King James Version

What Does Leviticus 20:14 Mean?

Leviticus 20:14 in the King James Version says “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 b... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 20:14 · KJV


Context

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.

15

And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast.

16

And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.


The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to 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. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְאִ֗ישׁ1 of 17

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)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר2 of 17
H834

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

יִקַּ֧ח3 of 17

take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת4 of 17
H853

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

אִשָּׁ֛ה5 of 17

a wife

H802

a woman

וְאֶת6 of 17
H853

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

אִמָּ֖הּ7 of 17

and her mother

H517

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

זִמָּ֖ה8 of 17

both he and they that there be no wickedness

H2154

a plan, especially a bad one

הִ֑וא9 of 17
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

בָּאֵ֞שׁ10 of 17

with fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

יִשְׂרְפ֤וּ11 of 17

they shall be burnt

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

אֹתוֹ֙12 of 17
H853

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

וְאֶתְהֶ֔ן13 of 17
H853

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

וְלֹֽא14 of 17
H3808

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

תִהְיֶ֥ה15 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

זִמָּ֖ה16 of 17

both he and they that there be no wickedness

H2154

a plan, especially a bad one

בְּתֽוֹכְכֶֽם׃17 of 17

among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center


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 20:14 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 20:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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