Leviticus 20:20

Translation
King James Version
And if a man shall lie with his uncle's wife, he hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And if a man H376 shall lie H7901 with his uncle's wife H1733, he hath uncovered H1540 his uncle's H1730 nakedness H6172: they shall bear H5375 their sin H2399; they shall die H4191 childless H6185.
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Complete Jewish Bible
If a man goes to bed with his uncle's wife, he has disgraced his uncle sexually; they will bear the consequences of their sin and die childless.
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Berean Standard Bible
If a man lies with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered the nakedness of his uncle. They will bear their sin; they shall die childless.
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American Standard Version
And if a man shall lie with his uncle’s wife, he hath uncovered his uncle’s nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.
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World English Bible Messianic
If a man lies with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered his uncle’s nakedness. They shall bear their sin. They shall die childless.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Likewise the man that lyeth with his fathers brothers wife, and vncouereth his vncles shame: they shall beare their iniquitie, and shall die childlesse.
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Young's Literal Translation
`And a man who lieth with his aunt, the nakedness of his uncle he hath uncovered; their sin they bear; childless they die.
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See also
Leviticus 18:14Luke 23:29Luke 1:7Psalms 109:13Jeremiah 22:30Job 18:19Luke 1:25
In the KJVVerse 3,339 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Leviticus 20:20 presents a severe prohibition against a man having sexual relations with his uncle's wife, declaring such an act a profound violation of familial honor and purity within the Israelite covenant community. This specific statute, situated within the broader Holiness Code, powerfully underscores God's unwavering demand for sexual integrity and the sanctity of marriage, prescribing the dire consequence of childlessness for those who commit this abomination. The penalty emphasizes the gravity of sin and its devastating impact on lineage, legacy, and one's standing before God in ancient Israel.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Leviticus 20 functions as a critical chapter within the Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-26), serving to delineate the specific judicial penalties for various sexual offenses and other abominable practices that were previously prohibited in Leviticus 18. While Leviticus 18 itemizes the forbidden relationships, Leviticus 20 prescribes the severe, often capital, consequences for their transgression. The chapter commences with the most severe penalty for child sacrifice to Molech, immediately establishing a tone of absolute intolerance for any practice that defiles God's covenant people. The verses immediately surrounding Leviticus 20:20 address other incestuous relationships (e.g., sister-in-law, daughter-in-law) and their corresponding punishments, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of God's laws concerning sexual purity and the sacredness of family structures.

  • Historical & Cultural Context: Ancient Israel was divinely called to be a holy nation, distinct from the pagan practices of the surrounding Canaanite cultures, which frequently embraced widespread sexual immorality, incest, and cultic prostitution. The laws articulated in Leviticus, particularly those pertaining to sexual purity, were designed to establish and meticulously maintain this distinctiveness. In a patriarchal society where family lineage, honor, and the continuity of the household were paramount, sexual relations with a close relative's wife, such as an uncle's wife, were considered a grave offense. Such an act violated the integrity of the extended family, deeply dishonored the male head of the household (the uncle), and dangerously blurred the lines of kinship, which were fundamental to the social order, property inheritance, and identity. The consequence of "dying childless" was not merely a biological state but a profound social and spiritual curse, signifying the termination of one's name and legacy within the community, a judgment of immense severity in a culture where offspring were perceived as a divine blessing and essential for covenant fulfillment, as vividly illustrated by Abraham's concern for an heir in Genesis 15:2.

