Leviticus 18:8

Translations

Modern

You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father.

Traditional

The nakedness of thy father’s wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father’s nakedness.

Literal

The nakedness of the wife of your father you shall not uncover; it is the nakedness of your father.

Latin

Turpitudinem uxoris patris tui non discooperies: turpitudo enim patris tui est.

Original

Hebrew

English

You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father.

Notes

Leviticus 18:7–8

expose the nakedness of your father: The Hebrew text equates having sexual relations with your mother or any of your father's wives to having sexual relations with him (compare Genesis 35:22; 49:4; see also 1 Corinthians 5:1). The husband and his wife "become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24; compare Ephesians 5:29). These commands always emphasize honoring your parents (Leviticus 20:9; Exodus 20:12). These commands extend to other family members (see also study note on Leviticus 20:17).

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes Family, Community, and Sexual Sin Holiness and Sexual Purity Holy War Human Sexuality

Related verses

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.
Deuteronomy 22:30
A man is not to marry his father’s wife, so that he will not dishonor his father’s marriage bed.
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.
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!’
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.
Genesis 49:4
Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it.
2 Samuel 16:21–22
Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.”
Genesis 35:22
While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons:
Ezekiel 22:10
In you they have uncovered the nakedness of their fathers; in you they violate women during their menstrual impurity.

Leviticus 18:8

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