Deuteronomy 27:20 - ‘Cursed is he who lies with his father’s wife, because he dishonors his father’s bed.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Deuteronomy 27:20" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 27:20 is part of a series of pronouncements of curses upon various acts considered morally and religiously wrong. Let's break it down:
"Cursed is he who lies with his father's wife..." This refers to having sexual relations with one's father's wife. Note that "father's wife" doesn't necessarily mean the individual's own mother. It could be a stepmother, or a wife the father had previously married.
"...because he dishonors his father's bed." This explains the reason for the curse. The act is a profound violation of the father's honor and dignity. "His father's bed" is a euphemism for the father's marriage and sexual relationship. By engaging in such an act, the son defiles the father's intimate domain and challenges the father's authority. In the ancient Near Eastern context, familial honor was of utmost importance, and violations of this nature were considered extremely serious.
"All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’" This indicates a communal affirmation of the curse. "Amen" means "so be it" or "truly." By responding with "Amen," the entire community acknowledges the righteousness of the judgment and agrees that such actions deserve condemnation. This public affirmation serves to reinforce the moral code and discourage such behavior.
In essence, the verse condemns incestuous relationships (specifically with one's father's wife) as a severe transgression that dishonors the father and the family structure. The community's affirmation of the curse underscores the gravity of the offense and its potential consequences.
Deuteronomy 27:20 - ‘Cursed is he who lies with his father’s wife, because he dishonors his father’s bed.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
What does "Deuteronomy 27:20" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 27:20 is part of a series of pronouncements of curses upon various acts considered morally and religiously wrong. Let's break it down:
"Cursed is he who lies with his father's wife..." This refers to having sexual relations with one's father's wife. Note that "father's wife" doesn't necessarily mean the individual's own mother. It could be a stepmother, or a wife the father had previously married.
"...because he dishonors his father's bed." This explains the reason for the curse. The act is a profound violation of the father's honor and dignity. "His father's bed" is a euphemism for the father's marriage and sexual relationship. By engaging in such an act, the son defiles the father's intimate domain and challenges the father's authority. In the ancient Near Eastern context, familial honor was of utmost importance, and violations of this nature were considered extremely serious.
"All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’" This indicates a communal affirmation of the curse. "Amen" means "so be it" or "truly." By responding with "Amen," the entire community acknowledges the righteousness of the judgment and agrees that such actions deserve condemnation. This public affirmation serves to reinforce the moral code and discourage such behavior.
In essence, the verse condemns incestuous relationships (specifically with one's father's wife) as a severe transgression that dishonors the father and the family structure. The community's affirmation of the curse underscores the gravity of the offense and its potential consequences.