Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.

LEVITICUS 18:17KJV
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Leviticus 18:17 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 18:17 mean?

Leviticus 18:17 forbids a man from having sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter, or with a woman and her granddaughter, because these women are considered close relatives, and such actions are called wickedness. The verse sets a clear boundary about relationships within extended families.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to the Israelites through Moses about forbidden sexual relationships, specifically addressing boundaries within family structures. The law aims to protect family integrity and prevent confusion or harm that could come from overlapping intimate relationships among close relatives.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 18:17

  • "Uncover" (גָּלָה, galah): This word is often used as a polite way to refer to sexual relations, literally meaning to "uncover" someone's nakedness. Here, it signals the specific kind of relationship being prohibited.
  • "Nakedness" (עֶרְוָה, ervah): This word refers to intimate exposure, often as a stand-in for sexual activity. The focus is not just on physical nakedness but on the act itself.
  • "Kinswomen" (שְׁאֵרָה, she’erah): This term means "close relative" or "flesh and blood." The verse highlights that the women mentioned are not just related, but are considered immediate family, making such relationships especially inappropriate.
  • "Wickedness" (זִמָּה, zimmah): This word means "an evil plan" or "outrage." The verse uses a strong term to show that such actions are not just improper but are seen as a serious moral offense.

Why Leviticus 18:17 matters

  • Leviticus 18:17 clarifies that the boundaries for sexual relationships extend beyond immediate parents and children to include step-relations and grandchildren, showing the law's concern for the broader family unit.
  • The verse uses strong language ("wickedness") to emphasize the seriousness of violating these boundaries, highlighting the importance of protecting family relationships from harm or confusion.
  • In the wider context of Leviticus 18, this verse is part of a larger list of forbidden relationships, helping the Israelites understand how to live differently from surrounding cultures that might not have had such restrictions.

Where else these words appear

“wickedness” Hebrew H2154 · used in 27 verses

  • Leviticus 19:29 Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.
  • Proverbs 21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
  • Ezekiel 23:21 Thus thou calledst to remembrance the lewdness of thy youth, in bruising thy teats by the Egyptians for the paps of thy youth.

“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 18:13 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister: for she is thy mother's near kinswoman.
  • 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.