Leviticus 20:21

What does Leviticus 20:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Leviticus 20:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And if a man shall take his brother’s wife, it is impurity: he hath uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And if a man shall take his brother’s wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And if a man shall take his brother’s wife, it is impurity: he hath uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And if a man takes his brother's wife, it is an unclean act; he has put shame on his brother; they will have no children.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And a man who taketh his brother's wife--it <FI>is<Fi> impurity; the nakedness of his brother he hath uncovered; childless they are.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He that marrieth his brother's wife, doth an unlawful thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness. They shall be without children.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And if a man take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness: they shall be childless.

Context

v.20And if a man shall lie with his uncle’s wife, he hath uncovered his uncle’s nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.

v.21This passage

v.22Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all mine ordinances, and do them; that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, vomit you not out.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 14:3

    For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.

  • Leviticus 18:16

    Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother’s wife: it is thy brother’s nakedness.

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