  • Key Themes: The central theme underscored by Leviticus 20:20 is holiness, specifically the call for God's people to be set apart from the defiling practices of the nations around them, as articulated in Leviticus 19:2. This verse reinforces the sanctity of marriage and the integrity of family relationships as foundational to a holy society. It highlights the concept of sexual purity as a non-negotiable aspect of covenant fidelity, linking moral conduct directly to one's standing before God. Furthermore, the prescribed penalty of childlessness emphasizes divine judgment and the consequences of sin, particularly how sin can disrupt the natural order of life and legacy, a theme pervasive throughout the Old Testament, from the curses in Deuteronomy 28 to the prophetic warnings against unfaithfulness. The law also speaks to the honor and shame dynamics prevalent in ancient Near Eastern societies, where violating a man's wife was a direct assault on his honor and identity.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • uncovered (Hebrew, gâlâh', H1540): From the primitive root H1540, meaning "to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal." In this context, "uncovered" signifies a profound act of exposure and violation. It is not merely a physical uncovering but a disgraceful revelation of what should remain private and sacred within the marital bond, implying a deep violation of trust, intimacy, and honor.
  • nakedness (Hebrew, ʻervâh', H6172): Meaning "nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)." This term extends beyond mere physical nakedness to encompass shame, defilement, and vulnerability. To "uncover nakedness" is a biblical euphemism for sexual intercourse, but specifically, illicit or forbidden sexual acts that bring shame and disgrace upon the involved parties and the family unit. It underscores the moral and spiritual defilement inherent in such a transgression.
  • childless (Hebrew, ʻărîyrîy', H6185): Meaning "bare, i.e. destitute (of children)." This term denotes barrenness or being without legitimate heirs. In ancient Israelite society, where progeny was considered a divine blessing, a sign of covenant faithfulness, and essential for the continuation of one's name and inheritance, "dying childless" was a severe social, economic, and theological curse. It implied the termination of one's lineage, the loss of one's portion in the promised land, and a profound sense of shame and failure before God and community. It suggested divine intervention to prevent offspring or to invalidate any offspring produced from the illicit union.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And if a man shall lie with his uncle's wife": This clause precisely identifies the forbidden act: sexual intercourse between a man and his aunt by marriage (specifically, his father's brother's wife). This relationship falls squarely within the prohibited degrees of kinship outlined in the Holiness Code, designed to prevent incest and maintain the purity and distinctiveness of family lines within Israel. The act is presented as a deliberate transgression.
  • "he hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness": This phrase explains the profound nature of the transgression. It is not merely a private sexual act but a public dishonor and defilement of the uncle's marital bed and his personal honor. In the biblical worldview, a wife is considered "one flesh" with her husband, meaning that violating her is tantamount to violating him directly, exposing his vulnerability and bringing shame upon his household and name.
  • "they shall bear their sin": This declaration signifies divine judgment and accountability for both parties involved in the illicit act. "Bearing their sin" implies that the consequences and culpability for their transgression will fall directly upon them. This is a form of divine retribution, emphasizing that God holds individuals responsible for their moral choices and that sin carries an inherent burden and penalty.
  • "they shall die childless": This is the specific, dire, and devastating penalty prescribed. It means that God will either prevent them from conceiving offspring, or any children born from such an illicit union will not be recognized as legitimate heirs, thereby ensuring the termination of their lineage. This punishment was particularly severe in a culture that highly valued procreation, the continuation of the family name, and the inheritance of land, effectively erasing one's legacy.

Literary Devices

Leviticus 20:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its message with profound gravity and clarity. The most prominent is Euphemism, particularly in the phrase "uncovered his uncle's nakedness," which delicately yet powerfully refers to illicit sexual intercourse without explicit vulgarity. This euphemism, common throughout the Holiness Code (e.g., Leviticus 18:6-19), simultaneously maintains decorum while emphasizing the profound violation of honor, intimacy, and familial boundaries. The verse is structured as a Casuistic Law or Legal Formula ("If a man... then..."), a common feature of ancient Near Eastern legal codes. This structure highlights the direct, undeniable cause-and-effect relationship between the transgression and its divinely prescribed punishment, underscoring the certainty of judgment. Furthermore, the stark consequence, "they shall die childless," functions as a potent form of Symbolism and Cultural Hyperbole. While literally denoting barrenness, it symbolically represents the utter obliteration of one's name, legacy, and future within the community and before God, a fate considered worse than physical death in a society deeply rooted in lineage and inheritance.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Leviticus 20:20 profoundly reinforces the theological principle of God's absolute holiness and His unyielding demand for His people to reflect that holiness in every facet of their lives, especially within their most intimate relationships. It underscores the sanctity of marriage as a divine institution and the severe consequences for defiling its sacred boundaries. The law reveals that sin, particularly sexual sin, is never merely a private matter but possesses far-reaching implications, impacting family integrity, community purity, and one's covenant standing before God. The "childless" penalty highlights God's sovereignty over life and progeny, demonstrating His capacity to withhold blessings and bring judgment upon those who flagrantly disregard His moral order. This divine judgment serves as a stark reminder that God takes sin with utmost seriousness and that His covenant people are called to a demonstrably higher standard of purity and conduct than the surrounding pagan nations.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While the specific cultural context of "dying childless" may not translate directly to modern legal systems, the enduring principles embedded within Leviticus 20:20 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to a deep and abiding reverence for God's divine design for marriage and family, emphasizing that sexual purity is not an antiquated concept but a fundamental aspect of holiness that accurately reflects God's character. It challenges us to critically examine our own attitudes towards sexual integrity, fidelity, and the sacred boundaries God has established for human relationships. The severity of the ancient penalty reminds us that sin, particularly that which defiles sacred covenants, carries significant spiritual, relational, and sometimes even physical consequences, even if not always literal barrenness. It prompts us to consider how our choices impact not only ourselves but also our families, our communities, and our collective witness to a watching world. Ultimately, this passage calls us to pursue a life of holistic holiness, not primarily out of fear of punishment, but out of profound love, gratitude, and devotion to the God who has called us to be set apart for His glory and purposes.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the concept of "uncovering nakedness" in this verse inform our understanding of sexual sin as a profound violation of honor and intimacy, rather than merely a physical act?
  • In what specific ways does modern society challenge or disregard the biblical emphasis on the sanctity of marriage and the purity of familial relationships?
  • What are the contemporary "childless" consequences (spiritual, relational, emotional, societal) of sexual sin in today's world, even if not literal barrenness?
  • How can we, as believers, actively uphold, promote, and embody God's timeless standards for sexual purity in a culture that often vehemently rejects them?

FAQ

What does "die childless" specifically mean in this context?

