King James Version

What Does Leviticus 18:17 Mean?

Leviticus 18:17 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her dau...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 18:17 · KJV

Context

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.

18

Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time. a wife: or, one wife to another

19

Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness.

Read Leviticus 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
עֶרְוָתָ֔הּ1 of 19

“her nakedness”

H6172

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

אִשָּׁ֛ה2 of 19

“of a woman”

H802

a woman

בִּתָּ֗הּ3 of 19

“and her daughter”

H1323

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

לֹ֣א4 of 19
H3808

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

לְגַלּ֣וֹת5 of 19

“Thou shalt not uncover”

H1540

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

אֶֽת6 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בִּתָּ֗הּ7 of 19

“and her daughter”

H1323

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

בְּנָ֞הּ8 of 19

“her 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

וְאֶת9 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בִּתָּ֗הּ10 of 19

“and her daughter”

H1323

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

בִּתָּ֗הּ11 of 19

“and her daughter”

H1323

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

לֹ֤א12 of 19
H3808

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

תִקַּח֙13 of 19

“neither shalt thou take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לְגַלּ֣וֹת14 of 19

“Thou shalt not uncover”

H1540

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

עֶרְוָתָ֔הּ15 of 19

“her nakedness”

H6172

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

שַֽׁאֲרָ֥ה16 of 19

“for they are her near kinswomen”

H7608

female kindred by blood

הֵ֖נָּה17 of 19
H2007

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

זִמָּ֥ה18 of 19

“it is wickedness”

H2154

a plan, especially a bad one

הִֽוא׃19 of 19
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 18:17 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 18:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 20:14Amos 2:7Deuteronomy 27:23

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