Leviticus 18:15 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 18:15 mean?

Leviticus 18:15 forbids a man from having sexual relations with his daughter-in-law, making clear that this is not allowed because she is married to his son. The verse repeats the command for emphasis, stating twice that her "nakedness" should not be uncovered.

In this verse, God is giving Moses instructions to pass on to the Israelites about sexual boundaries within families. The phrase "uncover the nakedness" is a common way in Leviticus to refer to sexual relations. The law is meant to protect family relationships and prevent confusion or harm within the household, especially as part of a larger list of forbidden relationships in this chapter.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 18:15

• "uncover" (גָּלָה, galah): This word means to reveal or expose, and in this context, it refers specifically to sexual relations. The repetition in the verse underlines the seriousness of the prohibition.
• "nakedness" (עֶרְוָה, ervah): This term is often used in Leviticus to mean sexual intimacy or exposure. Here, it emphasizes that the relationship is not just about physical exposure but about prohibited sexual acts.
• "law" (כַּלָּה, kallah): This word means "daughter-in-law." Its use here makes the specific relationship being addressed unmistakably clear.
• "son's" (בֵּן, ben): The verse clarifies that the woman in question is the wife of the man's son, highlighting the family connection.
• "wife" (אִשָּׁה, ishah): This word simply means "wife" and is used to specify that the daughter-in-law is married to the son, not just any woman.

Why Leviticus 18:15 matters

• Leviticus 18:15 clarifies that sexual boundaries in Israelite law extend beyond immediate blood relatives to include in-laws, protecting the integrity of the family unit.
• The verse is part of a broader list of forbidden relationships, showing that the law is concerned with both moral order and social stability in the community.
• By repeating the command, the verse highlights the seriousness with which these boundaries are to be observed, leaving no room for ambiguity about what is forbidden.