Leviticus 18:15

Authorized King James Version

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Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

Original Language Analysis

עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃ her nakedness H6172
עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃ her nakedness
Strong's: H6172
Word #: 1 of 10
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
כַּלָּֽתְךָ֖ of thy daughter in law H3618
כַּלָּֽתְךָ֖ of thy daughter in law
Strong's: H3618
Word #: 2 of 10
a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תְגַלֶּ֖ה Thou shalt not uncover H1540
תְגַלֶּ֖ה Thou shalt not uncover
Strong's: H1540
Word #: 4 of 10
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
אֵ֤שֶׁת wife H802
אֵ֤שֶׁת wife
Strong's: H802
Word #: 5 of 10
a woman
בִּנְךָ֙ she is thy son's H1121
בִּנְךָ֙ she is thy son's
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 6 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הִ֔וא H1931
הִ֔וא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 7 of 10
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 8 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תְגַלֶּ֖ה Thou shalt not uncover H1540
תְגַלֶּ֖ה Thou shalt not uncover
Strong's: H1540
Word #: 9 of 10
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃ her nakedness H6172
עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃ her nakedness
Strong's: H6172
Word #: 10 of 10
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

Analysis & Commentary

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

This verse falls within the section on Unlawful Sexual Relations. Prohibitions against various sexual sins, distinguishing Israel from Canaanite practices and protecting family sanctity.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

Historical Context

Prohibitions against various sexual sins, distinguishing Israel from Canaanite practices and protecting family sanctity. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Questions for Reflection

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