And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

LEVITICUS 20:11KJV
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Leviticus 20:11 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 20:11 mean?

Leviticus 20:11 says that if a man has sexual relations with his father's wife, both people involved must be put to death because this act is seen as exposing the father's "nakedness," or dishonoring him. The responsibility for this sin and its consequences falls fully on those who committed it.

In this verse, God is giving laws to the Israelites through Moses about forbidden sexual relationships. The phrase "uncovered his father's nakedness" is a way of describing a serious violation of family boundaries and respect. The law emphasizes the gravity of this offense by prescribing the death penalty, showing how seriously such actions were regarded in ancient Israelite society.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 20:11

  • "lieth" (שָׁכַב, shakav): This word means to lie down with someone, often as a euphemism for sexual relations. Its use here makes clear the nature of the offense.
  • "uncovered" (גָּלָה, galah): This word means to reveal or expose, and in this context, it refers to making public or violating what should remain private, specifically the father's "nakedness."
  • "nakedness" (עֶרְוָה, ervah): This term refers to sexual intimacy or exposure, and in Leviticus, it often points to forbidden sexual relationships, especially those that break family boundaries.
  • "blood" (דָּם, dam): Here, "their blood shall be upon them" means that those who commit this act bear full responsibility for the consequences, including the penalty.

Why Leviticus 20:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that certain sexual relationships were not just personal choices but were seen as offenses against family structure and honor in ancient Israel.
  • The law connects to a broader section in Leviticus that lists forbidden relationships, showing a concern for protecting family boundaries and social order.
  • The strong language about responsibility ("their blood shall be upon them") highlights that those who break these laws are fully accountable for their actions, with no blame shifted to others.

Where else these words appear

“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.