Deuteronomy 22:30

A man shall not take his father's wife, nor discover his father's skirt.

A man {H376} shall not take {H3947} his father's {H1} wife {H802}, nor discover {H1540} his father's {H1} skirt {H3671}.

"A man is not to take his father's wife, thus violating his father's rights.

A man is not to marry his father’s wife, so that he will not dishonor his father’s marriage bed.

A man shall not take his father’s wife, and shall not uncover his father’s skirt.

Commentary

Context

Deuteronomy 22:30 is part of a larger section in the book of Deuteronomy that outlines various civil and moral laws for the Israelite nation as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy, meaning "second law," serves as a renewal and expansion of the covenant given at Mount Sinai, emphasizing the importance of obedience for national blessing. This particular verse falls within a series of statutes concerning sexual purity, marriage, and family relationships, underscoring God's desire for His people to maintain a high standard of moral conduct, distinct from the practices of surrounding pagan cultures. It directly relates to the broader prohibitions against incest and sexual immorality found in Leviticus 18.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Prohibition of Incest: The most direct message is a strict prohibition against a son having sexual relations with his stepmother ("his father's wife"). This act is considered a profound violation of family sanctity and a defilement of the family unit.
  • Maintaining Family Purity: This law, alongside others in Deuteronomy and Leviticus, highlights the biblical emphasis on the purity and integrity of family relationships. It safeguards against chaotic and defiling practices that undermine the foundational unit of society.
  • Respect for Parental Authority and Boundaries: To "take his father's wife" is not only a sexual transgression but also a deep disrespect for the father's marital union and authority, violating established boundaries within the home.
  • Holiness of the Covenant Community: These laws reflect God's call for Israel to be a holy nation, set apart for Him. Such prohibitions contribute to the moral distinctiveness of God's people, ensuring they reflect His character and do not imitate the corrupt practices of other nations (Leviticus 19:2).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "nor discover his father's skirt" is a powerful biblical euphemism for engaging in sexual intercourse, particularly in a forbidden context. The Hebrew word for "skirt" (kānāf) can literally mean "wing" or "corner," often referring to the corner of a garment. To "discover" (gālāh) someone's nakedness or "skirt" is an idiom for sexual intimacy or exposure. In this context, it reinforces the prohibition against sexual relations with one's stepmother, emphasizing the profound violation of intimate boundaries and the shame associated with such an act. This idiom is used elsewhere in scripture to describe sexual impropriety.

Practical Application

While specific to ancient Israelite law, Deuteronomy 22:30 conveys timeless principles regarding sexual purity, the sanctity of marriage, and the importance of healthy family boundaries. It reminds us that:

  • Sexual Purity is Valued by God: God's standards for sexual conduct are high and are designed for our well-being and the flourishing of relationships. The New Testament also upholds principles of sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage (Hebrews 13:4, 1 Thessalonians 4:3).
  • Family Boundaries are Essential: God's design for family includes clear boundaries that protect individuals and the integrity of the family unit. These boundaries promote respect, order, and healthy relationships.
  • Holiness in Conduct: As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness, setting us apart from the world's standards and practices. Our moral choices have implications for our personal walk with God and our witness to others.
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 27:20 (7 votes)

    Cursed [be] he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.

  • Leviticus 18:8 (6 votes)

    The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it [is] thy father's nakedness.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ It is reported commonly [that there is] fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

  • Leviticus 20:11 (5 votes)

    And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them.

  • Ruth 3:9 (4 votes)

    And he said, Who [art] thou? And she answered, I [am] Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou [art] a near kinsman.

  • Ezekiel 16:8 (4 votes)

    Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time [was] the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:13 (2 votes)

    But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.