Meaning of Deuteronomy 27:20

This verse, Deuteronomy 27:20, is part of a series of curses pronounced from Mount Ebal, following Israel's conquest of Canaan. It specifically condemns the act of sexual intercourse with one's father's wife, which is a form of incest and a violation of familial purity. The severity of this prohibition is highlighted by its inclusion in the curses, signifying its grave moral and spiritual implications. The act is characterized as a profound dishonor to the father, not merely in a social sense, but as a desecration of the sanctity of the marital union and the patriarchal lineage. The communal affirmation, "Amen!", underscores the shared commitment of the community to uphold God's law and to reject such abominations.

Context and Background

Deuteronomy 27 outlines the covenant renewal ceremony commanded by Moses. After crossing the Jordan River, the Israelites were to go to Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. Six tribes were to stand on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses, while the other six, along with the Levites and priests, stood on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings. The curses were directed against those who would disobey God's commandments. This specific curse, concerning the father's wife, falls within this framework of covenantal accountability, reminding the people of the serious consequences of violating God's moral and relational standards. The "father's wife" likely refers to a father's concubine or a woman who was married to the father, but not necessarily the mother, thus encompassing a broader definition of familial impurity and the disruption of established household order.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary themes are familial integrity, sexual purity, and covenantal obedience. The verse emphasizes that certain sexual relationships are inherently wrong because they disrupt the foundational bonds of family and violate the sanctity of marriage. The act is described as "dishonoring the father's bed," which speaks to a profound disrespect and betrayal within the family structure, impacting the father's honor, the integrity of his household, and the legitimacy of his lineage. It is a clear demarcation of what constitutes acceptable behavior within God's covenant community.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse speaks to the importance of maintaining holiness and order within the community of faith. Just as Israel was called to be distinct from the surrounding nations with their corrupt practices, believers today are called to a life of sexual purity and to uphold the sanctity of marriage. The spiritual application involves understanding that sexual sin, particularly within familial or sacred contexts, is a grave offense against God and damages the spiritual well-being of individuals and the community. It calls for self-discipline, adherence to God's moral framework, and a recognition of the sacredness of relationships.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This prohibition is consistent with the overarching biblical emphasis on sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage, which is presented as a reflection of Christ's relationship with the Church. Incestuous relationships are condemned throughout the Old Testament law (e.g., Leviticus 18:7-8, 20:11). The New Testament continues this emphasis, with Paul explicitly listing sexual immorality, including incest, as actions that exclude individuals from the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). This verse, therefore, serves as an early articulation of a moral principle that extends throughout Scripture.

Analogies

One analogy for "dishonoring the father's bed" is akin to defacing a family crest or heirloom. The father's bed represents his honor, his lineage, and the integrity of his household. To violate it is to mar something precious and foundational to the family's identity and continuity. Another analogy is sabotaging the foundation of a house. Just as a compromised foundation weakens the entire structure, sexual impurity within the family unit undermines its stability and spiritual health.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse directly relates to the prohibitions found in Leviticus 18:7-8: "You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, that is, your father's nakedness. The nakedness of your father's wife you shall not uncover; it is your father's nakedness." It also finds echoes in Leviticus 20:11: "If a man lies with his father's wife, he has uncovered his father's nakedness; both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them." In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 addresses a similar case of incest within the Corinthian church, where Paul commands the community to expel the offending individual, demonstrating the enduring seriousness of this sin.