Deuteronomy 27:20

20 ¹“‘Cursed be anyone who lies with his father’s wife, because he has ²uncovered his father’s nakedness. ’ ^[a] And all the people shall say, ‘Amen. ’

Deuteronomy 27:20 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 27:20

Cursed [be] he that lieth with his father's wife
As Reuben did, and which is forbidden ( Leviticus 18:8 ) ; because he uncovereth his father's skirt;
see ( Deuteronomy 22:30 ) ; and all the people shall say Amen;
the tribe of Reuben said this as well as the rest.

Deuteronomy 27:20 In-Context

18 “‘Cursed be anyone who misleads a blind man on the road. ’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen. ’

19 “‘Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. ’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen. ’

20 “‘Cursed be anyone who lies with his father’s wife, because he has uncovered his father’s nakedness. ’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen. ’

21 “‘Cursed be anyone who lies with any kind of animal. ’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen. ’

22 “‘Cursed be anyone who lies with his sister, whether the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother. ’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen. ’

Cross References

• 1. 27:20 See Lev. 18:8
• 2. 27:20 See ch. 22:30

Footnotes

• [a] 27:20 Hebrew 'uncovered his father’s skirt'