Deuteronomy 27:20

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

Cursed {H779} be he that lieth {H7901} with his father's {H1} wife {H802}; because he uncovereth {H1540} his father's {H1} skirt {H3671}. And all the people {H5971} shall say {H559}, Amen {H543}.

"'A curse on anyone who has sexual relations with his father's wife, because he has violated his father's rights.'All the people are to say, 'Amen!'

‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his father’s wife, for he has violated his father’s marriage bed.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

Cursed be he that lieth with his father’s wife, because he hath uncovered his father’s skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Commentary

Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:20 (KJV)

Deuteronomy 27:20 is one of twelve specific curses pronounced upon Israel as part of the covenant renewal ceremony after entering the Promised Land. This particular verse addresses a severe violation of family purity and honor, highlighting the gravity of sexual sin within the community.

Context

This verse is part of a series of curses outlined in Deuteronomy 27, which were to be recited from Mount Ebal, contrasting with the blessings pronounced from Mount Gerizim. The Levites would declare each curse, and "all the people shall say, Amen." This communal affirmation underscored the nation's agreement to uphold God's law and accept the consequences of disobedience. The curses cover a range of hidden sins and social transgressions, emphasizing that God sees even secret acts and holds His people accountable to the moral standards of the Mosaic Law.

Key Themes

  • Sexual Purity and Holiness: The prohibition against a man lying with his father's wife (his stepmother) is a fundamental aspect of the Mosaic Law's emphasis on sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage. Such acts were considered an abomination, defiling both the individuals and the land.
  • Family Honor and Order: This specific sin directly violates the established order and respect within the family unit. It undermines the authority of the father and pollutes the family lineage, representing a deep betrayal and a breach of familial trust. Similar prohibitions are found in Leviticus 18:8 and Leviticus 20:11, where the penalty was death.
  • Divine Justice and Community Accountability: The declaration "Cursed be he" signifies God's righteous judgment against such sin. The people's collective "Amen" demonstrates their understanding and agreement with the severity of the offense and God's just decree, emphasizing the communal responsibility to uphold the covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "uncovereth his father's skirt" is a common biblical euphemism for sexual intercourse, particularly illicit sexual relations. The "skirt" (Hebrew: kanaph, literally "wing" or "hem") here symbolizes the covering or protection of the father, and to "uncover" it signifies a profound violation of his marital and family honor. The word "Amen" (Hebrew: amen) is a powerful affirmation, meaning "so be it," "truly," or "let it be established." Its repetition by all the people signifies their solemn commitment to the covenant and their agreement with the justice of the curse.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 27:20 reminds us that God's standards for sexual morality and family integrity are timeless. While the specific legal context is ancient Israel, the underlying principles are enduring:

  • God values sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage. The Bible consistently condemns sexual immorality, emphasizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18).
  • Respect for family relationships and boundaries is crucial. Healthy families are foundational to a healthy society, and God's laws protect these vital bonds.
  • There are real consequences for sin, both in this life and eternally. This curse serves as a stark warning about the seriousness of violating God's commands.
  • The communal "Amen" encourages believers today to stand in agreement with God's moral law and to uphold righteousness within their communities, affirming divine truth and justice.
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 22:30 (5 votes)

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

  • Leviticus 18:8 (4 votes)

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

  • Leviticus 20:11 (3 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.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:1 (3 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.

  • 2 Samuel 16:22 (2 votes)

    So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

  • Genesis 49:4 (2 votes)

    Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou [it]: he went up to my couch.

  • Amos 2:7 (2 votes)

    That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek: and a man and his father will go in unto the [same] maid, to profane my holy name: