Leviticus 20:17

KJV

And if a man shall take his sister, his father's daughter, or his mother's daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it [is] a wicked thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of their people: he hath uncovered his sister's nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if a man {H376} shall take {H3947} his sister {H269}, his father's {H1} daughter {H1323}, or {H176} his mother's {H517} daughter {H1323}, and see {H7200} her nakedness {H6172}, and she see {H7200} his nakedness {H6172}; it is a wicked thing {H2617}; and they shall be cut off {H3772} in the sight {H5869} of their people {H5971}{H1121}: he hath uncovered {H1540} his sister's {H269} nakedness {H6172}; he shall bear {H5375} his iniquity {H5771}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If a man takes his sister, his father's daughter or his mother's daughter, and has sexual relations with her, and she consents, it is a shameful thing; they are to be cut off publicly - he has had sexual relations with his sister, and he will bear the consequences of their wrongdoing.

Berean Standard Bible

If a man marries his sister, whether the daughter of his father or of his mother, and they have sexual relations, it is a disgrace. They must be cut off in the sight of their people. He has uncovered the nakedness of his sister; he shall bear his iniquity.

American Standard Version

And if a man shall take his sister, his father’s daughter, or his mother’s daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it is a shameful thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of the children of their people: he hath uncovered his sister’s nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 20:17 sternly prohibits incestuous relationships, specifically between a man and his sister, whether a full or half-sister. This act is unequivocally condemned as "a wicked thing," a profound moral perversion that deeply defiles both individuals and the community. The severe consequence, "they shall be cut off in the sight of their people," denotes a grave penalty, encompassing social ostracization, potential premature death by divine judgment, and the termination of lineage. This command underscores the sanctity of family purity and God's unwavering call for holiness within the covenant community of Israel, highlighting the extreme gravity of violating divinely ordained relational boundaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 20:17 is embedded within the "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-27), a significant portion of the Mosaic Law that delineates the practical and ethical requirements for Israel to live as a holy nation, set apart for Yahweh. This chapter specifically details the judicial penalties for various moral and ritual offenses, many of which were previously outlined as prohibitions in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Prohibited Sexual Relations") and [Leviticus 19](/leviticus/19 "Leviticus 19 - Laws of Holiness"). While [Leviticus 18:9](/leviticus/18-9 "Leviticus 18:9 - Prohibited Sexual Relations with a Sister") forbids sexual relations with a sister, chapter 20 provides the specific, often capital, consequences for such transgressions. The immediate context of [Leviticus 20](/leviticus/20 "Leviticus 20 - Penalties for Unholiness") includes severe punishments for child sacrifice, adultery, bestiality, and other illicit sexual acts, emphasizing the extreme gravity with which God viewed violations of moral and social order. The inclusion of incest within this list underscores its profound defiling nature and its assault on the covenant community's purity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Mosaic Law was given to Israel to establish them as a distinct and holy nation, fundamentally different from the surrounding Canaanite cultures. Historical and archaeological evidence indicates that many practices forbidden in Leviticus, including various forms of sexual perversion and child sacrifice, were common in the religious and social life of Canaanite peoples. [Leviticus 18:24-25](/leviticus/18-24-25 "Leviticus 18:24-25 - Defilement of the Land") explicitly states that the land was defiled by these very practices of the nations God was dispossessing. By commanding strict adherence to moral purity, God intended to establish Israel as a reflection of His own character, serving as a light to the world. The integrity of the family unit was foundational to Israel's social, spiritual, and genealogical health, as it was the primary means of covenant transmission. Incest represented a fundamental assault on this divine order, blurring essential familial boundaries, introducing chaos, and corrupting the very fabric of society, thereby jeopardizing Israel's distinct identity and their covenant relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 20:17 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing that God's people must be holy because He is holy ([Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). This verse illustrates that holiness extends beyond ritual purity to encompass moral and sexual purity, particularly within the most intimate relational spheres. Another key theme is **Covenant Obedience and Consequences**, where adherence to God's laws brings blessing and life, while disobedience, especially grave offenses like incest, incurs severe judgment and separation from the covenant community. The concept of **Defilement and Purity** is also prominent; incest is categorized as a defiling act that pollutes individuals and the land itself ([Leviticus 18:27-28](/leviticus/18-27-28 "Leviticus 18:27-28 - Land Vomits Out Inhabitants")). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Sanctity of Family and Marriage**, underscoring God's design for human relationships and the protection of the family unit as the foundational building block of a godly society. The prohibitions in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Prohibited Sexual Relations") and [Leviticus 20](/leviticus/20 "Leviticus 20 - Penalties for Unholiness") collectively define the boundaries of legitimate sexual expression within the covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wicked thing (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** While this Hebrew term (H2617) most commonly denotes "kindness," "mercy," or "loving-kindness," its inclusion here as "a wicked thing" represents a rare, almost paradoxical usage, indicating a profound *lack* or *opposite* of God's expected moral order. In this specific context, it signifies an act so egregious and contrary to divine and natural relational boundaries that it is a perversion of what is good and right, standing in stark opposition to the very concept of God's `chêçêd` (covenant loyalty and kindness). It marks the act as morally reprehensible and an affront to the sanctity of life and family.
