Leviticus 20:21
Leviticus 20:21 in Multiple Translations
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.
And if a man shall take his brother’s wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless.
And if a man shall take his brother’s wife, it is impurity: he hath uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless.
And if a man takes his brother's wife, it is an unclean act; he has put shame on his brother; they will have no children.
A man who marries his brother's wife does something that is unclean. He has brought shame on his brother; the couple will have no children.
So the man that taketh his brothers wife, committeth filthines, because he hath vncouered his brothers shame: they shalbe childles.
'And a man who taketh his brother's wife — it [is] impurity; the nakedness of his brother he hath uncovered; childless they are.
“‘If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is an impurity. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They shall be childless.
And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless.
He that marrieth his brother’s wife, doth an unlawful thing, he hath uncovered his brother’s nakedness: they shall be without children.
‘If a man marries his brother’s wife while his brother is still living, that is disgraceful. He has dishonored his brother; and they both will die without having any children.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 20:21
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 20:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֗ישׁ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
יִקַּ֛ח
אֶת
אֵ֥שֶׁת
אָחִ֖י/ו
נִדָּ֣ה
הִ֑וא
עֶרְוַ֥ת
אָחִ֛י/ו
גִּלָּ֖ה
עֲרִירִ֥ים
יִהְיֽוּ
וְ/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִקַּ֛ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֵ֥שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
אָחִ֖י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
נִדָּ֣ה
niddâh
H5079
impurity
N-fs
הִ֑וא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs
אָחִ֛י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
גִּלָּ֖ה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
עֲרִירִ֥ים
ʻărîyrîy
H6185
childless
Adj
יִהְיֽוּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 20:21
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.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
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.
יִקַּ֛ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֵ֥שֶׁת
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/ו
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.
נִדָּ֣ה
niddâh
H5079
"impurity"
N-fs
Impurity, which can refer to ceremonial uncleanness, such as menstruation, or moral corruption, like idolatry, as discussed in Leviticus.
Definition: 1) impurity, filthiness, menstruous, set apart 1a) impurity 1a1) of ceremonial impurity 1a2) of menstruation 1b) impure thing (fig.) 1b1) of idolatry, immorality
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] far, filthiness, [idiom] flowers, menstruous (woman), put apart, [idiom] removed (woman), separation, set apart, unclean(-ness, thing, with filthiness). See also: Leviticus 12:2; Numbers 19:20; Zechariah 13:1.
הִ֑וא
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.
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.
אָחִ֛י/ו
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.
גִּלָּ֖ה
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.
עֲרִירִ֥ים
ʻărîyrîy
H6185
"childless"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means being childless or without kids. It describes someone who is bare or destitute of children, like Hannah in 1 Samuel 1. This word is used to show a person's emotional pain.
Definition: stripped, childless, bare of children
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: childless. See also: Genesis 15:2; Leviticus 20:21; Jeremiah 22:30.
יִהְיֽוּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
Study Notes — Leviticus 20:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 20:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 20:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:21
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:21
- Sermons on Leviticus 20:21
Context — Punishments for Sexual Immorality
19You must not have sexual relations with the sister of your mother or your father, for it is exposing one’s own kin; both shall bear their iniquity.
20If 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.
21If 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.
22You are therefore to keep all My statutes and ordinances, so that the land where I am bringing you to live will not vomit you out. 23You must not follow the statutes of the nations I am driving out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 18:16 | You must not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would shame your brother. |
| 2 | 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.” |
Leviticus 20:21 Summary
This verse is saying that it's not okay for a man to marry his brother's wife, because it's like uncovering his brother's private life, which is not respectful or pure. This is still important for Christians today, because we are called to live lives of purity and holiness, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7. We can apply this principle by being careful about the relationships we pursue and prioritizing respect and boundaries in our interactions with others, as seen in Genesis 2:24 and Ephesians 5:31. By doing so, we can live lives that are pleasing to God and reflect the beauty of His design for marriage and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the penalty of being childless in Leviticus 20:21?
The penalty of being childless is a result of the act of impurity and the uncovering of a brother's nakedness, which is a violation of God's laws and statutes, as seen in Leviticus 20:21 and also in Leviticus 18:6-18 where God sets boundaries for family relationships.
How does this verse relate to the concept of marriage and family in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of respecting family relationships and boundaries, as emphasized in Leviticus 18:6-18, and also reflects the biblical concept of marriage as a sacred institution, as seen in Genesis 2:24 and Ephesians 5:31.
Is this verse still relevant for Christians today, or is it only an Old Testament law?
While the specific penalty of being childless may not be directly applicable to Christians today, the underlying principles of respecting family relationships and boundaries, as well as the importance of purity and holiness, are still relevant and emphasized in the New Testament, such as in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7.
What is the significance of the phrase 'he has uncovered the nakedness of his brother' in this verse?
This phrase is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of sexual relations, and is used to emphasize the seriousness of the offense, as seen in Leviticus 18:6-18, where God sets boundaries for family relationships and emphasizes the importance of respecting the intimacy and vulnerability of family members.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principles of respecting family relationships and boundaries in my own life, and what are some potential consequences of not doing so?
- What are some ways that I can prioritize purity and holiness in my relationships, and how can I seek accountability and support in this area?
- How can I balance the importance of family relationships with the need to prioritize my relationship with God, and what are some biblical examples of people who have navigated this balance successfully?
- What are some cultural or societal pressures that may encourage me to compromise on the principles outlined in this verse, and how can I resist those pressures and stay faithful to God's Word?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:21
And if a man shall take his brother's wife,.... To his wife, whether in his life, as the Targum of Jonathan adds, or whether after his death, unless when there is no issue, then he was obliged to it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:21
And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 20:21
Except in the case allowed by God, . An unclean thing; an abominable thing, like the uncleanness of a menstruous woman, which is oft expressed by this word: Heb. a separation or removing, i.e. a thing deserving separation or exclusion from society with others; or a thing to be removed out of sight or out of the world.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:21
Leviticus 20:21 And if a man shall take his brother’ s wife, it [is] an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother’ s nakedness; they shall be childless.Ver. 21. They shall be childless.] Either barren or bereft; for this is a sin, saith Job, that roots out all a man’ s increase. Hence that of Hosea, They shall commit whoredom, velo iepparedu, they shall not increase. Pered is a mule, which is a beast very libidinous, but begetting nothing. Solomon had many concubines, yet but one son and two daughters. So had our Henry VIII. He had uncovered his brother’ s nakedness, and was well-nigh childless by her. Afterwards he married many wives, and was blameworthy for women, but left no more children than Solomon did. More happy he was in them than Solomon; for he had Rehoboam, a man neither wise nor fortunate, as they call it: his daughters but obscure, and both of them subjects. But Henry had a peerless prince to his son, viz., Edward VI, and his two daughters were both sovereigns of an imperial crown.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:21
(21) His brother’s wife.—See Leviticus 18:16.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:21
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 20:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |