TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 20:10–21. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
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Summary
Leviticus 20:21 presents a stringent prohibition against a man marrying or having sexual relations with his brother's wife, labeling such an act as an "unclean thing" that profoundly violates familial and marital sanctity. This specific injunction, embedded within God's broader moral statutes for Israel, explicitly states that this forbidden union, euphemistically described as "uncovering his brother's nakedness," will result in the couple being "childless," signifying divine judgment and the nullification of their lineage.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 20 functions as a crucial enforcement chapter for the moral and ritual purity laws detailed in Leviticus 18 and Leviticus 19. While Leviticus 18:16 provides the initial prohibition against uncovering the nakedness of a brother's wife, chapter 20 specifies the severe penalties—often capital punishment—for violating these and other laws. Verse 21, therefore, reiterates this specific sexual transgression, highlighting its gravity by attaching a unique consequence: childlessness. This particular prohibition is distinct from the levirate marriage law found in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, which requires a brother to marry his deceased, childless brother's widow to raise an heir, thereby preserving the family name and inheritance. Leviticus 20:21, in contrast, addresses the illicit taking of a brother's wife in circumstances not covered by the levirate law, typically implying the brother is still alive, or that the union is not for the purpose of preserving a deceased brother's childless lineage. The surrounding verses in Leviticus 20 list other capital offenses, underscoring the high stakes of maintaining purity within the covenant community.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Israel was called to be a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding Canaanite and Egyptian cultures, which often practiced various forms of sexual immorality, including incestuous relationships and cultic prostitution. The laws in Leviticus, particularly those concerning sexual ethics, functioned to establish and maintain the moral and social order of the nascent Israelite society, reflecting God's character and His desire for a pure people. The concept of "nakedness" (עֶרְוָה, ‘ervah) in biblical law often refers to the private parts, and "uncovering nakedness" is a common euphemism for sexual intercourse, particularly illicit or shameful acts. The consequence of "childlessness" was a severe social and theological punishment in a patriarchal society where progeny was paramount for inheritance, continuation of the family line, and social standing. To be childless was not only a personal tragedy but also a sign of divine displeasure, potentially cutting off the family's future and its place within the tribal structure, as seen in other curses for disobedience in Deuteronomy 28:18. This penalty served as a powerful deterrent, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and the family unit as foundational to the covenant community.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it strongly emphasizes holiness and purity, asserting that God's people must live distinctively, reflecting His character in their moral and sexual conduct. The designation of the act as "unclean" underscores the defiling nature of sexual sin. Secondly, it reinforces the sanctity of marriage and the family unit as divinely ordained institutions, essential for the social and spiritual well-being of the community. The prohibition protects the integrity of marital bonds and the established familial order. Thirdly, the verse highlights the theme of divine judgment and consequences for disobedience. The penalty of childlessness illustrates that violating God's commands carries tangible repercussions, demonstrating God's active involvement in upholding His moral standards and ensuring that sinful unions do not bear legitimate fruit within the covenant community. This reinforces the principle that God is just and will not allow His laws to be flouted without consequence.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The Hebrew word נִדָּה (H5079, niddâh) primarily refers to menstrual impurity, but its usage here extends to denote something morally repulsive, abominable, or defiling. It signifies an act that is inherently impure in God's sight, rendering the participants and their union ritually and morally defiled. The term highlights the deep revulsion God has for this specific transgression, categorizing it not just as a sin, but as an act that pollutes the very fabric of the community and the individuals involved.
The Hebrew word גָּלָה (H1540, gâlâh), meaning "to denude" or "to reveal," is used here in the context of "uncovering nakedness" as a euphemism for engaging in sexual intercourse, specifically illicit or forbidden sexual relations. This term emphasizes the act of exposure and the profound violation of intimate boundaries, trust, and honor within the family. It implies a shameful revelation and a deep breach of the brother's marital sanctity and personal dignity.
The Hebrew term עֲרִירִי (H6185, ʻărîyrîy) denotes being bare or destitute of children, specifically without male heirs to continue the family line. This was a grave consequence in ancient Israel, as progeny was seen as a blessing from God and essential for inheritance, social standing, and the perpetuation of the family name. The childlessness decreed here is not necessarily a physical inability to conceive but a divine judgment, a curse upon the illicit union, ensuring that it would not produce legitimate offspring or contribute to the continuation of the family line. It signifies God's nullification of the union's fruitfulness, demonstrating His active disapproval of the sin.
Verse Breakdown
"And if a man shall take his brother's wife"
This clause sets the condition for the prohibition, identifying the specific illicit act. It refers to a man entering into a marital or sexual relationship with his brother's wife, implying that the brother is either still alive or that the union is not for the purpose of levirate marriage to raise up an heir for a deceased, childless brother. The emphasis is on the direct violation of an existing or recently dissolved marital bond within the immediate family.
"it [is] an unclean thing"
This declaration immediately pronounces God's judgment on the act. The phrase "unclean thing" (נִדָּה, niddâh) signifies that the act is morally repugnant and defiling in the eyes of God, rendering the participants and the union impure and unacceptable within the holy community. It is an abomination that pollutes the land and the people, requiring divine intervention to cleanse.
"he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness;"
This is a powerful euphemism clarifying the nature of the "unclean thing." It means the man has engaged in sexual intercourse with his brother's wife, thereby violating the most intimate and sacred bond of his brother's marriage. This phrase underscores the profound betrayal and dishonor inflicted upon the brother and his household, highlighting the destructive impact of the sin on familial relationships and the sanctity of the marital covenant.
"they shall be childless."
This clause states the direct and severe consequence of the transgression. The couple involved in this illicit union will not have children, or at least no legitimate or surviving children who can carry on the family name. This divine judgment ensures that the sinful union will not produce fruit, thereby preventing the continuation of a defiled lineage and serving as a stark warning against such violations of God's marital laws. It is a powerful symbol of the barrenness that results from disobedience to God's life-giving commands.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 20:21 employs several significant literary devices to convey its message with clarity and force. The primary structure is that of a Casuistic Law, presented in an "if...then" format ("And if a man shall take... they shall be childless"). This legal formulation clearly defines the offense and its stipulated consequence, leaving no ambiguity. The phrase "he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness" is a prominent Euphemism for sexual intercourse, particularly illicit relations. This indirect language, common in biblical texts dealing with sensitive topics, maintains a degree of decorum while clearly communicating the nature of the transgression. The declaration "it [is] an unclean thing" serves as a Divine Pronouncement of moral judgment, classifying the act as an abomination in God's sight. Finally, the consequence of "childlessness" functions as a Curse or Divine Judgment, directly linking the sin to its punitive outcome. This outcome also carries Symbolism, as childlessness in ancient Israel represented not only the termination of a lineage but also a profound sign of divine displeasure and the spiritual barrenness of a union outside God's design.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 20:21 powerfully underscores several core theological principles foundational to the Israelite covenant and, by extension, to biblical ethics. Firstly, it reiterates God's unwavering demand for holiness and purity within His people, emphasizing that moral and sexual integrity are non-negotiable aspects of living in covenant relationship with Him. The designation of the act as an "unclean thing" (נִדָּה, niddâh) highlights its defiling nature, which pollutes both the individuals and the community. Secondly, the verse champions the sanctity of marriage and the family unit as divinely ordained institutions. By prohibiting such an intimate violation, God protects the integrity of marital bonds and the established familial order, which are foundational to a stable and righteous society. This reflects God's design for marriage as a sacred, exclusive covenant between one man and one woman, as established in Genesis 2:24. Finally, the consequence of childlessness serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of sin and its consequences. It illustrates that disobedience to God's commands carries tangible repercussions, often impacting the very areas of life that are violated, and demonstrating God's active involvement in upholding His moral standards.
