What does Leviticus 18:11 mean?
"The nakedness of thy father's wife's daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness." - Leviticus 18:11

Leviticus 18:11 (KJV) states, "The nakedness of thy father's wife's daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness." This verse is found in the book of Leviticus, which is the third book of the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament. It is a critical part of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Pentateuch.
This verse addresses the forbidden sexual relationships that were imposed upon the Israelites. It prohibits a man from engaging in sexual relations with his half-sister, the daughter of his father's wife, whether she was born of his father or not. The verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining the sanctity of familial relationships and the moral code within the community.
In order to understand the deeper meaning of this verse, it is important to explore its broader context within the book of Leviticus. This verse is part of a larger section known as the Holiness Code, which outlines various laws and practices that are meant to set the Israelites apart as a holy and distinct people. The laws in Leviticus 18 are specifically related to sexual morality, and they aim to preserve the sanctity of human relationships and honor God's plan for sexuality.
In the broader context of ancient Israelite society, familial relationships and the preservation of family lines were of utmost importance. The prohibition against incestuous relationships served to protect the family structure and integrity. It also upheld the dignity and honor of each family member, maintaining the purity of the family lineage. By reiterating this law, the Israelites were reminded of the sacredness of their family ties and the need to preserve their moral and ethical standards in all aspects of life.
Furthermore, within the Old Testament, the concept of nakedness often symbolizes vulnerability, shame, and exposure. The verse highlights the importance of maintaining personal boundaries and respecting the dignity of others, particularly within the context of intimate relationships. It serves as a reminder to the Israelites to honor and protect the privacy and virtue of their family members, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalized.
From a theological perspective, Leviticus 18:11 also points to the overarching theme of holiness and obedience to God's commands. The Holiness Code, which includes this verse, emphasizes the importance of living a life that is set apart and consecrated to God. By adhering to the laws outlined in Leviticus, the Israelites were called to reflect the moral character of God and live in a way that honored Him. This verse, therefore, serves as a moral and ethical guideline for the Israelites, reflecting God's desire for purity and righteousness in their lives.
In a modern context, Leviticus 18:11 continues to carry relevance as it provides timeless principles for moral conduct and familial relationships. It serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting boundaries and upholding the sanctity of family ties. It also underscores the significance of maintaining moral purity and honoring God's design for human relationships.
In conclusion, Leviticus 18:11 conveys a profound message about the sanctity of familial relationships, the importance of maintaining moral purity, and the pursuit of holiness in obedience to God's commands. It speaks to the timeless values of respect, honor, and dignity within the context of personal and familial relationships, as well as the broader significance of following God's moral standards. Ultimately, this verse serves as a call to uphold the sacredness of human relationships and to live in accordance with God's moral and ethical guidelines.
Have questions about Leviticus 18:11?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Leviticus 18:11 Artwork
"The nakedness of thy father's wife's daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness." - Leviticus 18:11
Leviticus 11:18 - "And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle,"
"And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle," - Leviticus 11:18
Leviticus 11:22
Leviticus 18:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Leviticus 18:22 - "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."
Leviticus 11:17 - "And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl,"
Leviticus 11:14 - "And the vulture, and the kite after his kind;"
Leviticus 11:15 - "Every raven after his kind;"
Leviticus 18:18 - "Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time."
Leviticus 13:18 - "¶ The flesh also, in which, even in the skin thereof, was a boil, and is healed,"
Leviticus 24:18 - "And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast."
Leviticus 11:30 - "And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole."
Leviticus 18:16 - "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it is thy brother's nakedness."
Leviticus 11:19 - "And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat."
Leviticus 18:8 - "The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father's nakedness."
1 tim 1:8
Exodus 27:1-8
Leviticus 9:11 - "And the flesh and the hide he burnt with fire without the camp."
Leviticus 18:20 - "Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her."
Leviticus 11:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,"
Leviticus 11:16 - "And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,"
Leviticus 18:2 - "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God."
"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," - Leviticus 18:1
Leviticus 18:12 - "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she is thy father's near kinswoman."
Leviticus 18:27 - "(For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;)"
Leviticus 18:13 - "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister: for she is thy mother's near kinswoman."
Leviticus 11:41 - "And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten."
Leviticus 19:11 - "¶ Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another."
Leviticus 7:11 - "And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD."