Leviticus 20:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 20:19 sternly prohibits sexual relations with one's maternal or paternal aunt, explicitly classifying such acts as the "uncovering of near kin." This divine command reinforces the sanctity of familial boundaries and the imperative for sexual purity within ancient Israel, setting God's people apart from the morally corrupt practices of surrounding pagan nations. The concluding declaration, "they shall bear their iniquity," underscores the profound gravity of violating these holy standards, signifying divine judgment and accountability for such grievous moral transgressions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 20:19 is embedded within a critical legislative section of Leviticus (chapters 18-20) that establishes a comprehensive code of moral and ritual purity for the Israelite community. Chapter 20 functions as an enforcement chapter, reiterating many of the sexual prohibitions initially outlined in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Prohibited Sexual Relations") and prescribing severe penalties for their transgression. The immediate verses preceding and following 20:19 detail other forbidden sexual unions, such as with a daughter-in-law ([Leviticus 20:12](/leviticus/20-12 "Leviticus 20:12 - Prohibition of Incest with Daughter-in-Law")), a sister or half-sister ([Leviticus 20:17](/leviticus/20-17 "Leviticus 20:17 - Prohibition of Incest with Sister")), and a woman and her daughter ([Leviticus 20:14](/leviticus/20-14 "Leviticus 20:14 - Prohibition of Incest with Mother and Daughter")). The consistent aim of these laws is to establish Israel as a holy nation, distinct from the defiling practices of the Canaanites, as powerfully articulated in [Leviticus 18:24-30](/leviticus/18-24-30 "Leviticus 18:24-30 - Consequences of Impurity"). The repetition and emphasis on consequences underscore the seriousness of these moral infractions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The laws in Leviticus were delivered to the Israelites as they stood on the threshold of entering the land of Canaan, a region deeply entrenched in idolatrous and morally depraved practices. Canaanite cultures, particularly those associated with fertility cults, frequently engaged in various forms of sexual immorality, including incestuous relationships, cultic prostitution, and child sacrifice, all of which were deemed abominations by God. The divine commands in [Leviticus 20](/leviticus/20 "Leviticus 20 - Penalties for Immorality") served to establish a clear moral and ethical boundary between Israel and these surrounding nations, thereby preventing the defilement of both the land and the covenant people. The prohibition against marrying or having sexual relations with close relatives, such as aunts, was a foundational aspect of cultivating a pure and ordered society, reflecting God's own holiness and His original design for human relationships. These laws were not arbitrary but were essential for the spiritual integrity, social stability, and overall well-being of the covenant community, ensuring that Israel would not succumb to the very practices that led to the dispossession of the Canaanites ([Leviticus 20:23](/leviticus/20-23 "Leviticus 20:23 - God's Command to Be Separate")).
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 20:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Holiness**. God's repeated command for Israel to "be holy, for I am holy" ([Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy")) undergirds all the purity laws, including those related to sexual conduct. The prohibition of incest with aunts reinforces the idea that holiness permeates all aspects of life, including familial relationships and sexual ethics. Another crucial theme is **Separation and Distinction**. These laws were designed to set Israel apart from the corrupting influences of pagan nations, emphasizing their unique identity as God's chosen people. By adhering to these strict moral codes, Israel was to demonstrate a counter-cultural lifestyle that reflected divine righteousness. Finally, the theme of **Covenant Accountability** is prominent. The phrase "they shall bear their iniquity" highlights the direct link between sin and its consequences, a core principle of the Mosaic Covenant. This underscores that violations of God's law bring judgment and defilement, impacting both the individual and the community, as seen throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus - Laws of Holiness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Uncover the nakedness (Hebrew, _gâlâh_ H1540, _ʻervâh_ H6172):** This phrase serves as a common biblical euphemism for engaging in sexual intercourse, particularly illicit or forbidden acts. The verb _gâlâh_ (H1540) literally means "to denude," "to reveal," or "to open," while _ʻervâh_ (H6172) refers to "nudity," "shame," or "disgrace," often specifically the pudenda. Together, "uncover the nakedness" emphasizes the profound intimacy and vulnerability involved, highlighting the egregious violation of boundaries and the inherent shame when such acts occur outside of God's design for marriage. In the context of incest, it signifies a deep desecration of familial bonds and a public exposure of what ought to remain private and sacred.
* **Near kin (Hebrew, _shᵉʼêr_ H7607):** The term _shᵉʼêr_ (H7607) literally means "flesh" (as swelling out) or "food," but figuratively and commonly refers to "kindred by blood" or "near kinsman/kinswoman." While the KJV translates it as "near kin," the broader biblical usage, often in conjunction with "flesh" (_basar_), denotes a very close blood relative, emphasizing shared lineage and familial connection. The use of this term underscores the profound perversion of natural and divine order inherent in incestuous relationships. It highlights that the person involved is part of one's own immediate family, making the sexual act a fundamental violation of the most basic social and relational unit God established.
* **Bear their iniquity (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ_ H5375, _ʻâvôn_ H5771):** This phrase signifies that the individuals who commit this sin will be held fully accountable for their transgression and will suffer the consequences or punishment that accrues from it. The verb _nâsâʼ_ (H5375) means "to lift," "to bear," or "to carry," implying a burden or responsibility. The noun _ʻâvôn_ (H5771) refers to "perversity," "moral evil," "iniquity," or "punishment (of iniquity)." Thus, "bear their iniquity" implies not only the guilt of the sin itself but also the burden of responsibility and the deserved penalty, which could range from being "cut off" from the community (as seen in other verses in [Leviticus 20](/leviticus/20 "Leviticus 20 - Penalties for Immorality")) to divine judgment, disgrace, or even death, depending on the specific offense and context. It conveys the certainty of divine justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister":** This initial clause explicitly and unequivocally forbids sexual intercourse with one's maternal aunt (mother's sister) or paternal aunt (father's sister). This prohibition is a specific application of the broader laws against incest found in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Prohibited Sexual Relations"), reinforcing the sanctity of family relationships and the clear boundaries God establishes for human sexuality. It directly parallels and reiterates prohibitions found in [Leviticus 18:12-13](/leviticus/18-12-13 "Leviticus 18:12-13 - Prohibitions against Aunts"), demonstrating the consistent and non-negotiable nature of these commands.
* **"for he uncovereth his near kin":** This explanatory clause provides the divine rationale for the prohibition. The act is forbidden because it involves a "near kin," a close blood relative. This highlights the inherent perversity, defilement, and unnaturalness of such a union, as it violates the natural and divinely ordained order of family relationships. It blurs lines of kinship that God intended to be distinct, undermining the very structure of the family unit and the purity of the community. The intimacy implied by "uncovering nakedness" with "near kin" is a profound transgression against the fabric of creation.
* **"they shall bear their iniquity":** This concluding phrase declares the inevitable consequence for violating this command. It signifies that those who engage in such forbidden acts will be held fully accountable for their sin and will face divine judgment or punishment. While a specific penalty like "death" or being "cut off" is not explicitly stated here for this particular offense (though often implied for similar transgressions in [Leviticus 20](/leviticus/20 "Leviticus 20 - Penalties for Immorality")), the phrase "bear their iniquity" implies a severe and certain consequence. It emphasizes the gravity of the transgression and God's unwavering commitment to holiness and justice, ensuring that sin does not go unpunished.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 20:19 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message and reinforce its legal authority. The primary device is **Euphemism**, particularly in the phrase "uncover the nakedness," which delicately yet clearly refers to sexual intercourse without explicit vulgarity. This euphemistic language maintains decorum, typical of biblical legal texts, while unequivocally stating the forbidden act and its inherent shame. The verse also exhibits clear **Parallelism** by listing both "mother's sister" and "father's sister," creating a balanced and comprehensive prohibition that covers both sides of the immediate family, ensuring no ambiguity. The legal formulation "thou shalt not" is a direct **Prohibition**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the absolute, non-negotiable, and divine nature of the command. Furthermore, the concluding phrase "they shall bear their iniquity" serves as a potent **Consequence Statement**, a common legal formula in Leviticus, which underscores the seriousness of the offense and the inevitability of divine judgment for disobedience, reinforcing the covenantal implications of obedience and rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 20:19 profoundly underscores God's unwavering commitment to holiness and the sacredness of human relationships, particularly within the family unit. The prohibition against incest, even with relatives like aunts, reveals that God's moral law extends beyond mere procreation to encompass the integrity and purity of kinship structures. This reflects a divine order for human society that is antithetical to the chaotic and defiling practices of pagan cultures. The command is not just about sexual purity but about the very identity of Israel as a people set apart for God, whose lives are to reflect His character and holiness. The consequence of "bearing their iniquity" highlights the intrinsic connection between sin and its just recompense, a principle woven throughout biblical theology, demonstrating that God is a righteous judge who holds humanity accountable for its moral choices.

* [Leviticus 18:6](/leviticus/18-6 "Leviticus 18:6 - General Prohibition of Incest")
* [Deuteronomy 27:22](/deuteronomy/27-22 "Deuteronomy 27:22 - Curse for Incest with Aunt")
* [1 Corinthians 5:1](/1_corinthians/5-1 "1 Corinthians 5:1 - Incest in the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific cultural context of Leviticus 20:19 pertains to ancient Israel's covenant with God, the underlying principles of sexual purity, the sanctity of family, and the gravity of sin remain eternally relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to recognize that God has a divine design for all human relationships, especially those within the family, and that violating these boundaries brings disorder, defilement, and divine displeasure. It challenges us to uphold God's high standards of holiness in an age that often disregards traditional moral boundaries, reminding us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and are to be used for God's glory. Living in purity is not merely about avoiding certain acts but about cultivating a heart that reveres God's commands and seeks to honor Him in every aspect of life, demonstrating our commitment to being set apart for His purposes. Our pursuit of holiness is a response to God's own holiness and His redemptive work in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the prohibition against incest in Leviticus 20:19 inform our understanding of God's design for the family and human sexuality in contemporary society?**
* **In what specific ways does modern culture challenge or disregard the biblical principles of sexual purity and the sanctity of familial relationships, and how should believers respond?**
* **What does the phrase "bearing their iniquity" teach us about the consequences of sin, and how should this understanding shape our personal pursuit of holiness and our communal ethical standards?**

### FAQ
**What does "uncover the nakedness" mean in the Bible?**

Answer: "Uncover the nakedness" is a biblical euphemism for engaging in sexual intercourse, particularly illicit or forbidden sexual acts. It is used throughout the Old Testament, especially in the Mosaic Law, to refer to sexual relations that violate God's commands, such as incest ([Leviticus 18:6-18](/leviticus/18-6-18 "Leviticus 18:6-18 - Prohibited Sexual Relations")) or adultery ([Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Penalty for Adultery")). The phrase emphasizes the profound intimacy and vulnerability involved in such acts, highlighting the violation of sacred boundaries and the inherent shame when they occur outside of God's holy design for marriage, which is the only divinely sanctioned context for sexual union.

**Why was incest with aunts specifically forbidden, and what does "near kin" imply?**

Answer: Incest with aunts (mother's or father's sister) was specifically forbidden because it constituted a sexual union with "near kin," meaning a very close blood relative. This prohibition, along with others in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Prohibited Sexual Relations") and [Leviticus 20](/leviticus/20 "Leviticus 20 - Penalties for Immorality"), was crucial for establishing and maintaining the moral and social order within Israel. It prevented the blurring of familial lines, upheld the sanctity of family relationships, and distinguished Israel from the pagan cultures of the time which often practiced such unions. The term "near kin" (Hebrew: *she'er*, "flesh of his flesh") underscores that these individuals are part of one's immediate family, making the sexual act a profound perversion of the most fundamental social unit and a defilement of the community, ultimately dishonoring God's created order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Leviticus 20:19 directly addresses a specific Old Testament prohibition, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. Jesus did not abolish the moral law but fulfilled it, deepening its spiritual demands and revealing its ultimate purpose. The call for Israel to be holy and distinct from the defiling practices of the nations foreshadows the New Testament's call for believers to be a holy people, set apart for God's glory, a "royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen People")). The sanctity of relationships and the demand for sexual purity, highlighted in this verse, are echoed and elevated in the teachings of Christ and the apostles, who emphasize purity of heart and mind, not just outward conformity ([Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Lust of the Heart"); [1 Thessalonians 4:3-5](/1_ثessalonians/4-3-5 "1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 - God's Will for Sanctification")). Furthermore, the consequence of "bearing their iniquity" points to the ultimate burden of sin, which Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore on the cross for those who believe ([Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - Christ Bearing Our Iniquity"); [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His sacrifice, believers are freed from the power and penalty of sin, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of genuine holiness that honor God's design for all human relationships, reflecting the purity and sacrificial love of Christ Himself ([Romans 6:1-14](/romans/6-1-14 "Romans 6:1-14 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")).

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 18:6

¶ 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.