Leviticus 18:9
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The verse explicitly includes half-sisters, clarifying that "sister" isn't just a full sibling. The phrase "whether born at home, or born abroad" emphasizes that the prohibition covers sisters born within the family unit as well as those born outside of it, like from a previous marriage of one parent. This broad scope shows God's intention to cover all forms of incest, not just the most obvious.
You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether brought up in the family or in another home.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a larger section in Leviticus detailing the sexual laws God gave to Israel, setting them apart from the surrounding nations like the Egyptians. Following commands against sexual relations with close relatives like a father, mother, or father's wife, this verse specifically forbids sexual relations with one's sister, clarifying that this includes half-sisters, whether they were raised in the same household or elsewhere. The context emphasizes the holiness required of Israel and the severe consequences for breaking these sacred boundaries.
When God forbids something, He’s crystal clear about what He means. This verse leaves no room for loopholes when it comes to family relationships.
This command doesn't just cover full sisters, sharing both parents. It extends to half-sisters – those related through either your father or your mother.
The Scope of the Law
The phrase 'daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother' makes it clear.
The phrase 'whether born at home, or born abroad' further emphasizes the breadth of this prohibition. It doesn't matter if the sister was raised in the same household or elsewhere, or even if the relationship was legitimate or illegitimate. The prohibition against uncovering their 'nakedness'—a biblical euphemism for sexual relations—remains absolute.
Why would God need to forbid something so seemingly obvious? This law speaks directly to the cultural norms of the ancient world and ours.
Ancient cultures, including those surrounding Israel, often had blurred lines regarding sexual relationships within families. Some nations practiced incestuous unions, even with full sisters, sometimes for political or perceived practical reasons.
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God's Distinct Standard
God established Israel as a people set apart. Their purity laws, including those concerning sexual relationships, were designed to distinguish them from the surrounding pagan nations with their often debauched practices.
This passage directly quotes and curses anyone who lies with their sister, emphasizing the severe consequences of violating the prohibition found in Leviticus 18:9.
2 Samuel 13:1-22The tragic story of Amnon and Tamar vividly illustrates the devastating consequences of incest, showing a brother forcing himself on his half-sister, which was a violation of the law given in Leviticus 18:9.
Ezekiel 22:10-11The prophet Ezekiel lists incestuous relationships, including lying with a father's or mother's sister, as sins that defiled the land of Israel, showing this prohibition was understood as a fundamental moral standard.
Genesis 20:11-13While Abraham's claim that Sarah was his sister (and she was his half-sister) presents a complex case from before the Law was given, it highlights the societal norms and potential for misunderstanding that necessitated clear prohibitions like Leviticus 18:9.
gillLeviticus 18:9: "The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover."
The nakedness of thy sister,.... To lie with one in so near a relation is exceeding criminal, and for which the law curses a man, Deuteronomy 27:22 ; and to marry her is not lawful; for though it was necessary for the propagation of mankind that a man should marry his sister, for who else could Cain and Ab…
bensonLeviticus 18:9: "The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover."
Leviticus 18:9 . Whether she be born at home, or born abroad — Whether she be legitimately born in wedlock, or illegitimately out of wedlock. Others explain it thus: “Whether she be thy sister by the same father, or by another marriage.”
The verse explicitly includes half-sisters, clarifying that "sister" isn't just a full sibling. The phrase "whether born at home, or born abroad" emphasizes that the prohibition covers sisters born within the family unit as well as those born outside of it, like from a previous marriage of one parent. This broad scope shows God's intention to cover all forms of incest, not just the most obvious.
This passage is part of a larger section in Leviticus detailing the sexual laws God gave to Israel, setting them apart from the surrounding nations like the Egyptians. Following commands against sexual relations with close relatives like a father, mother, or father's wife, this verse specifically forbids sexual relations with one's sister, clarifying that this includes half-sisters, whether they were raised in the same household or elsewhere. The context emphasizes the holiness required of Israel and the severe consequences for breaking these sacred boundaries.
This passage is part of a larger section in Leviticus detailing the sexual laws God gave to Israel, setting them apart from the surrounding nations like the Egyptians. Following commands against sexual relations with close relatives like a father, mother, or father's wife, this verse specifically forbids sexual relations with one's sister, clarifying that this includes half-sisters, whether they were raised in the same household or elsewhere. The context emphasizes the holiness required of Israel and the severe consequences for breaking these sacred boundaries.
"You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether brought up in the family or in another home." — The verse explicitly includes half-sisters, clarifying that "sister" isn't just a full sibling. The phrase "whether born at home, or born abroad" emphasizes that the prohibition covers sisters born w…
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Last reviewed October 2026
