Question 1

What does Deuteronomy 27:22 mean?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 27:22 states that anyone who has sexual relations with his sister—whether she is the daughter of his father or his mother—is under a curse, and the gathered people are to affirm this by saying “Amen.” This verse highlights a specific forbidden relationship and marks it as a serious violation within Israel’s community. Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan, listing curses for breaking God’s laws. The verse is part of a ceremony where the people publicly agree that certain actions, like incest with a sister, are unacceptable and bring a curse. The command for everyone to say “Amen” shows the community’s shared responsibility in upholding these standards.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 27:22

Accepted Answer

Cursed (אָרוּר, ’arur): This word means “cursed” or “under a curse,” and it signals a strong warning that the action brings severe consequences, not just personal guilt. Lieth (יִשְׁכַּב, yishkav): This verb means “to lie with” in a sexual sense, making clear that the verse refers to a sexual relationship, not just sharing a bed or living space. Sister (אָחוֹת, ’achot): The word for “sister” includes both full and half-sisters, which is why the verse specifies “daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother.” Amen (אָמֵן, amen): This word means “so be it” or “truly,” and by saying it, the people publicly agree with the curse and accept its seriousness.

Question 3

Why Deuteronomy 27:22 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies that the prohibition against incest covers both full and half-siblings, leaving no room for loopholes based on parentage. The public response of “Amen” emphasizes that these laws were not just private matters but were to be upheld by the whole community, reinforcing collective responsibility. Deuteronomy 27:22 is part of a larger section where Moses lists actions that threaten the moral and social fabric of Israel, showing how seriously these boundaries were taken in shaping the nation’s identity.

Deuteronomy 27:22 (KJV)