And if a man shall take his sister, his father's daughter, or his mother's daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it is a wicked thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of their people: he hath uncovered his sister's nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.

LEVITICUS 20:17KJV
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Leviticus 20:17 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 20:17 mean?

Leviticus 20:17 states that if a man has a sexual relationship with his sister, whether she is his father's or mother's daughter, both are guilty of a serious wrongdoing and will be cut off from their community. The verse emphasizes that exposing a sibling's nakedness is a grave sin, and the man will be responsible for his guilt.

In this verse, God is speaking to the people of Israel through Moses, giving specific laws about sexual conduct. The law is meant to set boundaries within family relationships, making clear that incest is forbidden and carries severe consequences. The phrase "cut off" signals exclusion from the community, showing how seriously such actions were viewed in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 20:17

  • "Nakedness" (עֶרְוָה, ‘ervah) refers to sexual exposure or relations. This word is used throughout Leviticus to describe forbidden sexual acts, highlighting the seriousness of the boundary being crossed.
  • "Cut off" (כָּרַת, karat) means to be separated or excluded, often interpreted as being banished from the community or facing divine judgment. This shows the social and spiritual consequences of the act.
  • "Bear" (נָשָׂא, nasa) means to carry or be responsible for. Here, it stresses that the man must personally answer for his wrongdoing, not shifting blame elsewhere.

Why Leviticus 20:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that sexual relations between siblings were strictly forbidden in ancient Israel, countering any cultural practices from surrounding nations that might have allowed such behavior.
  • The strong language and penalty ("cut off") show the importance of family boundaries and community purity in Israelite law.
  • Leviticus 20:17 fits into a larger section outlining forbidden relationships, helping readers see the broader concern for holiness and order in Israel’s social life.

Where else these words appear

“or” Hebrew H176 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 24:49 And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.
  • Exodus 21:31 Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.
  • 2 Samuel 18:13 Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life: for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldest have set thyself against me.

“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.

“sister” Hebrew H269 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 4:22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
  • Leviticus 18:13 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister: for she is thy mother's near kinswoman.
  • Job 1:4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.