Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “’If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity; he has dishonored his brother. They will be childless. New Living Translation “If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity. He has violated his brother, and the guilty couple will remain childless. English Standard Version If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is impurity. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless. Berean Standard Bible If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they shall be childless. Berean Literal Bible And a man, if he takes the wife of his brother, it is an unclean thing. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother. They shall be childless. King James Bible 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. New King James Version If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is an unclean thing. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They shall be childless. New American Standard Bible If there is a man who takes his brother’s wife, it is detestable; he has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They will be childless. NASB 1995 If there is a man who takes his brother’s wife, it is abhorrent; he has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They will be childless. NASB 1977 ‘If there is a man who takes his brother’s wife, it is abhorrent; he has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They shall be childless. Legacy Standard Bible If there is a man who takes his brother’s wife, it is an impure act; he has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They will be childless. Amplified Bible If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is a hated and unclean thing; he has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They will be childless. Berean Annotated Bible If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they shall be childless. Christian Standard Bible If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is impurity. He has violated the intimacy that belongs to his brother; they will be childless. Holman Christian Standard Bible If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is impurity. He has shamed his brother; they will be childless.” American Standard Version And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is impurity: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless. Contemporary English Version And if you marry your sister-in-law, neither of you will ever have any children. English Revised Version And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is impurity: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless. GOD'S WORD® Translation Whoever marries his brother's wife violates his brother's marriage and does an unclean thing. That man and woman will have no children. Good News Translation If a man takes his brother's wife, they will die childless. He has done a ritually unclean thing and has disgraced his brother. International Standard Version "If a man takes his brother's wife, it's immoral. He has exposed his brother's nakedness. They'll be childless." NET Bible If a man has sexual intercourse with his brother's wife, it is indecency. He has exposed his brother's nakedness; they will be childless. New Heart English Bible "'If a man takes his brother's wife, it is an impurity: he has uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they shall be childless. World English Bible “‘If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is an impurity. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They shall be childless. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd a man who takes his brother’s wife—it [is] impurity; he has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they are childless. Berean Literal Bible And a man, if he takes the wife of his brother, it is an unclean thing. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother. They shall be childless. Young's Literal Translation And a man who taketh his brother's wife -- it is impurity; the nakedness of his brother he hath uncovered; childless they are. Smith's Literal Translation And a man who shall take his brother's wife, it is uncleanness: he uncovered his brother's nakedness: they shall die childless. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe that marrieth his brother's wife, doth an unlawful thing, he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness: they shall be without children. Catholic Public Domain Version Whoever will have married his brother’s wife has done an unlawful thing; he has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They shall be without children. New American Bible If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is severe defilement and he has disgraced his brother; they shall be childless. New Revised Standard Version If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is impurity; he has uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an iniquity, for he has uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And a man who will take the wife of his brother exposes him because he uncovers the nakedness of his brother; they shall be without children. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is impurity: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless. Brenton Septuagint Translation Whoever shall take his brother's wife, it is uncleanness; he has uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall die childless. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Punishments for Sexual Immorality…20If a man lies with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered the nakedness of his uncle. They will bear their sin; they shall die childless. 