Leviticus 20:12

KJV

And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood [shall be] upon them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if a man {H376} lie {H7901} with his daughter in law {H3618}, both {H8147} of them shall surely {H4191} be put to death {H4191}: they have wrought {H6213} confusion {H8397}; their blood {H1818} shall be upon them.

Complete Jewish Bible

If a man goes to bed with his daughter-in-law, both of them must be put to death; they have committed a perversion, and their blood is on them.

Berean Standard Bible

If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both must surely be put to death. They have acted perversely; their blood is upon them.

American Standard Version

And if a man lie with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 20:12 unequivocally mandates the death penalty for both a man and his daughter-in-law who engage in sexual relations, declaring that their act constitutes "confusion" and that they are solely responsible for their own demise. This severe pronouncement underscores the profound sanctity of familial relationships within the Mosaic Covenant, God's demand for absolute sexual purity, and the deep defilement such incestuous acts inflicted upon individuals and the community, thereby violating the divinely established order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 20:12 is strategically placed within a broader legislative corpus (Leviticus 18-20) that meticulously delineates the boundaries of holiness for the Israelite community, with a particular emphasis on sexual morality and cultic purity. While [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Prohibited Sexual Relations") enumerates various forbidden sexual relationships, including that with a daughter-in-law in [Leviticus 18:15](/leviticus/18-15 "Leviticus 18:15 - Prohibition Against Daughter-in-Law"), chapter 20 reiterates many of these prohibitions, crucially appending the specific judicial penalties for their transgression. This deliberate repetition, coupled with the inclusion of capital punishments, profoundly emphasizes the gravity of these sins, highlighting that violations were not merely social infractions but direct offenses against God's holy character and the integrity of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel. The surrounding verses in [Leviticus 20](/leviticus/20 "Leviticus 20 - Penalties for Unholy Practices") prescribe similar capital punishments for other severe sexual sins (e.g., adultery, homosexuality, bestiality) and idolatry, thereby reinforcing a consistent theological theme of absolute separation from the defiling practices of pagan nations and a stringent call to radical holiness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Mosaic laws in Leviticus were delivered to ancient Israel as they transitioned from their enslavement in Egypt to their establishment as a distinct, holy nation destined for the land of Canaan. The indigenous cultures surrounding Israel, particularly the Canaanites, were widely known for practices that directly contravened God's moral standards, including pervasive sexual immorality, cultic prostitution, and various forms of incest, as explicitly warned against in [Leviticus 18:3](/leviticus/18-3 "Leviticus 18:3 - Not to Follow Customs of Egypt or Canaan"). God's divine purpose was to consecrate Israel as a people set apart, whose moral purity and social order would conspicuously reflect His own holiness and serve as a beacon to the surrounding nations. The family unit, or *bet 'av*, was the fundamental structural bedrock of Israelite society, and its integrity was paramount for maintaining both social cohesion and spiritual purity. Incestuous relationships, such as with a daughter-in-law, were perceived as a profound violation of the natural order, a desecration of familial sanctity, and an act that "defiled" both the individuals involved and the very land itself, as powerfully articulated in [Leviticus 18:25](/leviticus/18-25 "Leviticus 18:25 - The Land Vomits Out Its Inhabitants"). The prescribed death penalty served as an uncompromising deterrent and a necessary means of purging such defilement from the community, thereby ensuring the maintenance of the covenant's purity and God's holy presence among His people.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 20:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness**. The verse underscores that God's people are called to be holy, reflecting His own character, and this holiness extends to every sphere of life, including sexual conduct and family relationships, as commanded in [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). Secondly, the theme of **Covenant Fidelity** is prominent; adherence to these laws was a demonstration of Israel's faithfulness to their covenant with Yahweh, while transgression invited severe consequences. The concept of **Purity and Defilement** is central, with incest being categorized as an act that brings profound defilement, necessitating drastic measures to cleanse the community. This defilement was not merely ritualistic but deeply moral, impacting the spiritual well-being of the nation. Finally, the theme of **Divine Justice and Consequences** is starkly presented. The death penalty and the declaration "their blood shall be upon them" highlight God's righteous judgment against sin and the principle of individual culpability, emphasizing that violations of His holy standards carry severe, self-inflicted penalties. These themes are interwoven throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus - Laws of Holiness") as God establishes the framework for His people to live in His presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** This term (H376, אִישׁ) refers to a male person, an individual man. In this context, its use emphasizes the personal responsibility of the male participant in the illicit act. It highlights that the prohibition is directed at any man who would engage in such a relationship, underscoring the universal applicability of the law within the Israelite community.
