the father's union. By violating the stepmother, one is not just violating her person, but symbolically and actually violating the sanctity of the father's sacred marital covenant. The structure of the verse itself is a direct **Prohibition**, characterized by imperative negative commands ("shalt thou not uncover"), which is typical of legal and ethical codes in the Old Testament, emphasizing the absolute and non-negotiable nature of the divine command and its foundational role in establishing Israel's distinct moral identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 18:8 is deeply rooted in the broader biblical themes of holiness, purity, and the sanctity of covenant relationships. It underscores God's demand for His people to live a life set apart, distinct from the moral depravity of the surrounding nations. The prohibition against sexual relations with one's stepmother reinforces the divine institution of marriage as a sacred, exclusive union, where two become "one flesh" before God. To violate this boundary is to desecrate the marital covenant and dishonor the family structure established by God as the foundational unit of human society. This law extends beyond mere physical acts, touching upon the profound respect due to parental relationships and the integrity of the family unit, which is foundational to a healthy society and a reflection of God's ordered creation. It demonstrates God's concern for the well-being and moral purity of His people, recognizing that the health of a society begins with the health and integrity of its families.

* [Leviticus 20:11](/leviticus/20-11 "Leviticus 20:11 - Penalty for Lying with Father's Wife")
* [Deuteronomy 27:20](/deuteronomy/27-20 "Deuteronomy 27:20 - Curse for Lying with Father's Wife")
* [1 Corinthians 5:1](/1_corinthians/5-1 "1 Corinthians 5:1 - Incest in the Corinthian Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific context of Leviticus 18:8 addresses an ancient Israelite prohibition, its underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse powerfully teaches the enduring importance of sexual purity, the sanctity of marital bonds, and the necessity of respecting family relationships. In a contemporary world where sexual ethics are often fluid, family structures are increasingly complex, and personal desires frequently override divine commands, this passage calls us to uphold God's unchanging standards for sexual morality. It challenges us to honor the boundaries God has established for healthy and godly relationships, recognizing that our bodies and our relationships are meant to reflect His holiness and His design. Living out these principles means cultivating integrity, protecting vulnerable relationships, and seeking to honor God in all our interactions, thereby distinguishing ourselves as followers of Christ in a morally compromised world. It compels us to consider how our actions impact not only ourselves but also the broader family unit and the witness of the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "one flesh" in marriage, as implied in this verse, inform our understanding of marital fidelity and respect today, extending even to relationships with former spouses or deceased partners?**
* **In what ways does our contemporary society challenge or undermine the biblical standard of sexual purity and the sanctity of family boundaries, and how can believers stand firm in God's truth with grace and conviction?**
* **Beyond the specific act, what broader lessons does this verse teach us about honoring all family relationships, maintaining healthy boundaries within them, and protecting the vulnerable within our households?**

### FAQ
**Why is this specific relationship (stepmother) singled out for prohibition?**

Answer: This relationship is singled out because it represents a profound violation of the "one flesh" union between a husband and wife. The stepmother, by virtue of her marriage to the father, is considered an extension of the father's own intimacy and marital covenant. To engage in sexual relations with her, even if the father is deceased, is to dishonor the father's sacred marital bond and to disrupt the divinely established order of the family. It also prevents the blurring of generational lines and maintains clarity within the family structure, which was crucial for the moral and social stability of ancient Israel. The law emphasizes that the marital bond creates an enduring kinship that transcends the immediate presence of one of the spouses, ensuring that the father's union is respected and the family's integrity preserved.

**Does this law apply if the father is deceased?**

Answer: Yes, the prohibition in [Leviticus 18:8](/leviticus/18-8 "Leviticus 18:8 - Prohibition against sexual relations with stepmother") applies regardless of whether the father is alive or deceased. The phrase "it is thy father's nakedness" underscores that the marital bond, once established, creates a permanent familial connection that does not dissolve upon the death of one spouse. The sanctity of the father's marriage and the respect due to his union do not cease with his death, as the stepmother remains connected to the father's lineage and household. This is further supported by [Leviticus 20:11](/leviticus/20-11 "Leviticus 20:11 - Penalty for Lying with Father's Wife"), which prescribes the death penalty for this sin without distinguishing between the father's living or deceased status, reinforcing the enduring nature of the marital bond and its implications for family purity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Leviticus 18:8 is a specific prohibition from the Old Testament Law, its deeper principles find profound fulfillment and illumination in Christ. The Law, in its entirety, serves to reveal the holiness of God and the depth of human sin, demonstrating our inability to perfectly uphold God's righteous standards on our own, thus pointing to our desperate need for a Savior ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). Jesus did not abolish the Law but perfectly fulfilled it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), elevating its moral demands from external compliance to internal purity of heart and motive ([Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Lust and Adultery")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ provides the means for believers to be reconciled to God and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to live lives of genuine holiness that truly reflect God's character ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law and the Spirit")). The sanctity of marriage, a core theme in Leviticus 18:8, is affirmed by Christ as a sacred, lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, established by God Himself ([Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4-6 "Matthew 19:4-6 - Jesus on Marriage and Divorce")). Moreover, the Church itself is portrayed as the pure bride of Christ ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church as Bride")), called to live in purity and distinction from the world's immorality, a spiritual application of the very holiness demanded of Israel. Thus, in Christ, believers are not merely given a list of prohibitions but are transformed from within, enabling them to honor God's design for relationships and live lives that truly reflect His holiness, empowered by His grace.

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.

1 Corinthians 5:1

¶ It is reported commonly [that there is] fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

Deuteronomy 27:20

Cursed [be] he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Deuteronomy 22:30

A man shall not take his father's wife, nor discover his father's skirt.

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:

Genesis 49:4

Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou [it]: he went up to my couch.

Ezekiel 22:10

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