Deuteronomy 27:20

20 "Cursed be anyone who lies with his father's wife, because he has violated his father's rights." 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 person on the road." All the people shall say, "Amen!"
19 "Cursed be anyone who deprives the alien, the orphan, and the widow of justice." All the people shall say, "Amen!"
20 "Cursed be anyone who lies with his father's wife, because he has violated his father's rights." All the people shall say, "Amen!"
21 "Cursed be anyone who lies with any animal." 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." All the people shall say, "Amen!"

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Heb [uncovered his father's skirt]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.