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** The Hebrew verb (H3772) denotes a severe penalty, often translated as "cut off" or "exterminated." In the context of the Mosaic Law, *kareth* could imply several forms of judgment: (1) premature death by divine intervention, (2) exclusion from the covenant community, leading to social and spiritual isolation, or (3) the termination of one's lineage. Here, "in the sight of their people" suggests a public, communal aspect to the judgment, reinforcing the idea of ostracization and the removal of the offender from the blessings and protection of the covenant.
* **nakedness (Hebrew, _ʻervâh'_):** The term (H6172) in Leviticus frequently refers not merely to physical nudity but serves as a euphemism for the sexual organs and, by extension, for sexual intercourse itself or the shame associated with illicit sexual acts. To "uncover nakedness" is a common biblical idiom for engaging in sexual relations. In this verse, the mutual "seeing her nakedness, and she see his nakedness" emphasizes the consensual, reciprocal nature of the illicit sexual act, while the repeated phrase "he hath uncovered his sister's nakedness" underscores the man's active role and responsibility in this profound violation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if a man shall take his sister, his father's daughter, or his mother's daughter,"**: This clause precisely defines the prohibited relationship, encompassing both full sisters (sharing both parents) and half-sisters (sharing either the father or the mother). The phrase "shall take his sister" is an idiom for marrying or entering into a sexual relationship with her, indicating the establishment of an illicit union.
* **"and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness;"**: This is a euphemism for engaging in sexual intercourse. The reciprocal nature ("and she see his nakedness") indicates mutual participation in the act, though the primary responsibility for initiating such a relationship often fell to the man in that cultural context. It highlights the intimate, yet forbidden, nature of the physical union.
* **"it [is] a wicked thing;"**: This is God's direct moral condemnation of the act. As discussed in "Key Word Analysis," the Hebrew term (H2617, *chêçêd*) used here, though rare in this negative sense, labels this as a morally depraved, scandalous, and utterly reprehensible act in God's sight, highlighting its profound violation of natural and divine order.
* **"and they shall be cut off in the sight of their people:"**: This specifies the severe consequence for both parties involved. Being "cut off" implies exclusion from the covenant community, potentially leading to social disgrace, ostracization, and even divine judgment resulting in premature death. The phrase "in the sight of their people" emphasizes the public nature of this judgment, serving as a deterrent and a demonstration of God's justice and the community's abhorrence.
* **"he hath uncovered his sister's nakedness;"**: This phrase reiterates the specific nature of the sin, using the common biblical idiom for sexual intercourse. The repetition underscores the gravity and directness of the violation, reinforcing the man's active role and primary responsibility in the transgression, which is seen as a defilement of the family bond.
* **"he shall bear his iniquity."**: This final clause emphasizes personal accountability. "Bearing one's iniquity" means accepting the full burden of guilt and the consequences of one's sin, both before God and the community. It signifies that the individual is responsible for their transgression and must face the prescribed judgment without recourse or transfer of blame, highlighting the direct link between sin and its just recompense.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 20:17 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message with clarity and emphasis. **Repetition** is prominent, particularly with the phrase "nakedness" (used four times) and the idiom "uncovered his sister's nakedness," which serves to underscore the specific nature and profound gravity of the sexual transgression. This repetition ensures clarity and reinforces the defiling aspect of the act. The verse also utilizes **legal language**, characterized by its precise, prescriptive formulation ("And if a man shall...") and the clear declaration of an offense followed by its mandated punishment ("they shall be cut off... he shall bear his iniquity"). This formal, conditional structure is typical of covenant law, designed to leave no ambiguity regarding God's expectations and the severe consequences of disobedience. Furthermore, the use of **euphemism** or **idiom** in "see her nakedness" and "uncovered his sister's nakedness" is a common biblical practice for referring to sexual intercourse without explicit vulgarity, yet it powerfully conveys the intimate and therefore profoundly violated nature of the relationship. The condemnation "it [is] a wicked thing" functions as a strong **moral declaration**, expressing divine abhorrence for the act and its inherent perversion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 20:17 is a stark reminder of God's absolute holiness and His demand for moral and relational purity within His covenant people. The prohibition against incest underscores the sanctity of family relationships, which are divinely ordained and foundational to a healthy society. Such an act is not merely a social taboo but a profound violation of natural order and God's design for human sexuality and kinship, leading to defilement and chaos. The severity of the prescribed punishment reflects the destructive power of sin, particularly sexual sin, which corrupts individuals, families, and the entire community. This command reveals God's concern for the well-being and moral integrity of His people, setting them apart from the depraved practices of the surrounding cultures and calling them to reflect His own perfect character, which is inherently pure and ordered.

