And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister, nor of thy father’s sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.
Parallel translations
- WEB “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother’s sister, nor of your father’s sister; for he has made his close relative naked. They shall bear their iniquity.
- BSB You must not have sexual relations with the sister of your mother or your father, for it is exposing one’s own kin; both shall bear their iniquity.
- NKJV ‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother’s sister nor of your father’s sister, for that would uncover his near of kin. They shall bear their guilt.
- NASB You shall also not uncover the nakedness of your mother’s sister or of your father’s sister, for such a one has uncovered his blood relative; they will bear their guilt.
- NLT “Do not have sexual relations with your aunt, whether your mother’s sister or your father’s sister. This would dishonor a close relative. Both parties are guilty and will be punished for their sin.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Relations with an aunt, whether the mother's or father's sister, are forbidden, and the guilty bear their iniquity. Close blood relatives are not to be sexual partners.
Overview
This reaffirms the incest prohibitions of chapter 18, here within the section of penalties. Uncovering the nakedness of a near relative dishonors the family God established. The phrase 'they shall bear their iniquity' marks personal responsibility for the sin, underscoring the holiness expected within Israelite households.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 3
- Lev 18:6None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD.
- Lev 18:12–30Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s sister: she is thy father’s near kinswoman.
- Exod 6:20And Amram took him Jochebed his father’s sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years.
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Every sacrifice, every priest, and every day of atonement points beyond itself to the one perfect offering and the great High Priest who, by his own blood, makes the unclean holy once for all.
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Original language
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