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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 20 - Verse 11

20:11
And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

Meaning

According to this verse from the Book of Leviticus in the Bible, it is a grave sin for a man to engage in sexual activity with his father's wife. In this context, the act is seen as dishonoring and disrespecting the father, as it is akin to uncovering his nakedness. The punishment outlined in the verse is severe: both the man and the woman involved in this forbidden relationship are to be put to death. This harsh penalty highlights the seriousness of the offense in the eyes of the ancient Israelites. The notion of blood being upon them signifies that they are accountable for their actions and must face the consequences of their disobedience to God's laws. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding moral standards and respecting familial relationships in the eyes of God.

Theological Overview

This verse, found in Leviticus 20:11, addresses the sin of incest, specifically a man engaging in a sexual relationship with his father's wife. The phrase "uncovered his father's nakedness" is a metaphorical way of describing the sexual act, as the nakedness of a person was considered private and sacred. In the ancient Hebrew culture, this act was seen as a severe violation of family and societal norms, bringing shame and dishonor upon the family. The prescribed punishment for such an offense was death for both parties involved, emphasizing the gravity of the sin in the eyes of God. The phrase "their blood shall be upon them" signifies that the responsibility for this sin rests solely on the individuals who committed it, thus highlighting the importance of personal accountability in the context of religious laws. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding moral standards and respecting the sanctity of family relationships in the eyes of God.

American Standard Version

And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
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