Leviticus 18 12

Leviticus 18:12 kjv

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she is thy father's near kinswoman.

Leviticus 18:12 nkjv

You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's sister; she is near of kin to your father.

Leviticus 18:12 niv

"?'Do not have sexual relations with your father's sister; she is your father's close relative.

Leviticus 18:12 esv

You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's sister; she is your father's relative.

Leviticus 18:12 nlt

"Do not have sexual relations with your father's sister, for she is your father's close relative.

Leviticus 18 verses

Leviticus 18 12 Meaning

Leviticus 18:12 prohibits a man from engaging in sexual relations with his paternal aunt. This injunction is given because she is considered his father's close blood relation, emphasizing the sacred boundaries of family relationships within God's covenant people. The term "uncover the nakedness" signifies sexual intercourse, portraying it as an act that brings shame or defilement when conducted outside of divinely ordained boundaries. This command establishes a clear familial limit, underscoring the importance of purity and order within the community of Israel as they were to live distinct from the pagan practices of the surrounding nations.

Leviticus 18 12 Context

Leviticus chapter 18 is a core section within the Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-26) which outlines specific laws concerning unlawful sexual unions. This chapter functions as a divinely mandated moral framework, intended to distinguish Israel from the corrupt practices prevalent among the Egyptians and Canaanites (Lev 18:3). These prohibitions ensure the purity of the individual, the family unit, and the land itself, which was viewed as becoming defiled by such actions (Lev 18:25-28). The immediate verses (Lev 18:6-18) enumerate various forbidden degrees of kinship, moving from closest relations outward, to protect familial sanctity, maintain clear social roles, and preserve genetic health, though the primary emphasis is on holiness before God. The historical context positions these laws as foundational for Israel's identity as a holy nation set apart by God for His purposes.

Leviticus 18 12 Word Analysis

• Thou shalt not: A strong, unequivocal divine command. It signifies an absolute prohibition, not merely a recommendation. This form of direct command, frequent in the Law, highlights its foundational nature to Israel's covenant relationship with God.
• uncover the nakedness: (Hebrew: מגלה ערוה - megalleh ervah) This is a euphemism, widely understood in Levitical law to mean engaging in sexual intercourse. It implies revealing the private parts for illicit sexual purposes, an act that brought shame and defilement. The use of "uncovering nakedness" instead of a direct term for intercourse underscores the idea of exposure and bringing disgrace or pollution to oneself and the family, which pollutes the community.
• of thy father's sister: (Hebrew: אחות אביך - ’ăḥôṯ ’āḇîḵā) Refers specifically to a paternal aunt. This includes both an aunt by birth and an aunt by marriage, although the context and subsequent verses strongly suggest blood relations as the primary concern. The prohibition establishes boundaries concerning an elder female figure within the immediate family line. This highlights respect for generational roles and preventing blurring of family identity.
• she is thy father's near kinswoman: (Hebrew: שארה - shə’ēr) This phrase emphasizes the degree of kinship. Shə’ēr literally means "flesh" or "body," indicating a very close blood relative, part of one's own immediate "flesh and blood." This reiterates that the relationship is too close for marriage or sexual relations, reinforcing the reason for the prohibition by divine law—it violates a fundamental natural and familial boundary.
• "uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister": This phrase functions as a specific command within the larger body of unlawful sexual unions. It isolates one forbidden relationship and demonstrates the consistent pattern of forbidden relatives. The consistency reinforces the moral standards being laid down by God.
• "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she is thy father's near kinswoman.": The verse presents both the command and the reason for it. The prohibition (not uncovering nakedness) is followed by its justification (she is a near kinswoman). This structure is common in legal texts, linking a directive with its underlying rationale, emphasizing the severity and divine basis of the command against this form of incest.

Leviticus 18 12 Bonus section

The specific proscriptions in Leviticus 18 (and similar chapters like Leviticus 20 and Deuteronomy 27) not only addressed contemporary pagan practices but also laid down foundational moral principles that extend beyond Israel's initial historical context. While the New Testament does not re-iterate every specific prohibition from the Mosaic Law, the underlying moral principles of sexual purity, holiness, and the sanctity of marriage remain profoundly relevant. The "uncovering of nakedness" also points to an underlying concept of sacredness of the human body and personal intimacy; when it's done outside of God's boundaries, it's a transgression that pollutes not just the individual but impacts the community. This verse underscores God's deep concern for order, boundaries, and the preservation of human dignity within His creation.

Leviticus 18 12 Commentary

Leviticus 18:12 serves as a foundational declaration concerning sexual purity within God's covenant people. The prohibition against a man "uncovering the nakedness" of his paternal aunt establishes a clear boundary in sexual relationships, demonstrating God's design for familial order and holiness. This is not merely a social custom but a divine command, part of a larger moral code given to Israel to set them apart from the depraved practices of surrounding nations (e.g., Egypt and Canaan). The specific term "uncover the nakedness" consistently denotes illicit sexual relations, highlighting the profound shame and defilement associated with such acts when they violate divinely appointed boundaries. The added rationale, "she is thy father's near kinswoman," reinforces the principle that relationships within one's direct, close family bloodline are sacrosanct and not to be sexually violated. This command contributes to preventing genetic issues, preserving social and generational structures within the family, and above all, fostering a holy community that reflects God's own purity. The violation of such commands was considered an abomination, capable of defiling the land itself, leading to severe consequences for the nation. Thus, Leviticus 18:12 contributes to the holistic understanding of sanctification, where obedience in personal and family life is integral to maintaining a holy relationship with God and thriving within His covenant.