You must not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter. You are not to marry her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter and have sexual relations with her. They are close relatives; it is depraved. You must not have sexual relationsThis phrase sets a clear prohibition against certain sexual behaviors. The Hebrew root for "sexual relations" is "גלה ערוה" (galah ervah), which literally means "to uncover nakedness." This expression is a euphemism for sexual intercourse and is used throughout Leviticus to denote illicit sexual acts. The command is direct and unequivocal, emphasizing the sanctity and boundaries of sexual relations as ordained by God. In the historical context, these laws were given to the Israelites to distinguish them from the surrounding nations, which often engaged in such practices. with both a woman and her daughter
This phrase highlights a specific familial relationship that is forbidden. The Hebrew culture placed a strong emphasis on family purity and integrity. Engaging in sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter would violate the natural order and respect within a family unit. This prohibition underscores the importance of maintaining clear boundaries to preserve the sanctity of family relationships, which are foundational to societal stability. You are not to marry her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter
The phrase extends the prohibition to include a woman's granddaughters, whether through her son or daughter. The Hebrew word for "marry" here is "לקח" (laqach), which means "to take" or "to seize," indicating a formal union or relationship. This further emphasizes the importance of maintaining generational boundaries and preventing any form of incestuous relationships that could lead to moral and social decay. and have sexual relations with her
Reiterating the prohibition, this phrase reinforces the seriousness of the command. The repetition serves as a strong reminder of the consequences of such actions, which are considered an abomination. The emphasis on "with her" personalizes the command, reminding the Israelites of the individual dignity and respect owed to each person. They are close relatives
This phrase identifies the individuals involved as "close relatives," or "שאר בשר" (she'er basar) in Hebrew, meaning "flesh of one's flesh." This expression highlights the intimate and sacred nature of family ties, which are not to be violated. The closeness of these relationships is meant to foster love, support, and protection, not exploitation or abuse. it is wickedness
The term "wickedness" is translated from the Hebrew word "זִמָּה" (zimmah), which denotes a heinous crime or moral depravity. This strong language reflects God's view of such actions as not merely inappropriate but profoundly sinful. The use of "wickedness" serves as a moral warning to the Israelites, urging them to uphold God's standards of holiness and righteousness in their personal and communal lives. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites. 2. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, to whom these laws were given to set them apart from other nations. 3. CanaanThe land where the Israelites were headed, which was inhabited by people practicing detestable customs that God wanted His people to avoid. Teaching Points Sanctity of Family RelationshipsGod’s laws protect the integrity and sanctity of family relationships. Engaging in sexual relations with close relatives disrupts the family structure and is considered wickedness. Holiness and SeparationThe Israelites were called to be holy and separate from the practices of the surrounding nations. This command underscores the importance of living a life that reflects God’s holiness. Moral BoundariesEstablishing clear moral boundaries is essential for maintaining purity. God’s laws provide these boundaries to guide His people in righteous living. Consequences of SinEngaging in prohibited sexual relations leads to spiritual and social consequences. Understanding these consequences helps believers make wise choices. Respect for God’s DesignGod’s design for relationships is purposeful and protective. Respecting His design leads to harmony and blessing within the community. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Leviticus 18:17 reflect God’s concern for the sanctity of family relationships, and how can we apply this principle in our own families today? 2. In what ways does the call to holiness in Leviticus 18 challenge us to live differently from the surrounding culture? 3. How can we establish and maintain moral boundaries in our personal lives to align with God’s standards? 4. What are some modern-day consequences of ignoring God’s design for sexual relationships, and how can we address these issues within the church? 5. How can we encourage respect for God’s design for relationships in our communities, and what role does the church play in this effort? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 19The account of Lot and his daughters, which illustrates the consequences of sexual immorality and the importance of maintaining family purity. 1 Corinthians 5Paul addresses sexual immorality in the church, emphasizing the need for purity among believers. Deuteronomy 27:20-23These verses list curses for those who engage in various forms of sexual immorality, reinforcing the prohibitions found in Leviticus. People Israelites, Molech, MosesPlaces Canaan, Egypt, TemanTopics Act, Blood, Close, Daughter, Daughter's, Either, Family, Kinswomen, Lewdness, Nakedness, Relations, Relatives, Sexual, Shame, Son's, Uncover, Wickedness, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 18:1-22 5714 men Leviticus 18:1-24 8273 holiness, ethical aspects Leviticus 18:6-18 5681 family, nature of Leviticus 18:6-20 6189 immorality, examples
6237 sexual sin, nature of Leviticus 18:6-23 6206 offence Leviticus 18:6-30 7525 exclusiveness Library General Character of Christians.
"And they that are Christ's have crucified the Flesh, with the Affections and Lusts." St. Paul is supposed to have been the first herald of gospel grace to the Galatians; and they appear to have rejoiced at the glad tidings, and to have received the bearer with much respect. But after his departure, certain judaizing teachers went among them, and labored but too successfully, to alienate their affections from him, and turn them form the simplicity of the gospel. The malice and errors of those deceitful …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects"They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his Children; they are a Perverse and Crooked Generation. "
Deut. xxxii. 5.--"They have corrupted themselves; their spot is not the spot of his children; they are a perverse and crooked generation." We doubt this people would take well with such a description of themselves as Moses gives. It might seem strange to us, that God should have chosen such a people out of all the nations of the earth, and they to be so rebellious and perverse, if our own experience did not teach us how free his choice is, and how long-suffering he is, and constant in his choice. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Doctrine of Arbitrary Scriptural Accommodation Considered.
"But the Righteousness which is of Faith speaketh on this wise,--Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into Heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep?' (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth; and in thine heart:' that is, the word of Faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from …
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation Epistle Lxiv. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [174] . Here begins the epistle of the blessed Gregory pope of the city of Rome, in exposition of various matters, which he sent into transmarine Saxony to Augustine, whom he had himself sent in his own stead to preach. Preface.--Through my most beloved son Laurentius, the presbyter, and Peter the monk, I received thy Fraternity's letter, in which thou hast been at pains to question me on many points. But, inasmuch as my aforesaid sons found me afflicted with the …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn by the Disciples, and the Healing of the Man with the Withered Hand
IN grouping together the three miracles of healing described in the last chapter, we do not wish to convey that it is certain they had taken place in precisely that order. Nor do we feel sure, that they preceded what is about to be related. In the absence of exact data, the succession of events and their location must be matter of combination. From their position in the Evangelic narratives, and the manner in which all concerned speak and act, we inferred, that they took place at that particular …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Obedience
Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
Ver. 20. "And Noah began and became an husbandman, and planted vineyards."--This does not imply that Noah was the first who began to till the ground, and, more especially, to cultivate the vine; for Cain, too, was a tiller of the ground, Gen. iv. 2. The sense rather is, that Noah, after the flood, again took up this calling. Moreover, the remark has not an independent import; it serves only to prepare the way for the communication of the subsequent account of Noah's drunkenness. By this remark, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Meditations for Household Piety.
1. If thou be called to the government of a family, thou must not hold it sufficient to serve God and live uprightly in thy own person, unless thou cause all under thy charge to do the same with thee. For the performance of this duty God was so well pleased with Abraham, that he would not hide from him his counsel: "For," saith God, "I know him that he will command his sons and his household after him that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Leviticus 18:17 NIVLeviticus 18:17 NLTLeviticus 18:17 ESVLeviticus 18:17 NASBLeviticus 18:17 KJV
Leviticus 18:17 Commentaries
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