Deuteronomy 27:20

Cursed be hee that lieth with his fathers wife, because he vncouereth his fathers skirt: and all the people shall say, Amen. Deuteronomy 27:20 (KJV)

Cursed

be he that lieth with his father’s wife; because he uncovereth his father’s skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deuteronomy 27:20 (KJV)

Deuteronomy 27:20 belongs to a larger passage in which Moses addresses the Israelites concerning the blessings and curses that accompany obedience or disobedience to God’s commandments. In this section Moses pronounces a specific curse on a man who lies with his father’s wife, an act that the text declares cursed and that the whole community affirms with “Amen.”

Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Old Testament, records Moses’ final speeches to the people before they cross into the Promised Land. The book collects laws, covenant reminders, and historical reflections intended to shape the nation’s identity and fidelity to God.

The moral and ethical implications of this verse are clear. It underscores the importance of sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage by condemning incestuous relations that violate the family bond. The prohibition highlights fidelity, respect, and the preservation of family structure.

Culturally, the relationship between a man and his father’s wife was a profound taboo in the ancient Near East. Such a breach was seen as an affront to family honor, the sacredness of marriage, and the divinely ordered hierarchy of relationships. Comparable prohibitions appear in other ancient legal codes, reflecting a common understanding of the gravity of the offense.

Biblically, the command aligns with the broader incest prohibitions found in Leviticus 18:8 and Leviticus 20:11. While distinct from the seventh commandment—“Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14)—it reinforces the overarching biblical concern for sexual morality and the protection of family integrity.

The relevance of this warning extends beyond its ancient setting. It reminds contemporary believers of the timeless principle that sexual conduct should honor marriage, uphold family relationships, and reflect God’s design for human sexuality. Maintaining purity and respect within the family remains a vital expression of obedience to God’s covenant.

In conclusion, Deuteronomy 27:20 delivers a strong prohibition against incestuous relations, calling the community to uphold sexual purity, marital fidelity, and familial honor as essential components of a life devoted to God.