King James Version

What Does Leviticus 18:15 Mean?

Leviticus 18:15 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 18:15 · KJV


Context

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.

17

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.


Commentary

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


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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 Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃1 of 10

her nakedness

H6172

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

כַּלָּֽתְךָ֖2 of 10

of thy daughter in law

H3618

a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife

לֹ֣א3 of 10
H3808

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

תְגַלֶּ֖ה4 of 10

Thou shalt not uncover

H1540

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

אֵ֤שֶׁת5 of 10

wife

H802

a woman

בִּנְךָ֙6 of 10

she is 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

הִ֔וא7 of 10
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

לֹ֥א8 of 10
H3808

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

תְגַלֶּ֖ה9 of 10

Thou shalt not uncover

H1540

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

עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃10 of 10

her nakedness

H6172

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


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 18:15 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 18:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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