21If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they shall be childless. Cross References If a man marries his brother’s wife, Deuteronomy 25:5-6 When brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her. / The first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel. Matthew 22:24-26 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses declared that if a man dies without having children, his brother is to marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died without having children. So he left his wife to his brother. / The same thing happened to the second and third brothers, down to the seventh. Ruth 4:5-10 Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi and also from Ruth the Moabitess, you must also acquire the widow of the deceased in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.” / The kinsman-redeemer replied, “I cannot redeem it myself, or I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I cannot redeem it.” / Now in former times in Israel, concerning the redemption or exchange of property, to make any matter legally binding a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party, and this was a confirmation in Israel. … it is an act of impurity. Leviticus 18:24-25 Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. / Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants. Ezekiel 22:11 One man commits an abomination with his neighbor’s wife; another wickedly defiles his daughter-in-law; and yet another violates his sister, his own father’s daughter. 1 Corinthians 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; Leviticus 18:16 You must not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would shame your brother. Mark 6:18 For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!” Matthew 14:4 because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” they shall be childless. Genesis 38:8-10 Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife. Perform your duty as her brother-in-law and raise up offspring for your brother.” / But Onan knew that the offspring would not belong to him; so whenever he would sleep with his brother’s wife, he would spill his seed on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother. / What he did was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He put Onan to death as well. Jeremiah 22:30 This is what the LORD says: “Enroll this man as childless, a man who will not prosper in his lifetime. None of his descendants will prosper to sit on the throne of David or to rule again in Judah.” Job 18:19 He has no offspring or posterity among his people, no survivor where he once lived. Deuteronomy 27:23 ‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his mother-in-law.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ Matthew 14:3-4 Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, / because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Mark 6:17-18 For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married. / For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Treasury of Scripture And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he has uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless. his brother's Leviticus 18:16 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it is thy brother's nakedness. Matthew 14:3,4 For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife… an unclean thing [heb] a separation Jump to Previous Abhorrent Act Brother's Childless Children Dishonored Impurity Marries Nakedness Shame Unclean Uncovered WifeJump to Next Abhorrent Act Brother's Childless Children Dishonored Impurity Marries Nakedness Shame Unclean Uncovered WifeLeviticus 20 1. Of him who gives his seed to Moloch4. Of him who favors such an one 6. Of going to wizards 7. Of sanctification 9. Of him who curses his parents 11. Of incest 13. Of sodomy 15. Of bestiality 18. Of uncleanness 22. Obedience is required with holiness 27. Wizards must be put to death If a man marries his brother’s wife This phrase addresses a specific prohibition in the Mosaic Law. The cultural and historical context of ancient Israel placed a strong emphasis on family lineage and inheritance. Marrying a brother's wife was generally forbidden, except in the case of levirate marriage, where a brother was required to marry his deceased brother's widow to produce offspring in his brother's name (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). This law in Leviticus, however, refers to a situation where the brother is still alive, thus making the act unlawful. This prohibition underscores the importance of maintaining family boundaries and the sanctity of marriage. it is an act of impurity He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother they shall be childless Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites. 2. Israelites The chosen people of God, to whom the laws in Leviticus were given as part of their covenant relationship with Him. 3. Canaan The land where the Israelites were headed, which had practices that God wanted them to avoid, including those related to marriage and family. 4. Brother's Wife The specific relationship mentioned in this verse, highlighting the importance of family integrity and purity. 