King James Version

What Does Leviticus 20:12 Mean?

Leviticus 20:12 in the King James Version says “And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 20:12 · KJV

Context

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.

14

And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.

Read Leviticus 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
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

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְאִ֗ישׁ1 of 12

“And if a 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 12
H834

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

יִשְׁכַּב֙3 of 12

“lie”

H7901

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

אֶת4 of 12
H854

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

כַּלָּת֔וֹ5 of 12

“with his daughter in law”

H3618

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

יֽוּמְת֖וּ6 of 12

“be put to death”

H4191

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

יֽוּמְת֖וּ7 of 12

“be put to death”

H4191

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

שְׁנֵיהֶ֑ם8 of 12

“both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

תֶּ֥בֶל9 of 12

“confusion”

H8397

mixture, i.e., unnatural bestiality

עָשׂ֖וּ10 of 12

“they have wrought”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

דְּמֵיהֶ֥ם11 of 12

“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׃12 of 12
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 20:12 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 20:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 18:15Leviticus 18:23Genesis 38:18Deuteronomy 27:23Genesis 38:16

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