12 Bible Verses About Incest

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about incest

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about incest:

1. Leviticus 18:6 – “None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the Lord.”
2. Leviticus 18:9 – “The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.”
3. Leviticus 18:17 – “Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.”
4. Leviticus 20:17 – “And if a man shall take his sister, his father’s daughter, or his mother’s daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it is a wicked thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of their people: he hath uncovered his sister’s nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.”
5. Deuteronomy 27:22 – “Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.”
6. 1 Corinthians 5:1 – “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.”

7. Genesis 20:12 – “And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.”
8. 2 Samuel 13:14 – “Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.”
9. 1 Corinthians 5:5 – “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”
10. 2 Corinthians 12:21 – “And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.”
11. Galatians 5:19 – “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness.”
12. Ephesians 5:3 – “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.”

What does the bible say about incest?

The Bible condemns incest as a sinful and immoral act.

It is considered a violation of God’s design for human relationships and a form of sexual immorality.

Incest is seen as a distortion of the family structure and a breach of the boundaries that God has established for sexual relationships.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of purity and holiness in all aspects of life, including sexual conduct, and warns against engaging in incestuous relationships.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about incest?

1. Genesis 19 – This chapter tells the story of Lot and his daughters, highlighting the consequences of incestuous relationships and the moral implications of such actions.

2. Leviticus 18 – This chapter outlines various sexual prohibitions, including incest, and provides specific guidelines on what is considered acceptable behavior in regards to sexual relationships.

3. 2 Samuel 13 – This chapter recounts the tragic story of Amnon and Tamar, siblings who engage in incestuous behavior, resulting in devastating consequences for their family and kingdom.

4. 1 Corinthians 5 – This chapter addresses the issue of sexual immorality within the church, including the case of a man who is involved in an incestuous relationship with his stepmother. It emphasizes the need for discipline and repentance in cases of sexual sin.

Reading these chapters can provide insight into the biblical perspective on incest, the consequences of such actions, and the importance of upholding moral standards in sexual relationships.

Ideas and concepts related to incest that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Forbidden relationships: The Bible clearly outlines certain relationships that are considered incestuous and therefore forbidden. For example, Leviticus 18:6-18 lists various family members, such as parents, siblings, and in-laws, with whom sexual relations are prohibited.

2. Consequences of incest: The Bible also discusses the negative consequences of engaging in incestuous relationships. In the story of Lot and his daughters (Genesis 19:30-38), we see how incest can lead to shame, guilt, and broken familial relationships.

3. Moral purity: The Bible teaches the importance of maintaining moral purity and avoiding sexual immorality, including incest. In 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, the apostle Paul condemns a man for engaging in a sexual relationship with his father’s wife, highlighting the need for believers to uphold God’s standards of sexual conduct.

4. Redemption and forgiveness: Despite the seriousness of incest, the Bible also emphasizes the possibility of redemption and forgiveness through repentance and faith in God. In the story of Tamar and Judah (Genesis 38), we see how God can bring healing and restoration to individuals and families affected by incest.

Overall, the Bible addresses the concept of incest by providing clear guidelines on forbidden relationships, highlighting the negative consequences of such behavior, emphasizing the importance of moral purity, and offering hope for redemption and forgiveness for those who have been involved in incestuous relationships.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.