And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless.

LEVITICUS 20:21KJV
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Leviticus 20:21 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 20:21 mean?

Leviticus 20:21 says that if a man marries his brother’s wife, it is considered an improper and forbidden act, described as uncovering his brother’s nakedness, and the consequence is that the couple will be childless. This verse sets a clear boundary about family relationships and marriage within ancient Israel’s laws.

In this section of Leviticus, God is giving Moses specific instructions for the Israelites about sexual conduct and family boundaries. The verse uses strong language to show that marrying a brother’s wife is not just discouraged but is seen as a violation of family order and purity. The statement about being “childless” likely means that such a union is not blessed and may face consequences, either socially or in terms of descendants.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 20:21

  • "Unclean thing" (נִדָּה, niddah): This word often means something ritually impure or detestable. Here, it emphasizes that the act is not just a social issue but a serious violation of holiness.
  • "Uncovered" (גָּלָה, galah): This word means to reveal or expose, and in this context, it refers to sexual relations. The phrase “uncovered his brother’s nakedness” is a way of saying he has had sexual relations with his brother’s wife, which is forbidden.
  • "Nakedness" (עֶרְוָה, ervah): This term refers to sexual exposure or relations. It highlights the seriousness of the boundary being crossed.
  • "Childless" (עֲרִירִי, ariri): This word means without children. In ancient Israel, being childless was seen as a significant consequence, showing the seriousness of the offense.

Why Leviticus 20:21 matters

  • Leviticus 20:21 clarifies that not all marriages are acceptable, even if both people are willing; some relationships are off-limits because of family ties.
  • The verse highlights the importance of respecting family boundaries, which was central to Israel’s community life and understanding of holiness.
  • This law connects with other passages in Leviticus that set out forbidden relationships, showing a consistent concern for protecting family structure and community purity.

Where else these words appear

“childless” Hebrew H6185 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 15:2 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
  • Leviticus 20:20 And if a man shall lie with his uncle's wife, he hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.
  • Jeremiah 22:30 Thus saith the LORD, Write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.

“thing” Hebrew H5079 · used in 24 verses

  • Leviticus 12:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.
  • Leviticus 15:33 And of her that is sick of her flowers, and of him that hath an issue, of the man, and of the woman, and of him that lieth with her that is unclean.
  • Ezra 9:11 Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness.

“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.