Old Testament
Leviticus 18:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You must not have sexual relations with your father's sister. She is your father's close relative.
Compare translations
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s sister: she is thy father’s near kinswoman.
What Leviticus 18:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 18:12, the commandment prohibits sexual relations with one's father's sister, highlighting the importance of maintaining family boundaries and respecting close relatives. This law is part of a broader set of guidelines aimed at promoting moral conduct and protecting family integrity. The term "uncover the nakedness" is a euphemism for engaging in sexual activity, indicating that such relationships are considered inappropriate and sinful. The verse emphasizes the significance of familial relationships and the need to avoid actions that could lead to familial discord or moral corruption. By establishing these boundaries, the text seeks to foster a community that honors family ties and upholds ethical standards. This commandment reflects the cultural context of ancient Israel, where family lineage and purity were highly valued. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting familial relationships and adhering to moral laws that govern personal conduct.
How to apply Leviticus 18:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to respect family relationships and maintain appropriate boundaries. In modern contexts, it reminds us to be mindful of our actions and their impact on family dynamics. Upholding ethical standards in relationships fosters trust and harmony within families.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 18:12
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 18:12
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 18:12 mean?
Leviticus 18:12 prohibits sexual relations with one's father's sister, emphasizing the importance of maintaining family boundaries and respecting close relatives. This commandment is part of a larger set of laws aimed at promoting moral conduct and protecting family integrity.
What is the meaning of 'uncover the nakedness' in Leviticus 18:12?
In Leviticus 18:12, 'uncover the nakedness' is a euphemism for engaging in sexual activity. The phrase indicates that such relationships with close relatives are considered inappropriate and sinful.
Why is Leviticus 18:12 important?
Leviticus 18:12 is important because it establishes clear boundaries regarding sexual conduct within families. It reflects the cultural values of ancient Israel, where family lineage and purity were highly regarded.
How can we apply Leviticus 18:12 today?
We can apply Leviticus 18:12 today by respecting family relationships and maintaining appropriate boundaries. This verse encourages us to be mindful of our actions and their potential impact on family dynamics.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.