The nakedness of thy father's wife's daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
LEVITICUS 18:11KJVWhat 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.