Leviticus 18:16
Leviticus 18:16 in Multiple Translations
You must not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would shame your brother.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother’s wife: it is thy brother’s nakedness.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother’s wife: it is thy brother’s nakedness.
You may not have sex relations with your brother's wife, for she is your brother's.
Don't have sex with your brother's wife and bring shame on your brother.
Thou shalt not discouer the shame of thy brothers wife. for it is thy brothers shame.
'The nakedness of thy brother's wife thou dost not uncover; it [is] thy brother's nakedness.
“‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother’s wife. It is your brother’s nakedness.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it is thy brother's nakedness.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother’s wife: because it is the nakedness of thy brother.
“Do not have sex with your brother’s wife, because that would disgrace your brother.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 18:16
BAB
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.
Leviticus 18:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֶרְוַ֥ת
אֵֽשֶׁת
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
לֹ֣א
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
עֶרְוַ֥ת
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
הִֽוא
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs
אֵֽשֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
הִֽוא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 18:16
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.
אֵֽשֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
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.
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
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.
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.
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.
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
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.
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 18:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 18:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 18:16
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 18:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:16
- Sermons on Leviticus 18:16
Context — Unlawful Sexual Relations
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.
17You must not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter. You are not to marry her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter and have sexual relations with her. They are close relatives; it is depraved. 18You must not take your wife’s sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is still alive.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 25:5 | When brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her. |
| 2 | Leviticus 20:21 | If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they shall be childless. |
| 3 | Matthew 22:24 | “Teacher,” they said, “Moses declared that if a man dies without having children, his brother is to marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. |
| 4 | Mark 12:19 | “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. |
| 5 | Matthew 14:3–4 | Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” |
| 6 | Luke 3:19 | But when he rebuked Herod the tetrarch regarding his brother’s wife Herodias and all the evils he had done, |
| 7 | Mark 6:17 | For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married. |
Leviticus 18:16 Summary
This verse, Leviticus 18:16, teaches us that we should not have sexual relations with our brother's wife because it would shame our brother and go against God's will for us to respect and honor one another. This command is part of a larger section of the Bible that emphasizes the importance of respecting marriage and family relationships, as seen in verses like Ephesians 5:33 and 1 Peter 3:7. By following this command, we can work to maintain purity and integrity in our relationships and avoid causing harm or offense to others. We can apply this principle in our own lives by being mindful of how our actions may affect those around us and seeking to honor God in all our relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason given in Leviticus 18:16 for not having sexual relations with your brother's wife?
The main reason is that it would shame your brother, emphasizing the importance of respecting family relationships and avoiding actions that could cause harm or offense to others, as seen in similar commands such as Exodus 20:17 and Deuteronomy 5:21.
How does this verse relate to the concept of marriage and family in the Bible?
This verse highlights the sacredness of marriage and the importance of respecting the marriages of others, as taught in verses like Hebrews 13:4, which says that marriage is to be honored by all.
Is this command still relevant today, or was it only for the Old Testament Israelites?
While the specific context of this command was for the Israelites, the principle of respecting marriage and family relationships remains relevant today, as seen in New Testament teachings like 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7.
What are the consequences of disobeying this command?
Disobeying this command would not only shame the brother but could also lead to further family conflicts and damage to relationships, ultimately dishonoring God and going against His will for us to love and respect one another, as taught in Matthew 22:37-40.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of respecting my brother's marriage in my own relationships and interactions with my family members?
- In what ways can I work to maintain purity and integrity in my relationships, especially within my family and community?
- What are some potential consequences of ignoring or disobeying this command, and how can I avoid them in my own life?
- How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of honoring and respecting others, and what are some practical ways I can live this out in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:16
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife,.... Neither debauch her nor after the death of the brother marry her, that is, unless he dies without issue; and then, by another law, he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:16
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 18:16
Neither in his lifetime, nor after his death, and therefore a woman might not marry her husband’ s brother, nor might a man marry his wife’ s sister, either before or after his wife’ s death, for so all the prohibitions are to be understood; which will give light to . But God, who can undoubtedly dispense with his own laws, did afterwards make one exception to this rule, of which see .
