Leviticus 18:7
Leviticus 18:7 in Multiple Translations
You must not expose the nakedness of your father by having sexual relations with your mother. She is your mother; you must not have sexual relations with her.
The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
The nakedness of thy father, even the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
You may not have sex relations with your father or your mother: she is your mother, you may not take her.
Don't shame your father by having sex with your mother. She is your mother; don't have sex with her.
Thou shalt not vncouer the shame of thy father, nor the shame of thy mother: for she is thy mother, thou shalt not discouer her shame.
'The nakedness of thy father and the nakedness of thy mother thou dost not uncover, she [is] thy mother; thou dost not uncover her nakedness.
“‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, nor the nakedness of your mother: she is your mother. You shall not uncover her nakedness.
The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother: she is thy mother, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
“Do not disgrace your father by having sex with your mother [DOU].
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 18:7
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 18:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֶרְוַ֥ת
אָבִ֛י/ךָ
וְ/עֶרְוַ֥ת
אִמְּ/ךָ֖
לֹ֣א
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
אִמְּ/ךָ֣
הִ֔וא
לֹ֥א
תְגַלֶּ֖ה
עֶרְוָתָֽ/הּ
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs
אָבִ֛י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וְ/עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
Conj | N-fs
אִמְּ/ךָ֖
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
אִמְּ/ךָ֣
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | Suff
הִ֔וא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תְגַלֶּ֖ה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
עֶרְוָתָֽ/הּ
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 18:7
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.
אָבִ֛י/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.
וְ/עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
"nakedness"
Conj | 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.
אִמְּ/ךָ֖
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
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.
אִמְּ/ךָ֣
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
הִ֔וא
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.
לֹ֥א
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.
תְגַלֶּ֖ה
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.
עֶרְוָתָֽ/הּ
ʻervâh
H6172
"nakedness"
N-fs | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Leviticus 18:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 18:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:7
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 18:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:7
- Sermons on Leviticus 18:7
Context — Unlawful Sexual Relations
5Keep My statutes and My judgments, for the man who does these things will live by them. I am the LORD.
6None of you are to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD.
7You must not expose the nakedness of your father by having sexual relations with your mother. She is your mother; you must not have sexual relations with her.
8You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father. 9You must not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 22:10 | In you they have uncovered the nakedness of their fathers; in you they violate women during their menstrual impurity. |
| 3 | Leviticus 18:8–16 | You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father. You must not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere. You must not have sexual relations with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter, for that would shame your family. You must not have sexual relations with the daughter of your father’s wife, born to your father; she is your sister. You must not have sexual relations with your father’s sister; she is your father’s close relative. You must not have sexual relations with your mother’s sister, for she is your mother’s close relative. You must not dishonor your father’s brother by approaching his wife to have sexual relations with her; she is your aunt. You 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. You must not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would shame your brother. |
| 4 | Leviticus 20:14 | If a man marries both a woman and her mother, it is depraved. Both he and they must be burned in the fire, so that there will be no depravity among you. |
Leviticus 18:7 Summary
This verse is saying that it's not okay to have a sexual relationship with your mother, because she is your mother and deserves your respect. This is a part of honoring your parents, as commanded in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16. Having a sexual relationship with a family member, like a mother, would be a big mistake and would hurt the people you love. We should try to be pure and holy, like God says in Leviticus 19:2, and respect the boundaries that He has set for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'expose the nakedness' of someone in Leviticus 18:7?
To 'expose the nakedness' of someone in this context means to have sexual relations with them, as seen in the context of Leviticus 18:6, where God prohibits approaching any close relative for sexual relations, and also in Leviticus 20:11, where it specifically mentions a man who lies with his father's wife, which is a similar concept.
Is this verse only talking about a biological mother, or can it refer to a stepmother or adoptive mother as well?
While the verse specifically mentions 'your mother', the principle can be applied to any woman who has a motherly role in one's life, as seen in other scriptures such as Deuteronomy 27:20, which prohibits having sexual relations with one's father's wife, even if she is not one's biological mother.
How does this verse relate to the command to honor one's parents, as seen in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16?
This verse is actually a part of honoring one's parents, as it prohibits any action that would bring shame or dishonor to them, such as having sexual relations with one's mother, which would be a grave violation of the trust and respect that a child should have for their parents.
What is the significance of God repeating 'I am the LORD' throughout Leviticus 18?
God repeats 'I am the LORD' to emphasize His authority and sovereignty over His people, reminding them that these commands are not just suggestions, but are rooted in His holy and righteous nature, as seen in Leviticus 18:5 and Leviticus 18:6, where He says 'I am the LORD' to introduce and conclude the list of prohibited sexual relations.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can honor my parents and respect their authority, as commanded in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16?
- How can I apply the principle of not 'exposing the nakedness' of someone to my own relationships, whether familial or otherwise?
- What are some cultural or societal pressures that may try to convince me that certain types of sexual relations are acceptable, and how can I resist those pressures and stay true to God's Word?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a commitment to purity and holiness in my own life, as called for in Leviticus 19:2 and 1 Peter 1:15-16?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:7
The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shall thou not uncover,.... By uncovering a father's nakedness is not meant anything similar to what befell Noah, which Ham beheld with
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:7
The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:7
Of thy father, or of thy mother, Heb. and of thy mother, put for that is, or to wit, as it is oft used. Here it notes that the nakedness of the father, and the nakedness of the mother, are one and the same thing, because they two are one flesh, and therefore her nakedness is his also; which further appears, because the mother only is mentioned in the following words, which contain the reason of the law. She is thy mother; and therefore even nature teacheth thee to abhor such incest. Yet the Persians used to marry their mother; therein worse than the very camels, whom no force will drive to that act with their dams.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:7
Leviticus 18:7 The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she [is] thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.Ver. 7. She is thy mother.] And so it is against nature to lie carnally with her. Aristotle tells of a camel that killed his keeper for causing him to cover his dam, and of a horse that cast himself down headlong after he had done the like. Hist. Animal., lib. ix. cap. 47.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:7
(7) The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother.—The rendering of the Authorised Version is based upon the interpretation which obtained during the second Temple, according to which this injunction is addressed both to the daughter and the son. The daughter must not marry or have commerce with the father, nor the son with the mother. Hence the Chaldee Version of Jonathan translates it “the woman shall not lie with her father, and the man shall not lie with his mother.” Accordingly the case here contemplated is that of Lot’s daughters (Genesis 19:31-38). This passage may, however, be translated literally, the nakedness of thy father, and the nakedness of thy mother shalt thou not uncover. That is, they being both one flesh, the nakedness of the one is the nakedness of the other. Amongst the Persians and other eastern nations, marriage between son and mother was allowed.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 18:7
Or - It might be rendered “and”, or rather, even; that is, which belongs to both parents as being “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24; compare Leviticus 18:8, Leviticus 18:14). These prohibitions are addressed to men.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:7
7. Nakedness of thy father — Here the “father” is grammatically the possessor.
Sermons on Leviticus 18:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Parent Abuse Faith Bible Church 28 by Daniel Peters | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of showing proper honor to parents. It is divided into four sections: the security that God provided to the people after the worldwid |