King James Version

What Does Leviticus 18:10 Mean?

Leviticus 18:10 in the King James Version says “The nakedness of thy son's daughter, or of thy daughter's daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for the...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The nakedness of thy son's daughter, or of thy daughter's daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness.”

Leviticus 18:10 · KJV

Context

8

The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father's nakedness.

9

The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.

10

The nakedness of thy son's daughter, or of thy daughter's daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness.

11

The nakedness of thy father's wife's daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

12

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she is thy father's near kinswoman.

Read Leviticus 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The nakedness of thy son's daughter, or of thy daughter's daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for their's is thine own nakedness.

This verse falls within the section on Unlawful Sexual Relations. Prohibitions against various sexual sins, distinguishing Israel from Canaanite practices and protecting family sanctity.


The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Prohibitions against various sexual sins, distinguishing Israel from Canaanite practices and protecting family sanctity. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
עֶרְוָֽתְךָ֖1 of 12

“The nakedness”

H6172

nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

בִּתְּךָ֔2 of 12

“daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

בִּנְךָ֙3 of 12

“of thy son's”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

א֣וֹ4 of 12
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בִּתְּךָ֔5 of 12

“daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

בִּתְּךָ֔6 of 12

“daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

לֹ֥א7 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תְגַלֶּ֖ה8 of 12

“thou shalt not uncover”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

עֶרְוָֽתְךָ֖9 of 12

“The nakedness”

H6172

nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

כִּ֥י10 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עֶרְוָֽתְךָ֖11 of 12

“The nakedness”

H6172

nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

הֵֽנָּה׃12 of 12

“for theirs”

H2007

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 18:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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