Leviticus 20:21 - “‘If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is an impurity. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They shall be childless.
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What does "Leviticus 20:21" mean?
Leviticus 20:21 directly prohibits a man from marrying his brother's wife (assuming the brother is alive, or potentially after his death depending on interpretation, see below). Let's break down the meaning:
"If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is an impurity." This establishes the act as ritually unclean and morally wrong according to the Levitical code. The Hebrew word translated as "impurity" implies something defiling and offensive to God.
"He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness." This is a euphemism for sexual relations. It emphasizes the intimate and exclusive bond that should exist within a marriage. By marrying his brother's wife, the man is violating the sanctity and boundaries of that relationship. Some interpret this as an extension of the prohibition against incest.
"They shall be childless." This is presented as a consequence of the forbidden union. The term "childless" may be interpreted in various ways:
Literal childlessness: God would directly prevent them from having children.
Loss of inheritance: Any children they might have would not be considered legal heirs, thus the family line would not continue through them.
Figurative childlessness: Their offspring might not prosper or be blessed in some way. Or that the marriage is ultimately unproductive and "sterile" in a broader sense.
Lack of posterity: Even if they have children, their line would be cut off or deemed illegitimate in the eyes of the community.
Important Considerations and Interpretations:
Levirate Marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10): This is a crucial point of context. The law of Levirate marriage (Deut. 25:5-10) requires a man to marry his deceased brother's childless widow to continue his brother's lineage. This seems contradictory to Leviticus 20:21. How do we reconcile this?
Timing and Circumstances: Leviticus 20:21 likely refers to marrying a brother's wife while the brother is still alive. Levirate marriage only applies when the brother is deceased and has no sons.
Purpose: The intent behind each law is different. Leviticus aims to protect the marriage bond and prevent sexual impropriety. Levirate marriage aims to provide for a widow and preserve the deceased brother's family line.
Special Exception: Levirate marriage may be viewed as a specific, divinely ordained exception to the general prohibition in Leviticus.
Cultural Context: Understanding the cultural context of ancient Israel is crucial. Family lineage and inheritance were extremely important. Marriage was often seen as a way to secure the family's future.
Moral and Ethical Implications: Modern readers often grapple with the ethics of these laws. What constitutes "impurity" today? How do we apply these ancient rules to contemporary relationships and social norms? Different religious denominations and ethical frameworks will offer varying perspectives.
Symbolic Interpretation: Some interpret these laws symbolically, focusing on the underlying principles of respect for relationships, marital fidelity, and the importance of family.
In Summary:
Leviticus 20:21 prohibits a man from marrying his brother's wife (presumably while the brother is alive), labeling it an impurity and stating that the couple will be childless (in some sense of the word). The law must be understood within the broader context of the Old Testament law, particularly in relation to the seemingly contradictory law of Levirate marriage.
Leviticus 20:21 - “‘If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is an impurity. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They shall be childless.
What does "Leviticus 20:21" mean?
Leviticus 20:21 directly prohibits a man from marrying his brother's wife (assuming the brother is alive, or potentially after his death depending on interpretation, see below). Let's break down the meaning:
"If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is an impurity." This establishes the act as ritually unclean and morally wrong according to the Levitical code. The Hebrew word translated as "impurity" implies something defiling and offensive to God.
"He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness." This is a euphemism for sexual relations. It emphasizes the intimate and exclusive bond that should exist within a marriage. By marrying his brother's wife, the man is violating the sanctity and boundaries of that relationship. Some interpret this as an extension of the prohibition against incest.
"They shall be childless." This is presented as a consequence of the forbidden union. The term "childless" may be interpreted in various ways:
Literal childlessness: God would directly prevent them from having children.
Loss of inheritance: Any children they might have would not be considered legal heirs, thus the family line would not continue through them.
Figurative childlessness: Their offspring might not prosper or be blessed in some way. Or that the marriage is ultimately unproductive and "sterile" in a broader sense.
Lack of posterity: Even if they have children, their line would be cut off or deemed illegitimate in the eyes of the community.
Important Considerations and Interpretations:
Levirate Marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10): This is a crucial point of context. The law of Levirate marriage (Deut. 25:5-10) requires a man to marry his deceased brother's childless widow to continue his brother's lineage. This seems contradictory to Leviticus 20:21. How do we reconcile this?
Timing and Circumstances: Leviticus 20:21 likely refers to marrying a brother's wife while the brother is still alive. Levirate marriage only applies when the brother is deceased and has no sons.
Purpose: The intent behind each law is different. Leviticus aims to protect the marriage bond and prevent sexual impropriety. Levirate marriage aims to provide for a widow and preserve the deceased brother's family line.
Special Exception: Levirate marriage may be viewed as a specific, divinely ordained exception to the general prohibition in Leviticus.
Cultural Context: Understanding the cultural context of ancient Israel is crucial. Family lineage and inheritance were extremely important. Marriage was often seen as a way to secure the family's future.
Moral and Ethical Implications: Modern readers often grapple with the ethics of these laws. What constitutes "impurity" today? How do we apply these ancient rules to contemporary relationships and social norms? Different religious denominations and ethical frameworks will offer varying perspectives.
Symbolic Interpretation: Some interpret these laws symbolically, focusing on the underlying principles of respect for relationships, marital fidelity, and the importance of family.
In Summary:
Leviticus 20:21 prohibits a man from marrying his brother's wife (presumably while the brother is alive), labeling it an impurity and stating that the couple will be childless (in some sense of the word). The law must be understood within the broader context of the Old Testament law, particularly in relation to the seemingly contradictory law of Levirate marriage.