Leviticus 18:14 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 18:14 mean?

Leviticus 18:14 commands that a person must not have sexual relations with his father's brother's wife, making it clear that such a relationship is forbidden because she is considered his aunt. The verse sets a boundary within the extended family, specifically naming the father's brother's wife as off-limits.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving them laws about sexual conduct to set them apart from surrounding nations. The instruction is part of a larger section in Leviticus that lists prohibited relationships, aiming to protect family structure and respect boundaries within kinship groups.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 18:14

• "Uncover" (גָּלָה, galah): This word is often used in Leviticus to mean exposing or having sexual relations. Its use here signals that the command is about more than just seeing someone unclothed; it refers specifically to sexual intimacy.
• "Nakedness" (עֶרְוָה, ervah): In this context, ervah refers to sexual relations, not simply nudity. The phrase "uncover the nakedness" is a common biblical way of describing forbidden sexual acts.
• "Aunt" (דֹּדָה, dodah): This word means "aunt," specifically the wife of one's father's brother. The law clarifies that even though she is not a blood relative, she is still considered close family and protected by these boundaries.

Why Leviticus 18:14 matters

• Leviticus 18:14 clarifies that not only direct blood relations but also certain in-law relationships are included in the laws about sexual boundaries, expanding the scope of forbidden relationships.
• This verse helps prevent confusion about whether marrying or having relations with a relative by marriage (not just by blood) is allowed, showing that the law covers both.
• The verse fits into a larger pattern in Leviticus 18, where God is setting up a framework for sexual ethics that is meant to distinguish Israel from other cultures and to protect the integrity of family life.