Leviticus 20:19
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This prohibition isn't just about a specific forbidden act, but about the degree of violation: it's about "making naked one's relative," a phrase emphasizing the profound betrayal of intimacy and closeness. This reveals that the holiness God calls us to extends not just to avoiding outward sin, but to protecting the sacredness of family bonds.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage continues a series of prohibitions against sexual relations within certain family ties, building on the laws found earlier in Leviticus 18. The verses immediately preceding this one specifically address adultery and incest with a daughter-in-law or a daughter, emphasizing the serious consequences. This verse then extends the prohibition to include aunts, reinforcing the boundaries of permissible relationships and the concept that such acts are a violation of one's own family connections.
The Bible lays out clear boundaries for family relationships, and Leviticus 20:19 is a stark reminder. What makes 'near kin' so sensitive in God's eyes?
This verse prohibits sexual relations with an aunt (mother's sister or father's sister). The reason given is crucial: 'for that is to make naked one’s relative.' This phrase isn't just about physical exposure; it speaks to a profound violation of trust and intimacy within the closest family circles. God designed family relationships to be safe havens of love and support, not sources of exploitation or shame. By detailing these specific prohibitions, God was establishing a holy community where familial bonds were protected and honored, reflecting His own desire for pure relationships within His people.
This prohibition extends to both sexes, meaning a man is forbidden from having relations with his aunt, and a woman with her uncle. It's about protecting the sacredness of familial closeness.
The verse concludes with a serious pronouncement: 'they shall bear their iniquity.' What does this mean for those who cross these sacred boundaries?
The phrase 'bear their iniquity' is a recurring theme in Leviticus, and it carries significant weight. It signifies accountability before God for sin. This isn't a light matter; it means facing the consequences, which could range from social repercussions to divine judgment. The text here implies that the individuals involved are fully responsible for their actions and will be held accountable for violating the sacredness of their familial relationships.
This concept underscores that God's commands are not suggestions. They are divine instructions for living in a way that honors Him and protects His people. When these boundaries are crossed, the consequence is bearing the 'iniquity' – the guilt and the penalty – of that sin.
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This verse directly precedes Leviticus 20:19 and provides the foundational prohibition against sexual relations with one's aunt, setting the stage for the penal consequence mentioned in our verse.
Leviticus 18:6This verse establishes the overarching principle that no one should approach a close relative for sexual immorality, of which the specific prohibitions in Leviticus 20:19 are examples.
1 Corinthians 5:1The Apostle Paul addresses a similar situation of severe sexual immorality within the church, highlighting that such practices are not even tolerated among the Gentiles and are a cause for serious judgment and cleansing.
Genesis 38:26When Judah recognizes the rings and staff, he exclaims 'She is more righteous than I,' acknowledging his sin in not giving her to his son Shelah, implicitly recognizing the wrongness of his actions that bordered on incestuous relationships.
pooleLeviticus 20:19: "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."
No text from Poole on this verse.
gillLeviticus 20:19: "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."
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…
This prohibition isn't just about a specific forbidden act, but about the degree of violation: it's about "making naked one's relative," a phrase emphasizing the profound betrayal of intimacy and closeness. This reveals that the holiness God calls us to extends not just to avoiding outward sin, but to protecting the sacredness of family bonds.
This passage continues a series of prohibitions against sexual relations within certain family ties, building on the laws found earlier in Leviticus 18. The verses immediately preceding this one specifically address adultery and incest with a daughter-in-law or a daughter, emphasizing the serious consequences. This verse then extends the prohibition to include aunts, reinforcing the boundaries of permissible relationships and the concept that such acts are a violation of one's own family connections.
This passage continues a series of prohibitions against sexual relations within certain family ties, building on the laws found earlier in Leviticus 18. The verses immediately preceding this one specifically address adultery and incest with a daughter-in-law or a daughter, emphasizing the serious consequences. This verse then extends the prohibition to include aunts, reinforcing the boundaries of permissible relationships and the concept that such acts are a violation of one's own family connections.
"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." — This prohibition isn't just about a specific forbidden act, but about the degree of violation: it's about "making naked one's relative," a phrase emphasizing the profound betrayal of intimacy and c…
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Last reviewed October 2026
