Leviticus 20:21
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The phrase "uncovered his brother's nakedness" isn't just a euphemism for sexual sin; it highlights the profound violation of intimacy and familial boundaries. This act is described as an "impurity," literally meaning a "separation," indicating it contaminates not just the individuals but their entire family lineage and relationship with God.
If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is impurity. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes amidst a series of laws outlining severe punishments for various sexual sins, emphasizing the need for holiness within the community. It specifically addresses the transgression of marrying a brother's wife while he is still alive, a practice forbidden elsewhere in Leviticus, with a specific exception provided later in Deuteronomy for childless widows. The consequence for this forbidden union is the couple being childless, signifying a removal from the continuity of family and lineage.
This verse uses a phrase that sounds shocking: 'uncovered his brother's nakedness.' What does this intense language reveal about the gravity of this sin?
The phrase 'uncovered his brother's nakedness' is a powerful metaphor in Leviticus. It’s not just about sexual sin in general, but specifically about violating familial boundaries and disgracing someone within your own family unit.
The consequence here is stark: 'they shall be childless.' Why would God link this particular sin to a lack of offspring?
In the ancient Near East, lineage and family continuation were incredibly important. Having children was often seen as a sign of God's blessing and favor.
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Understand the original words
niddah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to moral or ritual defilement that separates a person or object from the holiness of God, often resulting from sexual transgression or neglect of cultic laws.
ervah · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew idiom referring to sexual intercourse; uncovering nakedness is a euphemism for sexual intimacy, and when forbidden, it denotes incestuous or prohibited relationships.
This passage provides a specific exception to the general prohibition, outlining the law of levirate marriage where a brother was obligated to marry his deceased brother's childless widow to continue his family line. Leviticus 20:21 addresses the broader sin of taking a brother's wife outside of this specific redemptive context.
Leviticus 18:16This verse is directly referenced by the context of Leviticus 20:21, as it also prohibits a man from marrying his brother's wife, calling it an 'unclean thing'. Leviticus 20:21 further elaborates on the severe consequence of violating this command.
2 Samuel 3:7This passage shows a real-life consequence of violating such relational boundaries when David confronted Abner for taking one of Saul's concubines. It highlights the deep offense and violation of family honor inherent in such unions.
1 Corinthians 5:1-5In the New Testament, Paul addresses a similar issue of incest within the Corinthian church, emphasizing the severe spiritual impurity and the need for the community to expel such sin. This shows the enduring principle of maintaining holiness in God's people.
ellicottLeviticus 20:21: "And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless."
(21) His brother’s wife. —See Leviticus 18:16 .
gillLeviticus 20:21: "And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless."
And if a man shall take his brother's wife,.... To his wife, whether in his life, as the Targum of Jonathan adds, or whether after his death, unless when there is no issue, then he was obliged to it by another law, Deuteronomy 25:5 ; which is now ceased, and the law in Leviticus 18:16 ; here referred to, stands clear of all exceptions: it is…
The phrase "uncovered his brother's nakedness" isn't just a euphemism for sexual sin; it highlights the profound violation of intimacy and familial boundaries. This act is described as an "impurity," literally meaning a "separation," indicating it contaminates not just the individuals but their entire family lineage and relationship with God.
This passage comes amidst a series of laws outlining severe punishments for various sexual sins, emphasizing the need for holiness within the community. It specifically addresses the transgression of marrying a brother's wife while he is still alive, a practice forbidden elsewhere in Leviticus, with a specific exception provided later in Deuteronomy for childless widows. The consequence for this forbidden union is the couple being childless, signifying a removal from the continuity of family and lineage.
This passage comes amidst a series of laws outlining severe punishments for various sexual sins, emphasizing the need for holiness within the community. It specifically addresses the transgression of marrying a brother's wife while he is still alive, a practice forbidden elsewhere in Leviticus, with a specific exception provided later in Deuteronomy for childless widows. The consequence for this forbidden union is the couple being childless, signifying a removal from the continuity of family and lineage.
"If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is impurity. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless." — The phrase "uncovered his brother's nakedness" isn't just a euphemism for sexual sin; it highlights the profound violation of intimacy and familial boundaries. This act is described as an "impurity,"…
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Last reviewed October 2026
