Leviticus 20:14 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 20:14 mean?

Leviticus 20:14 says that if a man marries both a woman and her mother, this act is considered a serious wrongdoing, and all involved must be put to death by burning, so that such wickedness does not exist among the people. The verse sets a strict boundary against this specific family relationship.

In the book of Leviticus, God is giving laws to the Israelites through Moses about how they should live as a holy community. This verse addresses a situation that would have been seen as an extreme violation of family and sexual boundaries in ancient Israel. The strong language and severe penalty show how seriously this kind of relationship was viewed in that society.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 20:14

• "Wickedness" (זִמָּה, zimmâh): This word means a planned or deliberate act of moral corruption, not just a mistake. The verse uses it to stress that this relationship is not just wrong, but a particularly shameful and intentional offense.
• "Burnt" (שָׂרַף, saraph): This word means to destroy by fire. The use of burning as a punishment here is rare and highlights the seriousness with which this act was regarded.
• "Among" (בְּתוֹךְ, betokh): This word means "in the midst of" or "among." The verse's concern is not just individual guilt, but the effect on the whole community, emphasizing that such acts must not be allowed within the people.

Why Leviticus 20:14 matters

• Leviticus 20:14 clarifies that certain family relationships were strictly forbidden, and breaking these boundaries was seen as a threat to the community’s moral order.
• The verse shows that some actions were considered so destructive that they demanded the most severe response, underlining the seriousness with which ancient Israel treated sexual ethics.
• This law fits into a larger section of Leviticus focused on setting Israel apart from surrounding nations by their distinct moral and social practices.