Keraia
Leviticus 20

Leviticus 20:17

Punishments for Sexual Immorality · Leviticus 20:10–21
Read Leviticus 20

Translations

Modern
If a man marries his sister, whether the daughter of his father or of his mother, and they have sexual relations, it is a disgrace. They must be cut off in the sight of their people. He has uncovered the nakedness of his sister; he shall bear his iniquity.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And a man, if he takes his sister, a daughter of his father or a daughter of his mother, and sees her nakedness and she sees his nakedness, it is a wicked thing, and they shall be cut off in the eyes of their people. He has uncovered the nakedness of his sister; he shall bear his guilt.
Latin
Qui acceperit sororem suam filiam patris sui, vel filiam matris suæ, et viderit turpitudinem ejus, illaque conspexerit fratris ignominiam, nefariam rem operati sunt: occidentur in conspectu populi sui, eo quod turpitudinem suam mutuo revelaverint, et portabunt iniquitatem suam.

Original

Hebrew
English
If a man marries his sister, whether the daughter of his father or of his mother, and they have sexual relations, it is a disgrace. They must be cut off in the sight of their people. He has uncovered the nakedness of his sister; he shall bear his iniquity.

Notes

Leviticus 20:17

  • a disgrace: Proper behavior brings honor to individuals and their families. Improper behavior brings shame.

  • Both parties are cut off, but they will punish the man (see Leviticus 7:20–21; 5:1; 18:6).

Leviticus 20:9–27

Pagan worship influenced ethics, so God has family rules follow those about pagan religious practices. Some laws in this section repeat parts from Leviticus 18:6–30, which come before the section on proper expressions of holiness (19:1–37). These issues connect. Proper worship of God leads to good behavior toward others, while improper worship leads to moral violations.

Parallels

Proverbs 5:1–23 1 Corinthians 5:1–8

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Criminal Law and Punishment Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Incest Leviticus, Book of Marriage, Marriage Customs Offerings and Sacrifices Psychics

Topics

Incest: Defined and Forbidden Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Sanitation: Uncleanness