Leviticus 20:19

19 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with the sister of either your mother or your father, for that would dishonor a close relative; both of you would be held responsible.

Images for Leviticus 20:19

Leviticus 20:19 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
19 And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.
English Standard Version (ESV)
19 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister or of your father's sister, for that is to make naked one's relative; they shall bear their iniquity.
New Living Translation (NLT)
19 “Do not have sexual relations with your aunt, whether your mother’s sister or your father’s sister. This would dishonor a close relative. Both parties are guilty and will be punished for their sin.
The Message Bible (MSG)
19 "Don't have sex with your aunt on either your mother's or father's side. That violates a close relative. Both of you are held responsible.
American Standard Version (ASV)
19 And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister; for he hath made naked his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
19 Never have sexual intercourse with your mother's sister or your father's sister. Whoever has sexual intercourse with a close relative must be punished.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
19 You must not have sexual intercourse with your mother's sister or your father's sister, for it is exposing one's own blood relative; both people will bear their punishment.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
19 " 'Do not have sex with the sister of either your mother or your father. That would bring shame on a close relative. Both of you would be held accountable for what you have done.

Leviticus 20:19 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 20:19

And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's
sister, nor of thy father's sister
An aunt either by mother or father's side, against which the law is, ( Leviticus 18:13 ) ; for he uncovereth his near kin;
as an aunt is to a man, and so an uncle to a woman, and both equally criminal; for it is a rule that holds good in all those cases, though not expressed, that what is binding upon one sex is upon the other, being in the same degree of relation, whether of consanguinity or affinity: they shall bear their iniquity;
"both" of them, as the Vulgate Latin version, the man and his aunt, and so a woman and her uncle; the guilt of their sin shall be upon them,
and the punishment of it be inflicted on them; either they should be cut off from their people, as before, or be childless, as in the following instances.

Leviticus 20:19 In-Context

17 “ ‘If a man marries his sister, the daughter of either his father or his mother, and they have sexual relations, it is a disgrace. They are to be publicly removed from their people. He has dishonored his sister and will be held responsible.
18 “ ‘If a man has sexual relations with a woman during her monthly period, he has exposed the source of her flow, and she has also uncovered it. Both of them are to be cut off from their people.
19 “ ‘Do not have sexual relations with the sister of either your mother or your father, for that would dishonor a close relative; both of you would be held responsible.
20 “ ‘If a man has sexual relations with his aunt, he has dishonored his uncle. They will be held responsible; they will die childless.
21 “ ‘If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity; he has dishonored his brother. They will be childless.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Leviticus 18:12; Leviticus 18:12-13
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