King James Version

What Does Leviticus 18:9 Mean?

Leviticus 18:9 in the King James Version says “The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 18:9 · KJV

Context

7

The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
עֶרְוָתָֽן׃1 of 15

“The nakedness”

H6172

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

אֲחֽוֹתְךָ֤2 of 15

“of thy sister”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

בַת3 of 15

“or daughter”

H1323

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

אָבִ֙יךָ֙4 of 15

“of thy father”

H1

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

א֣וֹ5 of 15
H176

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

בַת6 of 15

“or daughter”

H1323

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

אִמֶּ֔ךָ7 of 15

“of thy mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

מוֹלֶ֣דֶת8 of 15

“or born”

H4138

nativity (plural birth-place); by implication, lineage, native country; also offspring, family

בַּ֔יִת9 of 15

“at home”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

א֖וֹ10 of 15
H176

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

מוֹלֶ֣דֶת11 of 15

“or born”

H4138

nativity (plural birth-place); by implication, lineage, native country; also offspring, family

ח֑וּץ12 of 15

“abroad”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

לֹ֥א13 of 15
H3808

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

תְגַלֶּ֖ה14 of 15

“thou shalt not uncover”

H1540

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

עֶרְוָתָֽן׃15 of 15

“The 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 18:9 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 18:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 20:17Ezekiel 22:11Deuteronomy 27:222 Samuel 13:11-14Leviticus 18:11

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