King James Version

What Does Leviticus 18:14 Mean?

Leviticus 18:14 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt.”

Leviticus 18:14 · KJV

Context

12

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

13

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

14

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt.

15

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

16

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it is thy brother's nakedness.

Read Leviticus 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt.

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


What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
עֶרְוַ֥ת1 of 11

“the nakedness”

H6172

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

אֲחִֽי2 of 11

“brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אָבִ֖יךָ3 of 11

“of thy father's”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לֹ֣א4 of 11
H3808

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

תְגַלֵּ֑ה5 of 11

“Thou shalt not uncover”

H1540

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

אֶל6 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִשְׁתּוֹ֙7 of 11

“to his wife”

H802

a woman

לֹ֣א8 of 11
H3808

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

תִקְרָ֔ב9 of 11

“thou shalt not approach”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

דֹּדָֽתְךָ֖10 of 11

“she is thine aunt”

H1733

an aunt

הִֽוא׃11 of 11
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 18:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 18:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 20:20

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