Leviticus 20:11
Leviticus 20:11 in Multiple Translations
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.
And the man that lieth with his father’s wife hath uncovered his father’s nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
And the man that lieth with his father’s wife hath uncovered his father’s nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
And the man who has sex relations with his father's wife has put shame on his father: the two of them are to be put to death; their blood will be on them.
A man who has sex with his father's wife has brought shame on his father. Both the man and the woman must be executed. Both must surely be put to death; they bear the responsibility for their punishment.
And the man that lyeth with his fathers wife, because hee hath vncouered his fathers shame, they shall both dye: their blood shalbe vpon them.
'And a man who lieth with his father's wife — the nakedness of his father he hath uncovered — both of them are certainly put to death; their blood [is] on them.
“‘The man who lies with his father’s wife has uncovered his father’s nakedness. Both of them shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon themselves.
And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness; both of them shall surely be put to death: their blood shall be upon them.
If a man lie with his stepmother, and discover the nakedness of his father, let them both be put to death: their blood be upon them.
‘If a man has sex with [EUP] one of his father’s wives, he has disgraced his father. So both that man and that woman must be executed, they will be responsible for their own deaths [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 20:11
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 20:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֗ישׁ
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
יִשְׁכַּב֙
אֶת
אֵ֣שֶׁת
אָבִ֔י/ו
עֶרְוַ֥ת
אָבִ֖י/ו
גִּלָּ֑ה
מֽוֹת
יוּמְת֥וּ
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֖ם
דְּמֵי/הֶ֥ם
בָּֽ/ם
וְ/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִשְׁכַּב֙
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
אֵ֣שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
אָבִ֔י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs
אָבִ֖י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
גִּלָּ֑ה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
מֽוֹת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Ptc
יוּמְת֥וּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hophal-Imperf-3mp
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֖ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj | Suff
דְּמֵי/הֶ֥ם
dâm
H1818
blood
N-mp | Suff
בָּֽ/ם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 20:11
וְ/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִשְׁכַּב֙
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אֵ֣שֶׁת
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.
אָבִ֔י/ו
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.
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.
אָבִ֖י/ו
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.
גִּלָּ֑ה
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
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.
מֽוֹת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
יוּמְת֥וּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֖ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
דְּמֵי/הֶ֥ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-mp | Suff
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
בָּֽ/ם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Leviticus 20:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 20:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:11
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:11
- Sermons on Leviticus 20:11
Context — Punishments for Sexual Immorality
9If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death. He has cursed his father or mother; his blood shall be upon him.
10If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death.
11If 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.
12If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both must surely be put to death. They have acted perversely; their blood is upon them. 13If a man lies with a man as with a woman, they have both committed an abomination. They must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (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 | Deuteronomy 27:23 | ‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his mother-in-law.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 3 | Amos 2:7 | They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the earth; they push the needy out of their way. A man and his father have relations with the same girl and so profane My holy name. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Leviticus 18:7–8 | 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. You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father. |
Leviticus 20:11 Summary
Leviticus 20:11 teaches us that having sexual relations with a parent's spouse is a very serious sin against God and the family. This act is considered a violation of the family bond and is punishable by death in the context of the Old Testament laws. In simpler terms, it means that such actions are deeply offensive to God because they disrupt the respect and trust that should exist within families (as seen in the fifth commandment, Exodus 20:12). Today, while the punishments may differ, the importance of respecting family relationships and maintaining sexual purity remains a crucial part of living a life that honors God, as reinforced by teachings in the New Testament like 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of 'uncovering his father's nakedness' in Leviticus 20:11?
This phrase is a euphemism for sexual relations, similar to other instances in the Bible such as Leviticus 18:8 and Deuteronomy 22:30, where it emphasizes the intimate and private nature of the relationship being violated.
Why does the Bible prescribe death as the punishment for this sin?
The severity of the punishment reflects the gravity of the sin, as seen in other verses like Leviticus 20:10 and 13, highlighting God's holiness and the importance of maintaining moral boundaries within families and society.
How does this verse relate to the concept of honor and respect for parents?
This commandment is closely tied to the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16), which instructs children to honor their parents, indicating that disrespect and disobedience, especially in such a profound manner as described in Leviticus 20:11, are severely condemned by God.
Is this law still applicable today?
While the specific legal punishments may not apply in the same way under the New Covenant (as discussed in Romans 6:14 and Galatians 3:24-25), the moral principles behind the law, including the importance of sexual purity and respect for family relationships, remain relevant and are reinforced by teachings in the New Testament, such as 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 and Ephesians 6:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- How can I ensure that my actions honor my parents and respect the boundaries God has set for family relationships?
- In what ways can I uphold the moral principles of this verse in my own life, considering the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments?
- What does this verse teach about God's view of sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage, and how can I apply these principles in my own relationships?
- How does the concept of 'their blood is upon them' from Leviticus 20:11 relate to personal responsibility and accountability before God, as also seen in Ezekiel 18:4 and Romans 6:23?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:11
And the man that lieth with his father's wife,.... Whether she be his mother, or another woman, as the Targum of Jonathan; that is, whether she is his own mother, or a stepmother, or whether he did
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:11
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. Sanctify yourselves ... and be ye holy.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:11
Leviticus 20:11 And the man that lieth with his father’ s wife hath uncovered his father’ s nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them. Ver. 11-14. See on Leviticus 18:1-30.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:11
(11) His father’s wife.—Here the penalty is enacted for the sin prohibited in Leviticus 18:8.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:11
10–21. Directions on the whole similar to those of Lev 18:6-20; Leviticus 18:22-23, but adding penalties for transgression.
Sermons on Leviticus 20:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
(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 |
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
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(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 |