Deuteronomy 27:20

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Maudit soit celui qui couche avec la femme de son père, car il soulève la couverture de son père! -Et tout le peuple dira: Amen!

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Deuteronomy 27:20 declares that someone who has a sexual relationship with his father's wife is cursed. The curse is pronounced because this act is seen as a violation of family bonds. All the people listening are expected to respond with 'Amen.'

Explained for Children

Imagine if your dad's wife was not your mom but someone else, like a stepmom. If you did something very wrong with her, like behaving in a way that's only meant for grown-ups, you'd be in big trouble. The people hearing this would say 'Amen' to show they agree it's a serious mistake.

Historical Background

Moses spoke these words to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. This was around 1250 BCE. The audience was the entire community of Israel, and the cultural setting emphasized strict family and social order to maintain the sanctity of their society.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse emphasizes the importance of respecting family boundaries and avoiding actions that violate the trust and order within a family. For example, if someone has a romantic relationship with a step-parent, they could be causing significant harm to the family dynamic and personal relationships.

Topics

• family values
• morality
• relationships
• curses and blessings
• social order
• sexual ethics

Related Verses

• Leviticus 18:8
• Leviticus 20:11
• Exodus 20:14
• 1 Corinthians 5:1-5
• Romans 1:24-27

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'uncovers his father's skirt' mean?

The phrase 'uncovers his father's skirt' is a euphemism used in ancient times to refer to sexual acts involving someone's parent or step-parent, emphasizing the violation of familial sanctity.

Why is this considered a curse?

This act is seen as a violation of family order and sacred boundaries. Cursing it underscores the seriousness of the act and its negative impact on the community's moral fabric.

How should modern readers interpret this verse?

Modern readers should see this verse as a reminder to respect family boundaries and the importance of maintaining healthy family relationships, avoiding any actions that could disrupt these bonds.

What does the 'Amen' response indicate?

The 'Amen' response from the people indicates their agreement with the statement and their commitment to uphold the moral standards laid out in the law.