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Leviticus 18:7 – NASB vs. HCSB vs. ESV vs. NET
Leviticus 18:7 NASB ‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, that is, the nakedness of your mother. She is your mother; you are not to uncover her nakedness.
Leviticus 18:7 HCSB You are not to shame your father by having sex with your mother. She is your mother; you must not have sexual intercourse with her.
Leviticus 18:7 ESV You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, which is the nakedness of your mother; she is your mother, you shall not uncover her nakedness.
Although the same words are used again and again throughout vv.6-18, I chose v.7 as an intriguing example of all of them. The NASB and ESV are very literal in using the term “nakedness” and the HCSB is very accurate in translating this as “having sex.” That is usually the meaning, but in this verse (and others) there is a twist. Having sex with your mother is uncovering her nakedness but also uncovering your father’s nakedness. I do not think the meaning is that you are having sex with your father also. The HCSB translates the second use as “shame.” Family, whether through marriage or parentage or even adoption is all considered the same “nakedness.” I wonder if this harkens back to the “one flesh” concept of Genesis 2:24.
The NET Bible combines both of the translations of the NASB, ESV and HCSB – Leviticus 18:7 NET You must not expose your father’s nakedness by having sexual intercourse with your mother. She is your mother; you must not have intercourse with her.
Of these four translations, I prefer the NET here.
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