Leviticus 20:17-21

Why are the stated consequences not all identical?

Berean Standard Bible

17 If a man marries his sister, whether the daughter of his father or of his mother, and they have sexual relations, it is a disgrace. They must be cut off in the sight of their people. He has uncovered the nakedness of his sister; he shall bear his iniquity. 18 If a man lies with a menstruating woman and has sexual relations with her, he has exposed the source of her flow, and she has uncovered the source of her blood. Both of them must be cut off from among their people. 19 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. 20 If a man lies with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered the nakedness of his uncle. They will bear their sin; they shall die childless. 21 If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they shall be childless.

What is the context?

The chapter continues with a sister, intercourse during menstruation, an aunt, an uncle’s wife, and a brother’s wife. It speaks of being cut off, bearing guilt, and dying childless. The text distinguishes the consequences rather than giving one identical sentence for every case.

The childlessness statements are judgments attached to particular prohibited relationships. They do not say that anyone without children must have committed such an offense. Reversing the statement would accuse people of something the passage has not established.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley discusses different possible ways the childlessness judgment might occur and again notes the particular deceased-brother exception in Deuteronomy 25. The USCCB notes distinguish these cases and their penalties within the chapter. The actual wording establishes the stated judgment; it does not describe a detailed mechanism for every family’s future.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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