King James Version

What Does Leviticus 20:19 Mean?

Leviticus 20:19 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister: for he uncovereth his near ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity. uncovereth: Heb. hath made naked”

Leviticus 20:19 · KJV

Context

17

And if a man shall take his sister, his father's daughter, or his mother's daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it is a wicked thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of their people : he hath uncovered his sister's nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.

18

And if a man shall lie with a woman having her sickness, and shall uncover her nakedness; he hath discovered her fountain, and she hath uncovered the fountain of her blood: and both of them shall be cut off from among their people. discovered: Heb. made naked

19

And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity. uncovereth: Heb. hath made naked

20

And if a man shall lie with his uncle's wife, he hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.

21

And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless. an: Heb. a separation

Read Leviticus 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.

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.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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 sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְעֶרְוַ֨ת1 of 13

“the nakedness”

H6172

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

וַֽאֲח֥וֹת2 of 13

“sister”

H269

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

אִמְּךָ֛3 of 13

“of thy mother's”

H517

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

וַֽאֲח֥וֹת4 of 13

“sister”

H269

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

אָבִ֖יךָ5 of 13

“nor of thy father's”

H1

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

לֹ֣א6 of 13
H3808

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

תְגַלֵּ֑ה7 of 13

“And thou shalt not uncover”

H1540

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

כִּ֧י8 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֶת9 of 13
H853

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

שְׁאֵר֛וֹ10 of 13

“his near kin”

H7607

flesh (as swelling out), as living or for food; generally food of any kind; figuratively, kindred by blood

הֶֽעֱרָ֖ה11 of 13

“for he uncovereth”

H6168

to be (causatively, make) bare; hence, to empty, pour out, demolish

עֲוֹנָ֥ם12 of 13

“their iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

יִשָּֽׂאוּ׃13 of 13

“they shall bear”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

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 20:19 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 20:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 18:6Exodus 6:20Leviticus 18:12-30

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