King James Version

What Does Leviticus 18:19 Mean?

Leviticus 18:19 in the King James Version says “Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 18:19 · KJV

Context

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.

20

Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her.

21

And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. Molech: Gr. Moloch

Read Leviticus 18 full chapter

Commentary

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

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

Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
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 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 can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְאֶל1 of 8
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִשָּׁ֖ה2 of 8

“unto a woman”

H802

a woman

בְּנִדַּ֣ת3 of 8

“as long as she is put apart”

H5079

properly, rejection; by implication, impurity, especially personal (menstruation) or moral (idolatry, incest)

טֻמְאָתָ֑הּ4 of 8

“for her uncleanness”

H2932

religious impurity

לֹ֣א5 of 8
H3808

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

תִקְרַ֔ב6 of 8

“Also thou shalt not approach”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לְגַלּ֖וֹת7 of 8

“to uncover”

H1540

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

עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃8 of 8

“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 18:19 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 18:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 15:24Leviticus 20:18Ezekiel 22:10Leviticus 15:19Ezekiel 18:6Leviticus 12:2

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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