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.