The verse prohibits incest to preserve the sanctity of both family relationships and society as a whole.
“If there is a man who lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death; they have committed incest, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.” (v.12) This verse stands within the wider context of Leviticus’ holiness code, a set of commands given to the nation of Israel under the leadership of Moses around 1440 BC, during the time they journeyed from Egypt to the land God had promised them. Here, the text addresses a prohibited sexual relationship specifically between a man and his daughter-in-law, condemning it in the strongest possible terms. The severity of the penalty points to the gravity of preserving holiness within the community and protecting familial boundaries, which were foundational to Israel’s covenant relationship with God.
By stating “they have committed incest” (v.12), the passage underscores why such relationships are outside the bounds of God’s design. It emphasizes the destructive potential that arises from violating familial roles. This command also serves to protect the sanctity of marriage and guard future generations from confusion and brokenness within family structures. Elsewhere in Scripture, sexual immorality is repeatedly addressed as a threat to the spiritual health of God’s people (1 Corinthians 6:18). The immediate penalty under the Old Testament law reflects God’s concern for rooting out corruption from within the community.
In the broader biblical narrative, these regulations prepared Israel to be a holy people set apart for God’s purposes. Jesus in the New Testament likewise affirms marital integrity and the importance of sexual purity (Matthew 5:27-28). Though these Old Testament legal punishments are not enforced in the same way under the New Covenant, the principle of holiness remains a central theme, where believers are called to honor God and one another within marital contexts. Ultimately, these laws highlight the seriousness of sin and point humanity’s need toward redemption and grace through Christ.
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Leviticus 20:12 meaning
“If there is a man who lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death; they have committed incest, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.” (v.12) This verse stands within the wider context of Leviticus’ holiness code, a set of commands given to the nation of Israel under the leadership of Moses around 1440 BC, during the time they journeyed from Egypt to the land God had promised them. Here, the text addresses a prohibited sexual relationship specifically between a man and his daughter-in-law, condemning it in the strongest possible terms. The severity of the penalty points to the gravity of preserving holiness within the community and protecting familial boundaries, which were foundational to Israel’s covenant relationship with God.
By stating “they have committed incest” (v.12), the passage underscores why such relationships are outside the bounds of God’s design. It emphasizes the destructive potential that arises from violating familial roles. This command also serves to protect the sanctity of marriage and guard future generations from confusion and brokenness within family structures. Elsewhere in Scripture, sexual immorality is repeatedly addressed as a threat to the spiritual health of God’s people (1 Corinthians 6:18). The immediate penalty under the Old Testament law reflects God’s concern for rooting out corruption from within the community.
In the broader biblical narrative, these regulations prepared Israel to be a holy people set apart for God’s purposes. Jesus in the New Testament likewise affirms marital integrity and the importance of sexual purity (Matthew 5:27-28). Though these Old Testament legal punishments are not enforced in the same way under the New Covenant, the principle of holiness remains a central theme, where believers are called to honor God and one another within marital contexts. Ultimately, these laws highlight the seriousness of sin and point humanity’s need toward redemption and grace through Christ.