Leviticus 20:17 - “‘If a man takes his sister, his father’s daughter, or his mother’s daughter, and sees her nakedness, and she sees his nakedness; it is a shameful thing. They shall be cut off in the sight of the children of their people. He has uncovered his sister’s nakedness. He shall bear his iniquity.
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What does "Leviticus 20:17" mean?
Leviticus 20:17 explicitly prohibits sexual relations between a man and his sister, whether she is his full sister (daughter of both his father and mother) or a half-sister (daughter of either his father or his mother). Let's break down the elements of the verse:
“‘If a man takes his sister, his father’s daughter, or his mother’s daughter…”: This clearly identifies the prohibited relationship: sexual relations between a man and his sister, regardless of whether they share both parents or only one.
“…and sees her nakedness, and she sees his nakedness…”: This refers to sexual intercourse or the act of uncovering nakedness for sexual purposes.
“…it is a shameful thing…”: This emphasizes the moral abhorrence of such an act. It's a violation of societal norms and divine law.
“…They shall be cut off in the sight of the children of their people…”: The phrase "cut off" can have a range of meanings, depending on the context of the passage and theological interpretation. Some interpret this as death penalty, others as excommunication from the community, and others as divine punishment. In this context, it most likely refers to the most severe punishment. "In the sight of the children of their people" implies this action will be public and serve as a warning to the rest of the community.
“…He has uncovered his sister’s nakedness. He shall bear his iniquity.”: This re-emphasizes the gravity of the offense. The man has violated the sanctity of the sibling relationship and will be held accountable for his sin. "Bear his iniquity" suggests he must suffer the consequences of his action.
In essence, the verse condemns incestuous relationships between a man and his sister as a severe transgression with severe consequences. The prohibition is likely rooted in concerns about preserving family structure, preventing genetic abnormalities (due to inbreeding), and maintaining moral order within the community.
Leviticus 20:17 - “‘If a man takes his sister, his father’s daughter, or his mother’s daughter, and sees her nakedness, and she sees his nakedness; it is a shameful thing. They shall be cut off in the sight of the children of their people. He has uncovered his sister’s nakedness. He shall bear his iniquity.
What does "Leviticus 20:17" mean?
Leviticus 20:17 explicitly prohibits sexual relations between a man and his sister, whether she is his full sister (daughter of both his father and mother) or a half-sister (daughter of either his father or his mother). Let's break down the elements of the verse:
“‘If a man takes his sister, his father’s daughter, or his mother’s daughter…”: This clearly identifies the prohibited relationship: sexual relations between a man and his sister, regardless of whether they share both parents or only one.
“…and sees her nakedness, and she sees his nakedness…”: This refers to sexual intercourse or the act of uncovering nakedness for sexual purposes.
“…it is a shameful thing…”: This emphasizes the moral abhorrence of such an act. It's a violation of societal norms and divine law.
“…They shall be cut off in the sight of the children of their people…”: The phrase "cut off" can have a range of meanings, depending on the context of the passage and theological interpretation. Some interpret this as death penalty, others as excommunication from the community, and others as divine punishment. In this context, it most likely refers to the most severe punishment. "In the sight of the children of their people" implies this action will be public and serve as a warning to the rest of the community.
“…He has uncovered his sister’s nakedness. He shall bear his iniquity.”: This re-emphasizes the gravity of the offense. The man has violated the sanctity of the sibling relationship and will be held accountable for his sin. "Bear his iniquity" suggests he must suffer the consequences of his action.
In essence, the verse condemns incestuous relationships between a man and his sister as a severe transgression with severe consequences. The prohibition is likely rooted in concerns about preserving family structure, preventing genetic abnormalities (due to inbreeding), and maintaining moral order within the community.