And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.

LEVITICUS 20:19KJV
Know the Bible

Leviticus 20:19 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 20:19 mean?

Leviticus 20:19 forbids sexual relations with one’s mother’s sister or father’s sister, calling this an offense against a close family member and saying those who do it will bear their wrongdoing. The verse makes clear that such relationships are considered a serious violation of family boundaries in ancient Israelite law.

In this passage, God is giving instructions to the Israelites through Moses about forbidden sexual relationships. The focus is on protecting the dignity and structure of the family by setting clear limits on which relatives one may not approach sexually. The verse uses strong language to stress the seriousness of the offense and the personal responsibility ("they shall bear their iniquity") for breaking this command.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 20:19

  • "Uncover" (גָּלָה, galah): This word is often used in Leviticus for sexual relations, especially in the phrase "uncover the nakedness," which is a modest way to refer to sexual activity. It highlights the seriousness and shame associated with violating these boundaries.
  • "Nakedness" (עֶרְוָה, ervah): This term refers to the intimate parts of the body and, by extension, to sexual relations. Its use here emphasizes that the law is about more than just physical exposure; it is about forbidden sexual acts.
  • "Kin" (שְׁאֵר, she’er): This word means "close relative" or "flesh." Its use in this verse underlines that the prohibition is about protecting the closeness and integrity of family relationships.
  • "Bear" (נָשָׂא, nasa): This verb means "to carry" or "to bear," and in this context, it means to accept the consequences or guilt for the wrongdoing. It stresses personal accountability for breaking this law.
  • "Iniquity" (עָוֹן, avon): This word means "guilt" or "sin." It signals that this act is not just a social taboo but a moral and spiritual offense.

Why Leviticus 20:19 matters

  • Leviticus 20:19 clarifies that the laws about sexual boundaries in the family are not just suggestions but carry real consequences for those who break them.
  • The verse highlights the importance of respecting family relationships and the seriousness with which ancient Israel viewed these boundaries.
  • By repeating and expanding on earlier laws (see Leviticus 18), this verse shows the ongoing emphasis in the book on holiness and separation from the practices of surrounding nations.

Where else these words appear

“uncovereth” Hebrew H6168 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 24:20 And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.
  • Psalms 137:7 Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.
  • Isaiah 32:15 Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.

“kin” Hebrew H7607 · used in 16 verses

  • Exodus 21:10 If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.
  • Leviticus 25:49 Either his uncle, or his uncle's son, may redeem him, or any that is nigh of kin unto him of his family may redeem him; or if he be able, he may redeem himself.
  • Proverbs 5:11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

“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.