The nakedness of thy father's wife's daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

LEVITICUS 18:11KJV
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Leviticus 18:11 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 18:11 mean?

Leviticus 18:11 forbids a man from having sexual relations with his half-sister, specifically the daughter of his father by another woman (not his own mother). The verse clearly states that this woman is considered his sister, and her "nakedness" must not be uncovered.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, laying out laws about sexual boundaries within families. The command is part of a larger section where God sets limits to protect family relationships and prevent confusion or harm within the community. The focus is on respecting family ties, even when siblings have different mothers.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 18:11

  • "nakedness" (עֶרְוָה, 'ervah'): This word refers to sexual exposure or relations, not just physical nudity. Its use here signals a prohibition against sexual activity, not merely seeing someone unclothed.
  • "uncover" (גָּלָה, galah): This verb means to reveal or expose, often used in the context of forbidden sexual acts. The command is about an action, not just an accidental glance.
  • "sister" (אֲחוֹת, 'achot): The word makes clear that even if siblings have different mothers, the relationship is still recognized as a close family bond in Israelite law.

Why Leviticus 18:11 matters

  • Leviticus 18:11 clarifies that the definition of "sister" in these laws includes half-sisters, not just full siblings, which may not be obvious in every culture or context.
  • This verse shows the careful boundaries set in Israelite society to prevent sexual confusion and protect family integrity, reflecting a broader concern for order and respect within the community.
  • The verse fits into a larger list of sexual prohibitions in Leviticus 18, helping the reader see how detailed and specific these laws were meant to be, addressing situations that might otherwise be overlooked.

Where else these words appear

“begotten” Hebrew H4138 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 11:28 And Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees.
  • Genesis 32:9 And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:
  • Esther 2:20 Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.

“nakedness” Hebrew H6172 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 9:22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.
  • Leviticus 18:14 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt.
  • Deuteronomy 24:1 When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.

“sister” Hebrew H269 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 4:22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
  • Leviticus 18:18 Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time.
  • Job 1:4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.