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Deuteronomy 22:30

Deuteronomy 22:30 in Multiple Translations

A man is not to marry his father’s wife, so that he will not dishonor his father’s marriage bed.

¶ A man shall not take his father’s wife, nor discover his father’s skirt.

A man shall not take his father’s wife, and shall not uncover his father’s skirt.

A man may not take his father's wife or have sex relations with a woman who is his father's.

A man must not marry his father's wife, so that he won't bring shame on his father.

No man shall take his fathers wife, nor shall vncouer his fathers skirt.

'A man doth not take his father's wife, nor uncover his father's skirt.

A man shall not take his father’s wife, and shall not uncover his father’s skirt.

A man shall not take his father's wife, nor discover his father's skirt.

No man shall take his father’s wife, nor remove his covering.

“ man must not disgrace his father by having sex with any of his father’s wives.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 22:30

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 22:30

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 27:20 ‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his father’s wife, for he has violated his father’s marriage bed.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
2 1 Corinthians 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife.
3 Leviticus 18:8 You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father.
4 Leviticus 20:11 If a man lies with his father’s wife, he has uncovered his father’s nakedness. Both must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
5 Ruth 3:9 “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer. ”
6 Ezekiel 16:8 Then I passed by and saw you, and you were indeed old enough for love. So I spread My cloak over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you, entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, declares the Lord GOD.
7 1 Corinthians 5:13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”

Deuteronomy 22:30 Summary

This verse is saying that a man should not marry his father's wife, because it would be disrespectful to his father and his father's marriage. This is about respecting the people and relationships that are important to us, and treating them with dignity and honor, as seen in Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:2-3. It's also about recognizing that some relationships are sacred and should not be taken lightly, as taught in Hebrews 13:4 and Matthew 19:4-6. By following this command, we can show respect for our families and for God's design for marriage and relationships, as seen in Genesis 1:27 and 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main reason a man should not marry his father's wife?

The main reason is to avoid dishonoring his father's marriage bed, as stated in Deuteronomy 22:30, and to maintain a sense of respect and dignity for his father's relationship, as seen in Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:2-3.

Is this verse only talking about a man marrying his stepmother?

While Deuteronomy 22:30 specifically mentions a man marrying his father's wife, the principle behind this verse can be applied to other similar situations, such as a man marrying his father's widow, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:5-6, and is rooted in the idea of honoring one's parents and respecting family relationships, as taught in Exodus 20:12 and Matthew 15:4-6.

How does this verse relate to the concept of family and marriage in the Bible?

This verse highlights the importance of respecting and honoring family relationships, particularly in the context of marriage, as seen in Ephesians 5:33 and 1 Peter 3:7, and emphasizes the need to prioritize dignity, respect, and integrity in all family relationships, as taught in Genesis 2:24 and Mark 10:6-9.

What are the consequences of disobeying this command?

While the Bible does not specify exact consequences for disobeying Deuteronomy 22:30, it is clear that such actions would be considered sinful and could lead to familial strife, emotional pain, and spiritual damage, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 and 2 Corinthians 12:21, and would be contrary to God's design for marriage and family, as taught in Genesis 1:27 and Matthew 19:4-6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can honor my parents and respect their marriage, even if they are no longer alive?
  2. How can I apply the principle of respecting family relationships to my own life and decisions, particularly in regards to marriage and family?
  3. What are some potential consequences of ignoring or disobeying this command, and how can I guard against them in my own life?
  4. How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of honoring one's parents, as seen in Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:2-3, and what are some ways I can demonstrate this honor in my daily life?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 22:30

A man shall not take his father's wife,.... Not marry her, whether his own mother, or a stepmother; or even, as Aben Ezra thinks, anyone that was deflowered by his father.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:30

Shall not take to wife. So this respects the state, and the next branch speaks of the act only. His father’ s wife; his mother-in-law. See 20:11 . His father’ s skirt, i.e. the skirt of the mother’ s garment, i.e. the nakedness, which is here called his father’ s skirt, because his father and mother were one flesh, or because his father alone had the right to uncover it. The phrase is taken from the ancient custom or ceremony of the bridegroom’ s spreading the skirt of his garment over the bride, to signify his right to her, and authority over her, and his obligation to the marriage duty. See .

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:30

Verse 30. A man shall not take his father's wife] This is to be understood as referring to the case of a stepmother. A man in his old age may have married a young wife, and on his dying, his son by a former wife may desire to espouse her: this the law prohibits. It was probably on pretence of having broken this law, that Solomon put his brother Adonijah to death, because he had desired to have his father's concubine to wife, 1Kg 2:13-25.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 22:30

30. (Heb. ch. Deuteronomy 23:1.) Against Intercourse with a Father’s Wife, cp. Deuteronomy 27:20, and H, Leviticus 18:8; Leviticus 20:11, where the prohibition is extended to other female relatives. Either D’s law is earlier than H’s or D did not know of H’s. Its limitation to this special case is explained by the fact that such intercourse had been regarded as proof of succession to the father’s property (2 Samuel 3:7; 2 Samuel 16:22, 1 Kings 2:22) and was become frequent (Ezekiel 22:10); probably the survival of a practice general in early times (but condemned by J, Genesis 35:22; Genesis 49:4). Thus among the ancient Arabs a man succeeded to his father’s wives along with other heritable property, but this was forbidden by the Korân, iv. 26. For instances in Syria see W. R. Smith, Kinship, etc., 86–90, OTJC2, 369 f. By § 158 of Ḫ ?ammurabi a man caught after his father’s death with a step-mother who has borne children, is cut off from his father’s house; by § 157 incest is punished by burning. Cp. H, Leviticus 18:7. uncover, etc.] Deuteronomy 27:20, for the sense see Rth 3:9, Ezekiel 16:8, and cp. the Ar. parallel quoted through W. R. Smith in Driver’s Deut. 259, n. 1.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:30

30. A man shall not take his father’s wife — Comp. Leviticus 18:7-8.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 22:30

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen (Basics) 64. Unforgiveness and Bitterness by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the role of Satan as a full-time worker who constantly accuses and deceives believers. The preacher warns against harboring bitterness and u
G.W. North Apostle's Doctrine - Part 2 by G.W. North In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the redemption of the body and the anticipation of the trumpet blowing while believers are still on earth. The speaker emphasiz
William MacDonald Studies in 1 Corinthians-05 1 Cor 5:8-13 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the preacher introduces a chorus that the congregation has previously learned and liked. The chorus emphasizes the belief in God's guidance and trust in Him during
Brian Brodersen (1 Corinthians) Overview to Chapter 5 by Brian Brodersen In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of sexual immorality within the congregation. He emphasizes that this problem should not be overlooked or condoned, but rather deal
Stephen Kaung Leavening and Judging in Corinthians by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker discusses the doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees are known for their strict adherence to studying and following the Old Testamen
Stephen Kaung Corinthians: Discipline of the Christian by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of church discipline as a form of correction and guidance within the Christian community. He emphasizes that church discipline is
Jim Elliff (The Aggressive Holy Spirit) What Do You Do With Immorality? by Jim Elliff In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of maintaining the integrity of the church. He identifies five areas of sin that can threaten the integrity of the church: pers

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