Leviticus 20:17

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.

Leviticus 20:17 (KJV)

Context

Leviticus is part of the Old Testament law that God gave to Israel through Moses. Chapter 20 gathers laws about sexual morality and the punishments for breaking them. These rules were meant to keep God’s people holy and distinct from the nations around them.

Meaning

This verse forbids a man from having sexual relations with his sister, whether she is his father’s daughter or his mother’s daughter. The phrase “see her nakedness” is a Hebrew way of speaking about sexual intercourse. The act is called “a wicked thing,” showing that it is a serious moral offense, not a private matter.

The punishment is that both the man and his sister “shall be cut off in the sight of their people.” This means they were to be publicly removed from the community, either by exile or by death. The man “shall bear his iniquity,” meaning he carries personal guilt and responsibility for his sin.

Biblical connections

Leviticus 18:9 also prohibits uncovering the nakedness of a sister, which shows that God repeated this command to emphasize its importance. In the New Testament, Jesus taught about purity of heart and faithfulness in marriage (Matthew 5:27-28, Matthew 19:4-6). The apostle Paul also addressed sexual immorality and even a case of incest in the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 5:1-5, 1 Corinthians 6:18). These passages confirm that God’s standard for sexual purity continues into the New Covenant.

Application

Although the civil penalties of the Old Testament are not applied to Christians today, the underlying principles remain. Sexual purity, respect for family boundaries, and the sanctity of marriage are still God’s will for His people. Incest is universally recognized as harmful and is prohibited in most societies, reflecting the natural law that God has written on human hearts.

This verse also teaches that sexual sin is not merely private. It affects the whole community and requires accountability. Believers are called to live in a way that honors God and protects the integrity of the family.

Reflection

God’s laws in Leviticus reveal His holiness and His care for human relationships. They show that He sets boundaries to protect people from harm. When we read this verse, we are reminded of the seriousness of sexual sin and the need for repentance.

Under the New Covenant, Christ fulfills the law and offers forgiveness and cleansing to those who turn from sin. This does not make sin less serious, but it gives hope. Through faith in Jesus, believers can receive mercy and the power to live in purity. The same God who gave this law is the God who redeems and restores.