* **daughter in law (Hebrew, _kallâh'_):** The Hebrew word (H3618, כַּלָּה) denotes a bride or, more commonly in this context, a son's wife. This term is crucial as it defines the specific familial relationship that makes the sexual act incestuous. Although not a blood relative in the direct lineage, a daughter-in-law is integrated into the immediate family unit through marriage, and sexual relations with her are considered a profound violation of the sanctity and boundaries of the extended household.
* **die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** This primitive root (H4191, מוּת) means "to die" or, causatively, "to kill." In the phrase "shall surely be put to death" (מוֹת יוּמָתוּ, _mot yumatu_), the repetition of the verb emphasizes the certainty and severity of the capital punishment. It signifies that the consequence is not merely expulsion or a fine, but the absolute termination of life, reflecting the extreme gravity with which God viewed this particular transgression against His holy order.
* **confusion (Hebrew, _tebel'_):** This highly significant Hebrew term (H8397, תֶּבֶל) literally means "mixture" but carries the strong connotation of "perversion," "abomination," or "moral disorder." In the context of sexual relations, it signifies something fundamentally unnatural and abhorrent, a profound overturning of divinely established boundaries. Its rare usage in the Old Testament consistently points to grave perversions, underscoring the extreme nature of the sin of incest, which corrupts the very fabric of social and moral order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if a man lie with his daughter in law":** This opening clause precisely identifies the forbidden act and the parties involved. "Lie with" (שָׁכַב, _shâkab_) is a common biblical euphemism for sexual intercourse, and its use here leaves no ambiguity about the nature of the transgression. The specific relationship—a man with his son's wife—is highlighted as a direct violation of familial purity and the sanctity of the household, which was foundational to Israelite society.
* **"both of them shall surely be put to death":** This phrase prescribes the ultimate and unavoidable penalty for both the man and the daughter-in-law. The emphatic Hebrew idiom "surely be put to death" (מוֹת יוּמָתוּ, _mot yumatu_) underscores the certainty and severity of the judgment, indicating that both parties are held equally accountable and culpable for their participation in this grave sin. This capital punishment reflects the extreme seriousness with which God regarded such violations of family and moral order.
* **"they have wrought confusion":** This clause provides the theological justification for the severe penalty. The act is not merely a breaking of a rule but a "confusion" or "perversion" (תֶּבֶל, _tebel_). It signifies an unnatural mixing, a fundamental disruption of the divinely ordained boundaries for human relationships and sexual conduct. This term implies a deep moral disorder that contaminates the individuals and, by extension, the entire community, making the act an affront to God's created order.
* **"their blood [shall be] upon them":** This final clause is a legal formula that reiterates the principle of self-culpability. It means that the responsibility for their death lies entirely with the offenders themselves; their actions have brought this judgment upon them. This declaration serves to absolve the community and the executioners of any bloodguilt, affirming that the punishment is a just consequence of their sin and a necessary act to maintain the holiness and purity of the covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 20:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with unyielding force and clarity. The most evident is **Legal Language**, characterized by its prescriptive, declarative, and punitive nature ("And if a man lie... both of them shall surely be put to death"). This direct, unambiguous phrasing leaves no room for misinterpretation regarding the prohibition and its severe consequences, which is typical of covenant law designed to regulate a holy community. The **Repetition** of the death penalty across various sexual offenses throughout [Leviticus 20](/leviticus/20 "Leviticus 20 - Penalties for Unholy Practices") underscores the consistent and absolute nature of God's judgment against such sins, creating a cumulative sense of gravity. The phrase "their blood [shall be] upon them" functions as a powerful **Legal Formula**, a recurring idiom that clearly assigns culpability directly to the offenders and absolves the community, thereby reinforcing the concept of divine justice. Furthermore, the term "wrought confusion" (תֶּבֶל, _tebel_) serves as both a potent **Symbolism** and a **Metaphor**. It is not merely a literal description of the act but a powerful indictment, symbolizing the profound moral and social disorder, the perversion of natural and divinely ordained order, and the spiritual defilement that such incestuous acts represent, extending beyond mere physical transgression to impact the very fabric of God's created and covenanted order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 20:12 is deeply embedded within the overarching theological framework of holiness, covenant fidelity, and divine justice. The explicit prohibition against incest with a daughter-in-law, punishable by death, highlights God's unwavering demand for sexual purity and the sanctity of family relationships as foundational pillars for a holy people. This law, like others in Leviticus, reveals God's character as a God of perfect order, who establishes clear, non-negotiable boundaries for human conduct, especially concerning intimacy, not to restrict joy but to preserve purity, prevent societal decay, and protect the integrity of His covenant community. The concept of "wrought confusion" (תֶּבֶל) underscores that sin is not merely a breaking of rules but a profound perversion of divine order, defiling both individuals and the land itself. The death penalty, coupled with the declaration of "their blood upon them," serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate, self-inflicted consequences of rebellion against God's holy standards, emphasizing human culpability and divine righteousness in judgment.

* [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [1 Corinthians 5:1](/1_corinthians/5-1 "1 Corinthians 5:1 - Paul Condemns Incest in Corinth")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific judicial penalties of the Mosaic Law are not directly applied in civil law or by the Church today, the profound moral principles underlying Leviticus 20:12 remain eternally relevant for believers. This verse calls us to a deep and reverent appreciation for God's divine design for human sexuality and the family unit, recognizing that He has established boundaries not to arbitrarily restrict human flourishing but to preserve purity, foster order, and ensure the health and integrity of relationships. It challenges us, as followers of Christ, to uphold the sanctity of marriage and family as sacred institutions, actively resisting any form of sexual immorality or perversion that "wrought confusion" in God's sight. For the Christian, this means cultivating a heart of holiness, understanding that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and striving to live in a manner that honors God in all our relationships and sexual expressions. It also serves as a sobering reminder that sin, particularly that which distorts God's good creation, has serious consequences. While Christ has borne the ultimate penalty for our sins, the call to live a life of moral integrity, sexual purity, and adherence to God's design remains a central and non-negotiable aspect of our discipleship, reflecting the holiness of the God we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the severity of the penalty in Leviticus 20:12 deepen our understanding of God's unwavering view on sexual purity and the sanctity of family relationships?**
* **In what specific ways might contemporary society "wrought confusion" in its approach to sexual ethics and family structures, and how are believers called to respond distinctly?**
* **How does the New Testament's emphasis on internal purity of heart and mind (e.g., thoughts and desires) expand upon and fulfill the principles found in this Old Testament law?**
* **What practical steps can individuals, families, and Christian communities take to uphold and champion God's timeless design for sexuality and family in a world that often contradicts it?**

### FAQ
**Why was the death penalty prescribed for this specific sin?**

Answer: The death penalty for sexual relations with a daughter-in-law, along with other severe sexual offenses detailed in [Leviticus 20](/leviticus/20 "Leviticus 20 - Penalties for Unholy Practices"), was prescribed because these acts were considered profound violations of God's holy order and the sanctity of the covenant community. Such incestuous relationships "wrought confusion" (תֶּבֶל, _tebel_), meaning they introduced perversion and deep moral disorder that defiled both the individuals involved and the land itself. The extreme penalty served multiple critical purposes: it unequivocally underscored the gravity of the sin, acted as a powerful deterrent against such abominations, served to purge evil and defilement from the midst of the community, and demonstrated God's absolute commitment to holiness and righteous justice for His people, who were called to be distinct from the pagan nations around them (see [Leviticus 18:24-25](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-25 - Do Not Defile Yourselves")).

**What does "wrought confusion" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "wrought confusion" translates the Hebrew word _tebel_ (תֶּבֶל), which signifies an unnatural mixing, perversion, or abomination. In the context of sexual relations, particularly incest, it refers to an act that fundamentally corrupts or overturns the natural and moral boundaries established by God for human relationships. It implies a deep moral and social disorder that goes far beyond mere physical transgression, polluting the family unit and, by extension, the entire community. It is a strong term used for acts that are profoundly contrary to divine design, indicating a perversion of the very fabric of society and a direct affront to God's holy order and creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Leviticus 20:12, with its stark penalty, vividly reveals the severity of sin and God's uncompromising demand for holiness under the Old Covenant, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning are found in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The Mosaic Law, including these moral statutes, served as a "guardian" or "tutor" (as in [Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian")) to expose the depth of human sinfulness and to powerfully demonstrate humanity's desperate need for a Savior. Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, both through His perfect, sinless obedience to every jot and tittle, and by bearing its curse on the cross for all who believe (as seen in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law") and [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). Under the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from external legal compliance to an internal, Spirit-wrought transformation of the heart and mind. While the physical death penalty for such sins is no longer applied by the Church, the moral principle of sexual purity and the sanctity of family relationships remains eternally binding and is elevated to an even higher standard. Believers are called to a radical holiness, not merely avoiding outward acts of "confusion" but cultivating purity of heart and mind, empowered by the Holy Spirit (as profoundly taught in [Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Lust is Adultery of the Heart") and [Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled in Us")). Christ's atoning sacrifice cleanses us from all defilement, and through Him, we are enabled to live lives of genuine holiness, reflecting God's character and upholding His perfect design for relationships in a way that truly honors Him and bears witness to His transforming power (as exhorted in [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All You Do")).

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 18:15

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she [is] thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

Leviticus 18:23

Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it [is] confusion.

Genesis 38:18

And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that [is] in thine hand. And he gave [it] her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.

Genesis 38:16

And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she [was] his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me?

Deuteronomy 27:23

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