Leviticus 18:14
Leviticus 18:14 in Multiple Translations
You must not dishonor your father’s brother by approaching his wife to have sexual relations with her; she is your aunt.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt.
You may not have sex relations with the wife of your father's brother, for she is of your family;
Don't bring shame on your uncle by having sex with his wife. She is your aunt.
Thou shalt not vncouer the shame of thy fathers brother: that is, thou shalt not goe in to his wife, for she is thine aunte.
'The nakedness of thy father's brother thou dost not uncover; unto his wife thou dost not draw near; she [is] thine aunt.
“‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s brother. You shall not approach his wife. She is your aunt.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thy aunt.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s brother: neither shalt thou approach to his wife, who is joined to thee by affinity.
“Do not disgrace your ◄uncle/father’s brother► by having sex with his wife, because she is your aunt.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 18:14
BAB
Word Study
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Leviticus 18:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֶרְוַ֥ת
אֲחִֽי
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
לֹ֣א
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
אֶל
אִשְׁתּ/וֹ֙
לֹ֣א
תִקְרָ֔ב
דֹּדָֽתְ/ךָ֖
הִֽוא
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs
אֲחִֽי
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אִשְׁתּ/וֹ֙
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִקְרָ֔ב
qârab
H7126
to present
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
דֹּדָֽתְ/ךָ֖
dôwdâh
H1733
aunt
N-fs | Suff
הִֽוא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 18:14
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
"nakedness"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for nakedness, implying shame or exposure. It appears in Genesis 9:22 and Leviticus 18:6, often warning against improper behavior. This concept is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:14.
Definition: 1) nakedness, nudity, shame, pudenda 1a) pudenda (implying shameful exposure) 1b) nakedness of a thing, indecency, improper behaviour 1c) exposed, undefended (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: ar.vah (עַרְוָה "dishonor" H6173)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: nakedness, shame, unclean(-ness). See also: Genesis 9:22; Leviticus 20:11; Isaiah 20:4.
אֲחִֽי
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אִשְׁתּ/וֹ֙
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִקְרָ֔ב
qârab
H7126
"to present"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
דֹּדָֽתְ/ךָ֖
dôwdâh
H1733
"aunt"
N-fs | Suff
This word means 'aunt', referring to the sister of one's father or the wife of one's uncle.
Definition: aunt
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: aunt, father's sister, uncle's wife. See also: Exodus 6:20; Leviticus 18:14; Leviticus 20:20.
הִֽוא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Leviticus 18:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 18:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:14
Context — Unlawful Sexual Relations
12You must not have sexual relations with your father’s sister; she is your father’s close relative.
13You must not have sexual relations with your mother’s sister, for she is your mother’s close relative.
14You must not dishonor your father’s brother by approaching his wife to have sexual relations with her; she is your aunt.
15You must not have sexual relations with your daughter-in-law. She is your son’s wife; you are not to have sexual relations with her. 16You must not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would shame your brother.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 20:20 | If a man lies with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered the nakedness of his uncle. They will bear their sin; they shall die childless. |
Leviticus 18:14 Summary
Leviticus 18:14 teaches us that it is not right to have a romantic or sexual relationship with our aunt, because this would be a dishonorable act towards our father's brother. This command is part of God's design to help us maintain respect and purity in our family relationships, as seen in other scriptures such as Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:2-3. By obeying this command, we can show respect for our family members and for God's plan for human relationships, as taught in Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:4-6. We should strive to honor our family members and maintain purity in all our relationships, as this brings glory to God and reflects His love and character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main command in Leviticus 18:14?
The main command in Leviticus 18:14 is to not have sexual relations with one's aunt, as this is considered a dishonorable act towards one's father's brother, as seen in the context of Leviticus 18:12-13 and supported by other scriptures such as Deuteronomy 27:20 and Ezekiel 22:11.
Why is it important to obey this command?
Obedience to this command is important because it helps maintain family integrity and respect for authority, as taught in Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:2-3, and also reflects a heart that seeks to honor God and His design for human relationships.
How does this verse relate to other biblical teachings on marriage and family?
This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus 18 that outlines laws regarding marriage and family, and it is consistent with other biblical teachings such as those found in Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6, and 1 Corinthians 5:1-2, which emphasize the importance of maintaining purity and respect within family relationships.
What are the consequences of disobeying this command?
Disobeying this command can lead to spiritual and relational consequences, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 and 2 Samuel 13:1-33, where familial relationships are damaged and God's judgment is invoked, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's laws for our own well-being and for the well-being of those around us.
Reflection Questions
- How can I honor my father's brother and his wife in a way that reflects God's design for family relationships?
- What are some ways that I can maintain purity and respect in my relationships with extended family members, as commanded in Leviticus 18:14 and supported by other scriptures such as Proverbs 5:15-20 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7?
- In what ways can I seek to understand and apply the biblical teachings on marriage and family, including those found in Leviticus 18:14, to my own life and relationships?
- How can I balance the need to respect authority and maintain family integrity with the need to speak out against sin and wrongdoing, as seen in scripture such as Matthew 18:15 and Galatians 6:1?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:14
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's brother,.... Which Gersom understands of committing sodomy with him, on which account he was doubly guilty, partly because of lying with a male,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:14
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she is thy father's near kinswoman. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:14
Of thy father’ s brother, i.e. of his wife, as the next words explain it. And as a man may not marry his aunt, so neither may a woman marry her uncle, there being altogether the same distance in kindred, and the selfsame reason of the law. And for the examples of Abraham, Amram, Othniel, &c., to the contrary, they were before the publication of this law, by which it pleased God to restrain the liberty allowed formerly, when the holy seed was in a narrower compass, and fewer persons, which altered the case. For in that regard there was a time when God allowed brethren and sisters to marry, to wit, when there were no other in the world, which was the case of Adam’ s immediate children. We learn from hence that the same degrees are forbidden in consanguinity or kindred by blood, and in affinity or kindred by marriage. She is thine aunt: some infer from hence that it is unlawful for cousin-germans, or the children of brethren and sisters, to marry. But there is not the same reason, nor the same degree of distance, for my uncle or aunt are nearer akin to me than their children are. Yet because it seems doubtful to many, and may hereafter prove occasion of grievous perplexities of mind, especially to tender and scrupulous consciences, Christian prudence directs us to choose the safest way, there being so great a latitude of unquestionable persons.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:14
Leviticus 18:14 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’ s brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she [is] thine aunt. Ver. 14. Of thy father’ s brother.] The nakedness of whose wife is called his nakedness, because man and wife are one flesh.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:14
(14) Thy father’s brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife.—That is, according to the ancient legal interpretation, a nephew is to have no commerce with her during her husband’s lifetime, nor marry her when his uncle is dead. Those who transgressed this law had not only to bear their sin, but were doomed to die without issue. (See Leviticus 20:20.)