King James Version

What Does Leviticus 20:11 Mean?

Leviticus 20:11 in the King James Version says “And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”

Leviticus 20:11 · KJV

Context

9

For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.

10

And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

11

And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

12

And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.

13

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

Read Leviticus 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

This verse falls within the section on Penalties for Disobedience. Punishments for violations of sexual and religious laws, emphasizing the seriousness of sin in God's holy community.

Leviticus 17:11 declares 'the life of the flesh is in the blood,' establishing blood's sacred role in atonement, pointing to Christ's blood shed for redemption.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Punishments for violations of sexual and religious laws, emphasizing the seriousness of sin in God's holy community. 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. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְאִ֗ישׁ1 of 14

“And the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר2 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִשְׁכַּב֙3 of 14

“that lieth”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

אֶת4 of 14
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אֵ֣שֶׁת5 of 14

“wife”

H802

a woman

אָבִ֖יו6 of 14

“his father's”

H1

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

עֶרְוַ֥ת7 of 14

“nakedness”

H6172

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

אָבִ֖יו8 of 14

“his father's”

H1

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

גִּלָּ֑ה9 of 14

“hath uncovered”

H1540

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

יוּמְת֥וּ10 of 14

“be put to death”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

יוּמְת֥וּ11 of 14

“be put to death”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם12 of 14

“both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

דְּמֵיהֶ֥ם13 of 14

“their blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

בָּֽם׃14 of 14
H0

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 20:11 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 20:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 27:23Deuteronomy 27:20Amos 2:71 Corinthians 5:1Leviticus 18:7-8

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