* [Leviticus 18:6](/leviticus/18-6 "Leviticus 18:6 - Prohibited Degrees of Kinship")
* [1 Corinthians 5:1](/1-corinthians/5-1 "1 Corinthians 5:1 - Paul Condemns Incest in the Church")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific judicial penalties of the Old Covenant are no longer directly applicable to believers under the New Covenant, the underlying moral principles of Leviticus 20:17 remain timeless and profoundly relevant. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's unchanging standards for sexual purity and the sanctity of family. It compels us to recognize the deep seriousness with which God views sexual sin, especially when it violates the most fundamental relational bonds. For believers today, this passage calls us to a life of holiness, reflecting God's character in all our relationships and choices. It challenges us to uphold biblical sexual ethics, to respect the boundaries God has established for human flourishing, and to cultivate healthy, pure family structures that honor Him. It also reminds us that sin, particularly that which defiles, carries profound consequences for individuals and communities, necessitating repentance and God's cleansing grace. The pursuit of holiness is not merely an external conformity but an internal transformation, empowered by the Holy Spirit, leading to a life that honors God in every aspect, including our sexuality and family relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's strong condemnation of incest in the Old Testament inform our understanding of sexual ethics today, particularly concerning the sanctity of family and relational boundaries?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "holiness" (being set apart for God) apply to our personal lives and our communal life as the church, especially in an increasingly sexually permissive culture?**
* **Considering the severe consequences for sin in the Old Testament, how does the New Testament's emphasis on grace and forgiveness relate to the enduring call for purity and accountability in the Christian life?**

### FAQ
**Is the punishment of being "cut off" still applicable today?**

Answer: The literal judicial penalty of being "cut off" (which could mean execution, premature death by divine judgment, or complete exclusion from the community) was part of the Old Covenant law specifically for the nation of Israel. While the specific legal enforcement is not directly applicable to believers today, the underlying spiritual principle remains: unrepentant, grievous sin leads to separation from God and can result in spiritual death and exclusion from the fellowship of God's people. In the New Testament, the church practices forms of discipline, including excommunication for unrepentant sin (e.g., [1 Corinthians 5:13](/1-corinthians/5-13 "1 Corinthians 5:13 - Expel the Wicked Person")), which reflects the principle of maintaining the purity of the community, though without the physical capital punishment of the Old Testament. The ultimate "cutting off" for those who reject Christ is eternal separation from God.

**Why is incest considered such a severe sin in the Bible?**

Answer: Incest is condemned as a "wicked thing" because it fundamentally violates God's created order for human relationships and sexuality. It corrupts the purity and integrity of the family unit, which is the foundational building block of society. It blurs essential familial distinctions, leads to genetic abnormalities in offspring, and undermines the health and stability of the community. More profoundly, it is an act of profound defilement that dishonors God, who established the boundaries for human flourishing. The severity of the sin is rooted in its assault on the very fabric of God's design for humanity, representing a deep perversion of natural and divine law.

**Does "nakedness" in this verse only refer to physical nudity?**

Answer: While "nakedness" (Hebrew: *ʻervâh*) can refer to physical nudity, in the context of Leviticus, and particularly in the phrase "uncover nakedness," it is consistently used as a euphemism for engaging in sexual intercourse. Therefore, "seeing her nakedness, and she see his nakedness" and "he hath uncovered his sister's nakedness" are idiomatic expressions for the act of sexual relations. The emphasis is not merely on the visual aspect of nudity but on the profound intimacy and vulnerability involved in sexual union, which, when violated outside of God's ordained boundaries, becomes an act of profound defilement and shame, bringing dishonor to God and the community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 20:17, with its severe condemnation of incest and the penalty of being "cut off," finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The law, in its demands for perfect holiness and its pronouncements of judgment for sin, reveals humanity's utter inability to meet God's standards and the devastating consequences of our iniquity. The "wicked thing" of incest, like all sin, incurs a penalty of being "cut off" from God's presence and the covenant community, foreshadowing the spiritual death and eternal separation that is the just wages of sin ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). Christ, however, came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He perfectly embodied the holiness demanded by the law, living a life without sin. More profoundly, on the cross, Jesus was "cut off" from God the Father, bearing the full weight of humanity's "iniquity" and the judgment due for all our "wicked things" ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Atoning Sacrifice")). His sacrifice provides the perfect atonement, allowing those who believe in Him to be reconciled to God and brought into a new, holy covenant community, where they are no longer "cut off" but are made alive in Him ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Made Alive in Christ")). The call to purity and the sanctity of relationships, so central to Leviticus, is now empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live lives that reflect Christ's righteousness and the new creation they are in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2-corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Through Christ, the church becomes a new family, called to uphold God's design for relationships, demonstrating the transformative power of His grace and the true meaning of holiness as lived out in His redeeming love.

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 18:9

The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, [whether she be] born at home, or born abroad, [even] their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.

Deuteronomy 27:22

Cursed [be] he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.

2 Samuel 13:12

And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.

Ezekiel 22:11

And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour's wife; and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in thee hath humbled his sister, his father's daughter.

Genesis 20:12

And yet indeed [she is] my sister; she [is] the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.