Leviticus 20:19

And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.

And thou shalt not uncover {H1540} the nakedness {H6172} of thy mother's {H517} sister {H269}, nor of thy father's {H1} sister {H269}: for he uncovereth {H6168} his near kin {H7607}: they shall bear {H5375} their iniquity {H5771}.

You are not to have sexual relations with your mother's sister or your father's sister; a person who does this has had sexual relations with his close relative; they will bear the consequences of their wrongdoing.

You must not have sexual relations with the sister of your mother or your father, for it is exposing one’s own kin; both shall bear their iniquity.

And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister, nor of thy father’s sister; for he hath made naked his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.

Commentary

Context

Leviticus 20:19 is part of a larger section in the book of Leviticus that details specific moral and ceremonial laws given by God to the nation of Israel. This chapter, in particular, lists various capital offenses and prohibited sexual relationships, often reiterating and assigning penalties to the prohibitions first laid out in Leviticus 18. The overarching theme is God's call for Israel to be a holy nation, distinct from the pagan practices of the surrounding Canaanite peoples, who engaged in such illicit unions and other detestable acts (Leviticus 18:24-25).

Key Themes

  • Prohibition of Incest: The verse explicitly forbids sexual relations with one's maternal or paternal aunt. This reinforces the sanctity of family relationships and the clear boundaries God establishes for human sexuality. Such unions were considered a profound violation of natural order and divine law.
  • Holiness and Purity: God's commands in Leviticus emphasize the importance of holiness for His covenant people. These laws were designed to keep Israel morally and spiritually pure, setting them apart from the idolatrous and immoral practices of other nations (Leviticus 20:23-26).
  • Consequences of Sin: The phrase "they shall bear their iniquity" signifies that those who commit this sin will be held accountable and face divine judgment or punishment. While the specific punishment isn't stated here (unlike other verses in chapter 20 which specify death or being cut off), it implies a severe consequence, often separation from the community or divine wrath.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "uncover the nakedness" (Hebrew: giluy ervah) is a common biblical euphemism for sexual intercourse, especially illicit or forbidden sexual acts. It highlights the exposure and vulnerability involved in such unions, emphasizing their intimate and often shameful nature when outside God's design. The term "iniquity" (Hebrew: avon) refers not just to the sin itself, but also to the guilt and the consequences or punishment that accrue from it. It signifies the burden of responsibility and the deserved penalty for violating God's commands.

Related Scriptures

This verse directly parallels the prohibitions found in Leviticus 18:12 (father's sister) and Leviticus 18:13 (mother's sister). The severity of such offenses is underscored throughout the Law, as seen in Deuteronomy 27:22, which pronounces a curse on anyone who lies with his father's sister or mother's sister. This consistency demonstrates the unchanging nature of God's moral law regarding sexual purity and the sanctity of family relations.

Practical Application

While specific Old Testament laws like this may seem culturally distant, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. Leviticus 20:19 underscores God's consistent demand for sexual purity and the establishment of clear boundaries within family structures. It teaches us about:

  • The Sanctity of Relationships: God designed relationships, especially family ones, to be ordered and respected. Violating these boundaries brings disorder and defilement.
  • God's Standard of Holiness: Believers are called to live a life set apart for God, reflecting His holiness in all areas, including sexual conduct (1 Peter 1:16).
  • The Gravity of Sin: The phrase "bear their iniquity" serves as a timeless reminder that sin has serious consequences, both in this life and eternally. It calls for repentance and adherence to God's righteous standards.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 18:6

    ¶ None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover [their] nakedness: I [am] the LORD.

  • Leviticus 18:12

    Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she [is] thy father's near kinswoman.

  • Leviticus 18:30

    Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that [ye] commit not [any one] of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I [am] the LORD your God.

  • Exodus 6:20

    And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram [were] an hundred and thirty and seven years.
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