Leviticus 20 19

Leviticus 20:19 kjv

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.

Leviticus 20:19 nkjv

'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister nor of your father's sister, for that would uncover his near of kin. They shall bear their guilt.

Leviticus 20:19 niv

"?'Do not have sexual relations with the sister of either your mother or your father, for that would dishonor a close relative; both of you would be held responsible.

Leviticus 20:19 esv

You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister or of your father's sister, for that is to make naked one's relative; they shall bear their iniquity.

Leviticus 20:19 nlt

"Do not have sexual relations with your aunt, whether your mother's sister or your father's sister. This would dishonor a close relative. Both parties are guilty and will be punished for their sin.

Leviticus 20 verses

Leviticus 20 19 Meaning

This verse strictly prohibits sexual relations between a man and his maternal or paternal aunt. Such an act is fundamentally identified as "exposing one's near of kin," an intimate relative, and is therefore considered an abomination against God's holy standards for the Israelite community. The consequence stated is that those who engage in such a transgression "shall bear their iniquity," implying that they will suffer the severe divine judgment and deserved penalty for their sin, often understood within Leviticus as spiritual ostracization, childlessness, or even premature death, marking them as unclean and separated from God's people.

Leviticus 20 19 Context

Leviticus 20 functions as an intensification and elaboration of the laws outlined in Leviticus 18, particularly regarding forbidden sexual relations and cultic purity. While chapter 18 presents the list of prohibitions, chapter 20 often adds specific punishments for these same offenses, highlighting their extreme gravity within God's holy covenant. The immediate context of verse 19 is a series of sexual abominations—adultery (v. 10), father's wife (v. 11), daughter-in-law (v. 12), male homosexuality (v. 13), marrying both mother and daughter (v. 14), bestiality (v. 15-16), sister (v. 17), and a menstruating woman (v. 18)—each carrying severe penalties like death, being cut off, or bearing iniquity. This underscores God's absolute demand for moral purity among His people.

Historically and culturally, these laws distinguished Israel sharply from the surrounding pagan nations, particularly the Egyptians and Canaanites, whose sexual practices (including incest and cultic prostitution) were depraved and defiling. The prohibitions were a polemic against such prevailing norms, establishing boundaries for a unique people dedicated to a holy God. Maintaining distinct kinship boundaries was crucial for preserving the purity of the family unit, societal order, and the national covenant with God, emphasizing that Israel was to be set apart, or "holy," as the LORD commanded.

Leviticus 20 19 Word analysis

• You shall not uncover: The phrase is "וְעֶרְוַת אֲחוֹת" (və‘ervat ’ăḥōwt), implying "and the nakedness of a sister (of)". The initial "לא" (lo') means "not." The verb for "uncover" is גלה (galâ), to expose or reveal. When combined with "nakedness" (ערות, 'ervah), it is a common biblical idiom for engaging in sexual intercourse, especially illicitly or with shameful implications. It implies sexual intimacy or penetration that is forbidden.
• the nakedness: (ערוה, 'ervah) – Refers to genitalia, but in this context, broadly to the shameful, private parts of a person. To "uncover the nakedness" signifies an act of illicit sexual intimacy that defiles and dishonors, bringing shame upon both individuals and the kinship group.
• of your mother’s sister: (אֲחוֹת אִמְּךָ, ’ăḥōwt ’imməḵā) – Lit. "sister of your mother." This is the maternal aunt, a very close blood relative.
• or of your father’s sister: (וַאֲחוֹת אָבִיךָ, wa’ăḥōwt ’āvîḵā) – Lit. "and sister of your father." This is the paternal aunt, also a very close blood relative. These prohibitions maintain the integrity and proper distinctions within the immediate family structure.
• for that is exposing one’s near of kin: (כִּי שְׁאֵרָהּ הִיא, kî shə’ēyrāh hî’) – "For her near kinsman she is." The word שְׁאֵר (shə’ēr) signifies "flesh," "relative," or "blood kin." This emphasizes that the individual is an immediate and highly close family member, effectively equating them with immediate parents or siblings in terms of forbidden sexual relations. The essence of the offense is the violation of a profound family bond.
• they shall bear their iniquity: (עֲוֹנָם יִשָּׂאוּ, ‘ăvōnām yišśā’û) – "Their iniquity they shall carry/bear." עָוֹן (‘āvōn) refers to sin, guilt, or iniquity, specifically the punishment or consequences of such sin. This phrase indicates that those who commit this act will face direct divine judgment and punishment for their transgression. Unlike some other verses in Leviticus 20 which specify "put to death" (e.g., v. 10, 11, 13) or "cut off" (v. 17), "bear their iniquity" here signifies that they are accountable to God for their sin, and they will suffer the spiritual and temporal consequences. In similar contexts, this penalty can imply being childless (v. 20-21) or generally signifies a severe outcome determined by God, which often resulted in being "cut off" from the community or physical judgment like barrenness or premature death, removing the possibility of legacy or communal standing.

Leviticus 20 19 Bonus section

The strong prohibition against sexual relations with aunts is deeply rooted in the concept of shame and honor prevalent in ancient Near Eastern societies, magnified by God's holiness. To "uncover nakedness" of such a close relative was an act of profound disrespect and moral violation, impacting not just the individuals but the entire kinship group. The specific mention of "mother's sister" and "father's sister" highlights the familial bonds being preserved; these figures were often considered extensions of the parents, serving in parental roles within extended family structures. Violating these relationships would unravel the very fabric of family order and integrity. The consistency of these laws across Leviticus 18 and 20, with varied penalties, indicates a divine taxonomy of sin, where certain acts are simply abhorrent to a holy God, demanding an unambiguous and uncompromising stance from His people. The "bearing of iniquity" penalty for these specific relations might suggest consequences impacting their posterity or community standing rather than immediate execution, though still a profound and enduring judgment from God, distinct from mere social consequence.

Leviticus 20 19 Commentary

Leviticus 20:19 sternly reinforces the divine imperative for sexual purity within God's covenant people by explicitly prohibiting incestuous relations with a paternal or maternal aunt. This law, foundational to Israel's holiness, established clear boundaries within the family, promoting order and preventing the societal decay common in pagan cultures. The phrase "uncovering nakedness" vividly conveys the gravity of the sexual offense and its inherent shame and defilement. The reason for the prohibition—that such a relative is "one's near of kin"—underscores the absolute sanctity of immediate family relationships, deeming any sexual contact an abhorrent violation. The consequence, "they shall bear their iniquity," signifies a serious divine judgment for defying God's standards of purity, aligning the act with other grievous sins that result in God's direct retribution and alienation from His holy community. This law served to distinguish Israel as a consecrated nation, called to reflect God's own purity and righteousness.