Reflection and Application
While the specific context of Leviticus 20:21 pertains to ancient Israelite law and its unique social structures, the underlying principles of sexual purity, the sanctity of marriage, and respect for familial boundaries remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to recognize God's unchanging standard for sexual ethics, emphasizing that marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God, not merely a human institution to be redefined or disregarded. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards purity, fidelity, and the integrity of relationships, both within our immediate families and in the broader community. The severe consequence of childlessness in the ancient context serves as a powerful reminder that sin, particularly sexual sin, carries destructive repercussions, often impacting future generations and the very fruitfulness of our lives. We are called to honor God in our bodies and our relationships, seeking to live lives that reflect His holiness and uphold the divine order for human intimacy.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does Leviticus 20:21 contradict the law of Levirate marriage found in Deuteronomy 25:5-10?
No, there is no contradiction; rather, they address different circumstances. Leviticus 20:21 prohibits a man from taking his brother's wife, particularly when the brother is still alive or if the deceased brother had children, making the union an act of incest and a violation of marital sanctity. It is declared an "unclean thing" that defiles. In contrast, the Levirate marriage law in Deuteronomy 25:5-10 is a specific, divinely ordained exception. It commands a brother to marry his deceased brother's widow if the deceased brother died childless, with the explicit purpose of raising up an heir to continue the deceased brother's name and inheritance. This was a duty, not a prohibited act, and served to preserve the family line. The key distinction lies in the purpose and the circumstances: one is an illicit act of defilement, the other a commanded act of familial preservation.
Why was "childlessness" the specific punishment for this offense?
Childlessness was a particularly severe and fitting punishment in ancient Israelite society for several reasons. Firstly, progeny was considered a great blessing from God and essential for the continuation of the family line, inheritance, and social standing. To be childless was often seen as a sign of divine displeasure or a curse, as illustrated in Deuteronomy 28:18. Secondly, by making the illicit union childless, God ensured that no legitimate heir would come from a defiled relationship, thus preventing the perpetuation of a lineage founded on sin. It symbolically cut off the future of a union that violated God's sacred design for marriage and family, demonstrating God's active judgment against the sin and His desire to maintain purity within the covenant community.
Does this verse apply to Christians today?
While the specific legal context of Leviticus 20:21 is part of the Old Covenant law given to Israel, the underlying moral principles regarding sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage are timeless and transcend cultural boundaries, applying to Christians today. The New Testament consistently upholds the sanctity of marriage and condemns sexual immorality, including incestuous relationships (e.g., 1 Corinthians 5:1). While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law for salvation, the moral laws reflect God's unchanging character and His design for human relationships. Therefore, the principle that certain sexual unions are "unclean" and against God's design remains valid, calling believers to a high standard of sexual purity and respect for marital covenants.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 20:21, with its severe prohibition and consequence, points us to Christ in several profound ways. The "unclean thing" and the defilement it represents highlight the pervasive nature of sin and humanity's inherent inability to achieve true purity apart from divine intervention. The law, in its strictness, reveals the depth of God's holiness and His abhorrence of anything that defiles His creation, particularly the sacred institution of marriage. This legal consequence of childlessness, symbolizing a barren and cursed union, foreshadows the ultimate spiritual barrenness of a life lived outside of God's will, alienated from His life-giving presence. However, in Christ, we find the perfect fulfillment of the law's demands and the remedy for its curses. Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, bore the curse of the law on our behalf, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God (Galatians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21). He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17), upholding its moral standards while providing the means for true purity through His atoning sacrifice. For believers, the call to holiness is now empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling us to live in a manner pleasing to God, honoring the sanctity of marriage as a reflection of Christ's relationship with His Church (Ephesians 5:25-32). Instead of physical childlessness as a curse, believers are called to spiritual fruitfulness, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, demonstrating the new life found in Him. Thus, this Old Testament law, while revealing sin's gravity, ultimately points us to the grace and transforming power of Christ, who makes us truly clean and spiritually fruitful.