Old Testament
Leviticus 20:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"If a man sleeps with his daughter-in-law, both of them must be put to death. What they have done is a perversion. They are responsible for their own deaths.
Compare translations
And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.
What Leviticus 20:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse addresses a specific sexual sin involving a man and his daughter-in-law, declaring that both parties are to be put to death. The term 'perversion' indicates that this act is seen as morally and socially unacceptable, causing confusion and disorder within the family structure. The punishment reflects the seriousness of the offense in the context of ancient Israelite law, emphasizing the need for maintaining purity and order in familial relationships. The phrase 'their blood shall be upon them' suggests that they are responsible for their actions and the consequences that follow. This law serves to protect the sanctity of family and community, highlighting the importance of adhering to moral standards as defined by the covenant community.
How to apply Leviticus 20:12 to your life
While this specific law is not applicable today, it reminds us of the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships. We should strive to uphold moral integrity and respect within our families, recognizing the impact of our actions on others.
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 Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. 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.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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 20:12
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 20:12
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 20:12 mean?
Leviticus 20:12 states that if a man has sexual relations with his daughter-in-law, both must be put to death. This reflects the seriousness of the act, which is considered a moral perversion that disrupts family order.
What is the significance of 'perversion' in Leviticus 20:12?
The term 'perversion' in Leviticus 20:12 indicates that the act of a man sleeping with his daughter-in-law is seen as morally unacceptable and socially disruptive, highlighting the importance of maintaining proper family relationships.
What does 'their blood shall be upon them' mean in Leviticus 20:12?
The phrase 'their blood shall be upon them' in Leviticus 20:12 means that the individuals involved are responsible for their actions and the consequences that result from them, emphasizing personal accountability.
How does Leviticus 20:12 apply to modern relationships?
While Leviticus 20:12 is not applicable today, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries and moral integrity in relationships to prevent confusion and disorder.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.