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:16
Leviticus 18:16 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother’ s wife: it [is] thy brother’ s nakedness. Ver. 16. Brother’ s wife.] Except in that special case. This was Herod’ s sin and our Henry VIII’ s; whereupon was the divorce.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:16
(16) The nakedness of thy brother’s wife.—Though alliance with a brother’s wife is here forbidden—the prohibition, according to the administrators of the law during the second Temple, extending to illicit commerce or marriage in case she is divorced from her husband during the lifetime of her husband—and though the offenders are threatened with the curse of childlessness (see Leviticus 20:21), yet the law on this point is by no means absolute. Under certain conditions the law enjoins it as a moral and civil duty for a man to marry his brother’s widow. If a brother dies without issue, it is incumbent upon each surviving brother in succession to marry the widow, and if the brother-in-law refused to perform the sacred duty, the widow made him pass through a ceremony in which she heaped upon him the greatest indignity. This clearly shows that the prohibition here could not be based upon the ground of incest, since that which is inherently incestuous the Divine law itself would under no circumstances have set aside. This duty the surviving brother-in-law had to perform to the widows of as many of his brothers as happened to die without issue. A striking illustration of this fact occurred whilst Jehudah the Holy was president of the Sanhedrin. Twelve widows appealed to their brother-in-law to perform the duty of Levir. He refused to marry them because he saw no prospect how to maintain such an additional number of wives, and possibly a large increase of children. The case came before the President of the Sanhedrin, who not only decided that he must marry them all, but promised that if he would do the duty enjoined upon him by the Law of Moses, he himself would maintain the family, and their children in case there should be any, every Sabbatical year, when no produce was got from the land, which was at rest. The offer was accepted by the Levir, and he accordingly married his twelve sisters-in-law.
After three years these twelve wives appeared with thirty-six children before Jehudah the Holy, to claim the promised alimony, as it was the Sabbatical year, and they actually obtained it. To this day this law is in force among the orthodox Jews. When a man dies without issue, the widow ipso facto belongs to the surviving brother, and she is not allowed to marry any one else unless her brother-in-law has gone through the ceremony of publicly renouncing her, which is tantamount to a divorce. This will explain the rendering of the clause before us in the ancient Chaldee Version, “thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother’s wife in the lifetime of thy brother or after his death if he has children.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 18:16
Verse 16. Thy brother's wife] This was an illegal marriage, unless the brother died childless. In that case it was not only lawful for her to marry her brother-in-law, but he was obliged by the law, Deuteronomy 25:5, to take her to wife.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 18:16
Thy brother’s wife - That is, if she had children. See Deuteronomy 25:5. The law here expressed was broken by Antipas in his connection with Herodias Matthew 14:3-4.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:16
16. Brother’s wife — This is supposed to refer either to a brother’s widow who has children, or to a woman put away from the brother by divorce, whose bill of divorcement permitted her to “go and be
Sermons on Leviticus 18:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Ruth by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the relationship between the Church and Israel from the perspective of the bride. He emphasizes the importance of the Church being a woman of |
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Old Testament Survey - Part 23 by Dick Woodward | This sermon delves into the Book of Deuteronomy, focusing on Moses' sermons to the people of God before entering Canaan. It emphasizes responding to God's grace with obedience and |
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Ruth From "The Numerical Bible" by F.W. Grant | F. W. Grant preaches on the Book of Ruth, highlighting the historical context during the times of the judges and its connection to David and the kingdom. The story shows how God's |
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Day 156, Luke 20 by David Servant | David Servant discusses the spiritual insight of common folks in Jesus' time compared to the Jewish religious leaders, emphasizing the importance of genuine love for God and others |
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The Cry of the Spirit by Smith Wigglesworth | Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the profound impact of John the Baptist's ministry, highlighting how his humble beginnings and the 'cry of the Spirit' resonated deeply with the peopl |
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The Loss When a Soul Is Lost by Charles Finney | The preacher emphasizes the importance of believers putting aside their old ways and sinful behaviors, urging them to cease doing what they are accustomed to and to throw off these |
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2 Peter 1:16 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes that the apostles did not follow cleverly devised fables but instead proclaimed the truth of Christ's power and coming based on their firsthand experiences and |