Deuteronomy 27:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 27:20
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.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 27 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, love, fellowship. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 27:20
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.
Analysis
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.
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).
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 22:30, Leviticus 18:8, 20:11, 1 Corinthians 5:1