5. God The ultimate lawgiver, whose holiness and standards are reflected in the laws given to the Israelites. Teaching Points Understanding God's HolinessGod's laws reflect His holy nature and His desire for His people to be set apart from the surrounding nations. The Importance of Family Integrity The prohibition against marrying a brother's wife underscores the value God places on family relationships and the need to honor them. Consequences of Disobedience The warning of childlessness serves as a reminder that disobedience to God's commands can lead to serious consequences. Contextual Application While the specific law may not apply directly today, the principle of maintaining purity and honoring family relationships remains relevant. Respecting God's Design for Marriage This passage encourages believers to respect and uphold God's design for marriage as a sacred covenant. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 20:21?2. How does Leviticus 20:21 emphasize the importance of respecting familial boundaries today? 3. What consequences are described in Leviticus 20:21 for marrying a brother's wife? 4. How does Leviticus 20:21 relate to the broader context of Levitical laws? 5. Why is it important to uphold God's design for marriage in our lives? 6. How can we apply the principles of Leviticus 20:21 in modern relationships? 7. What does Leviticus 20:21 reveal about God's view on familial relationships? 8. How does Leviticus 20:21 align with the broader moral teachings of the Bible? 9. Why was the prohibition in Leviticus 20:21 significant in ancient Israelite society? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 20? 11. What does 'uncover the nakedness' mean in the Bible? 12. Why were the Canaanites cursed with enslavement? 13. What does 'ceremonially unclean' mean? 14. What does Leviticus 18:22 mean about male relations? What Does Leviticus 20:21 Mean If a man marries his brother’s wife• God’s design for marriage is one man and one woman who are not near relatives (Genesis 2:24; Leviticus 18:6). • Taking a living brother’s wife oversteps a God-drawn family boundary laid out earlier: “You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother’s wife” (Leviticus 18:16). • The only exception—levirate marriage—applied only after a brother died childless (Deuteronomy 25:5-6). In that case the act preserved the deceased brother’s line, not personal desire. • Herod Antipas ignored this law when he took Herodias, his brother’s wife, and John the Baptist openly condemned him (Mark 6:17-18), illustrating the continuing relevance of the command. it is an act of impurity • “Impurity” describes what is morally and ceremonially unclean before God (Leviticus 18:24-25). • Such unions defile both people involved and pollute the covenant community (Leviticus 20:14). • Paul picks up the same theme in 1 Corinthians 5:1, calling out a man who violated similar family boundaries. • God labels the act, not merely the feelings, as impure—showing that moral standards are objective, not situational. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother • In Scripture, “uncovering nakedness” is a polite way to speak of sexual relations (Leviticus 18:7-18). • The phrase stresses that marrying a brother’s wife is not just about the woman; it is a direct offense against the brother himself. • The brother’s marital rights and dignity are violated, paralleling how Ham dishonored Noah by exposing his father’s nakedness (Genesis 9:22-23). • God guards family relationships so that love and trust flourish without confusion or rivalry. they shall be childless • The penalty is severe: God promises to cut off the line that results from this forbidden union (Leviticus 20:20). • “Childless” can mean literal barrenness or early death of any offspring, preventing the couple from establishing a family legacy. • Michal, who despised David, illustrates divine judgment in childlessness (2 Samuel 6:23), echoing this principle. • The loss underscores how seriously God treats marital purity; fertility is a blessing, and its removal signals His displeasure (Deuteronomy 28:18). summary Leviticus 20:21 plainly forbids a man to marry his brother’s wife while the brother lives. God calls the act impure, explains that it violates the brother’s rightful intimacy, and warns that the couple will end without children. The verse upholds God’s protective boundaries for family, highlights the moral seriousness of sexual sin, and reminds us that blessings like offspring rest in His hands. (21) His brother's wife.--See Leviticus 18:16.Hebrew If a manוְאִ֗ישׁ (wə·’îš) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person marries יִקַּ֛ח (yiq·qaḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take his brother’s אָחִ֖יו (’ā·ḥîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) wife, אֵ֥שֶׁת (’ê·šeṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female it הִ֑וא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are is an act of impurity. נִדָּ֣ה (nid·dāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5079: Rejection, impurity, personal, moral He has uncovered גִּלָּ֖ה (gil·lāh) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1540: To denude, to exile, to reveal the nakedness עֶרְוַ֥ת (‘er·waṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 6172: Nakedness of his brother; אָחִ֛יו (’ā·ḥîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) they shall be יִהְיֽוּ׃ (yih·yū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be childless. עֲרִירִ֥ים (‘ă·rî·rîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 6185: Bare, destitute Links Leviticus 20:21 NIVLeviticus 20:21 NLT Leviticus 20:21 ESV Leviticus 20:21 NASB Leviticus 20:21 KJV Leviticus 20:21 BibleApps.com Leviticus 20:21 Biblia Paralela Leviticus 20:21 Chinese Bible Leviticus 20:21 French Bible Leviticus 20:21 Catholic Bible OT Law: Leviticus 20:21 If a man takes his brother's wife (Le Lv Lev.) |
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