Leviticus 20:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And if a man shall take his sister, his father's daughter, or his mother's daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it is a wicked thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of their people: he hath uncovered his sister's nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Incest between siblings is wicked; both are cut off from the community and bear their iniquity.
The Context of Leviticus 20:17
Incest between siblings results in being cut off from the community.
What Does Leviticus 20:17 Mean?
A brother uncovering his sister's nakedness—taking her as a sexual partner—violates the bond of siblinghood and natural family order. The mutual awareness ('she see his nakedness') shows willing participation, and both bear responsibility for the transgression.
Rather than execution, the penalty is being cut off from the community: they are expelled from the people and bear the shame and consequence of their iniquity. This violation strikes at the closest family bonds and corrupts the household from within.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 20:17
What does Leviticus 20:17 mean?
Incest between siblings is wicked; both are cut off from the community and bear their iniquity.
What is the context of Leviticus 20:17?
Incest between siblings results in being cut off from the community.