Deuteronomy 27:20
Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Original Language Analysis
שֹׁכֵב֙
be he that lieth
H7901
שֹׁכֵב֙
be he that lieth
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
2 of 13
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 13
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אָבִ֑יו
his father's
H1
אָבִ֑יו
his father's
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
5 of 13
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גִלָּ֖ה
because he uncovereth
H1540
גִלָּ֖ה
because he uncovereth
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
7 of 13
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
כְּנַ֣ף
skirt
H3671
כְּנַ֣ף
skirt
Strong's:
H3671
Word #:
8 of 13
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
אָבִ֑יו
his father's
H1
אָבִ֑יו
his father's
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
9 of 13
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 22:30A man shall not take his father's wife, nor discover his father's skirt.Leviticus 18:8The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father's nakedness.1 Corinthians 5:1It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.Leviticus 20:11And 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.
Historical Context
Canaanite religion incorporated ritual prostitution and fertility cults that blurred sexual boundaries. Ancient Near Eastern law codes (Hittite, Assyrian) addressed incest but often with surprising leniency compared to Israel's absolute prohibitions. Israel's strict sexual ethics testified to YHWH's moral character and created a distinct covenant community. The New Testament maintains these standards (1 Corinthians 5-6, Ephesians 5:3-5, Hebrews 13:4).
Questions for Reflection
- How does contemporary culture's sexual confusion parallel Canaanite boundary-breaking that these curses addressed?
- What does God's intense concern with sexual holiness throughout Scripture reveal about the connection between sexuality and covenant faithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife—This curse prohibits incest specifically with a stepmother, described euphemistically as he uncovereth his father's skirt (גִּלָּה כְנַף אָבִיו). The "skirt" or "wing" (kanaf) represents covering, protection, and marital authority (Ruth 3:9, Ezekiel 16:8). To uncover the father's skirt violates paternal honor and household boundaries.
Leviticus 18:8 and 20:11 explicitly prohibit this, prescribing the death penalty for both parties. This wasn't theoretical—Reuben committed this sin with Bilhah (Genesis 35:22, 49:4), losing his birthright. Paul confronted a case in Corinth (1 Corinthians 5:1-5), expressing shock that the church tolerated "such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles."
Sexual ethics ground covenant community health. The curses in verses 20-23 address various incestuous and bestiality sins, emphasizing that Israel's sexual standards must differ radically from Canaanite practices (Leviticus 18:24-30). Sexual purity isn't prudishness but covenant faithfulness reflecting God's holiness.