Answer: In the context of ancient Israel, "die childless" (Hebrew: ʻărîyrîy) was a severe curse and a profound form of divine judgment. It meant that the individual would have no legitimate offspring to carry on their name, inherit their land, or continue their lineage. This was a profound social, economic, and spiritual disgrace, effectively ending one's memory and legacy within the community and before God. It could imply either biological barrenness as a direct divine intervention or that any children born from such an illicit union would not be recognized as legitimate heirs, thus cutting off the line and ensuring the family's name and inheritance would perish. This penalty was particularly devastating in a culture where offspring were considered a primary blessing and essential for covenant fulfillment, as highlighted in Genesis 15:2 and Psalm 127:3.

Why was this specific relationship (uncle's wife) forbidden?

Answer: This relationship was strictly forbidden because it constituted a severe form of incest, violating the established degrees of kinship and the sanctity of marriage within the extended family structure. The uncle's wife was considered "one flesh" with the uncle, and sexual relations with her would profoundly dishonor the uncle, defile his marital bed, and introduce chaos into the divinely ordained family order. Such prohibitions, detailed extensively in Leviticus 18 and reiterated with penalties in Leviticus 20, were crucial for maintaining the purity, order, and distinctiveness of the Israelite community. These laws set God's people apart from the morally corrupt and promiscuous practices of the surrounding Canaanite nations, emphasizing Israel's call to holiness and separation unto the Lord.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Leviticus 20:20, with its specific legal and social penalties, belongs to the Old Covenant, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The law's demand for absolute holiness and the severe consequences for sexual impurity powerfully underscore the radical defilement of sin and humanity's utter inability to perfectly keep God's righteous standards. Christ fulfills the law not by abolishing it, but by perfectly embodying its holiness and bearing its full curse. Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, became "childless" in a spiritual sense, dying without natural heirs, yet through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He purchased a countless spiritual offspring—all who believe in Him and are born again of the Spirit. He bore the ultimate "childless" consequence of sin—spiritual death and separation from God on the cross—so that those who are spiritually barren in their sin might receive new life and become children of God through faith in His name. The New Testament calls believers to a holiness that surpasses mere external adherence to rules, fostering an internal transformation empowered by the Holy Spirit. Sexual purity is still commanded, as our bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit, and Christ's sacrifice enables us to live lives pleasing to God, free from the spiritual barrenness and condemnation that sin once imposed, bearing fruit for His kingdom.

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Commentary on Leviticus 20 verses 10–21

Sins against the seventh commandment are here ordered to be severely punished. These are sins which, of all others, fools are most apt to make a mock at; but God would teach those the heinousness of the guilt by the extremity of the punishment that would not otherwise be taught it.

I. Lying with another man's wife was made a capital crime. The adulterer and the adulteress that had joined in the sin must fall alike under the sentence: they shall both be put to death, Lev 20:10. Long before this, even in Job's time, this was reputed a heinous crime and an iniquity to be punished by the judges, Job 31:11. It is a presumptuous contempt of an ordinance of God, and a violation of his covenant, Pro 2:17. It is an irreparable wrong to the injured husband, and debauches the mind and conscience of both the offenders as much as any thing. It is a sin which headstrong and unbridled lusts hurry men violently to, and therefore it needs such a powerful restraint as this. It is a sin which defiles a land and brings down God's judgments upon it, which disquiets families, and tends to the ruin of all virtue and religion, and therefore is fit to be animadverted upon by the conservators of the public peace: but see Joh 8:3-11.

II. Incestuous connections, whether by marriage or not. 1. Some of them were to be punished with death, as a man's lying with his father's wife, Lev 20:11. Reuben would have been put to death for his crime (Gen 35:22) if this law had been then made. It was the sin of the incestuous Corinthian, for which he was to be delivered unto Satan, Co1 5:1, Co1 5:5. A man's debauching his daughter-in-law, or his mother-in-law, or his sister, was likewise to be punished with death, Lev 20:12, Lev 20:14, Lev 20:17. 2. Others of them God would punish with the curse of barrenness, as a man's defiling his aunt, or his brother's wife (Lev 20:19-21): They shall die childless. Those that keep not within the divine rules of marriage forfeit the blessings of marriage: They shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase, Hos 4:10. Nay it is said, They shall bear their iniquity, that is, though they be not immediately cut off by the hand either of God or man for this sin, yet the guilt of it shall lie upon them, to be reckoned for another day, and not be purged with sacrifice or offering.

III. The unnatural lusts of sodomy and bestiality (sins not to be mentioned without horror) were to be punished with death, as they are at this day by our law, Lev 20:13, Lev 20:15, Lev 20:16. Even the beast that was thus abused was to be killed with the sinner, who was thereby openly put to the greater shame: and the villany was thus represented as in the highest degree execrable and abominable, all occasions of the remembrance or mention of it being to be taken away. Even the unseasonable use of the marriage, if presumptuous, and in contempt of the law, would expose the offenders to the just judgment of God: they shall be cut off, Lev 20:18. For this is the will of God, that every man should possess his vessel (and the wife is called the weaker vessel) in sanctification and honour, as becomes saints.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–21. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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