You must not have sexual relations with your father's sister; she is your father's close relative. You must not have sexual relationsThis phrase is a direct command, emphasizing the prohibition of certain sexual behaviors. The Hebrew root for "sexual relations" is "גָּלָה עֶרְוָה" (galah ervah), which literally means "to uncover nakedness." This expression is a euphemism for engaging in sexual activity, and it underscores the sanctity and boundaries God established for sexual conduct. In the ancient Near Eastern context, sexual relations were not merely personal acts but had communal and spiritual implications. This command reflects God's desire for His people to live in holiness and purity, setting them apart from the surrounding nations whose practices often included incestuous relationships. with your father’s sister
The phrase "your father’s sister" refers to an aunt on the paternal side. In Hebrew, the word for "sister" is "אָחוֹת" (achot), and it signifies a close familial bond. The prohibition against sexual relations with an aunt is part of a broader set of laws designed to protect family integrity and prevent the breakdown of familial roles and responsibilities. In ancient Israel, family was the cornerstone of society, and maintaining clear boundaries within the family unit was essential for social stability and spiritual health. she is your father’s close relative
The term "close relative" in Hebrew is "שְׁאֵר בְּשָׂרוֹ" (she'er besaro), which literally means "flesh of his flesh." This expression highlights the intimate connection and shared identity within a family. By stating that the aunt is a "close relative," the text emphasizes the importance of respecting familial boundaries and the inherent dignity of each family member. This command serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of family members and the need to honor those relationships in accordance with God's design. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai and communicated them to the Israelites. 2. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God to whom these laws were given, as they were being formed into a distinct nation with a unique identity. 3. CanaanThe land where the Israelites were headed, which was inhabited by people whose practices God wanted the Israelites to avoid. 4. Father’s Sister (Aunt)The specific relative mentioned in this verse, highlighting the importance of maintaining family boundaries and respect. 5. Holiness CodeA section within Leviticus (chapters 17-26) that outlines laws intended to set the Israelites apart as holy. Teaching Points Respect for Family BoundariesThis commandment underscores the importance of maintaining clear and respectful boundaries within the family unit. It teaches us to honor and protect familial relationships. Holiness and DistinctionThe laws in Leviticus, including this one, were given to set the Israelites apart from the surrounding nations. As Christians, we are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness and distinctiveness. Sexual PurityThis verse is part of a broader biblical mandate for sexual purity. It reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are to honor God with our bodies. Cultural InfluenceThe Israelites were warned against adopting the practices of the Canaanites. Similarly, Christians today must be vigilant against cultural influences that contradict biblical values. Generational ImpactThe observance or neglect of God's commands can have lasting effects on families and communities. Upholding God's standards can lead to blessings for future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the command in Leviticus 18:12 reflect God's design for family relationships, and what can we learn from it about maintaining healthy boundaries today? 2. In what ways does the call to holiness in Leviticus apply to Christians living in a modern, often permissive society? 3. How can we, as believers, guard against cultural influences that may lead us away from biblical principles, particularly in the area of sexual ethics? 4. Reflect on a time when respecting family boundaries led to positive outcomes in your life or community. How can this principle be applied more broadly? 5. Considering the generational impact of obeying God's commands, what steps can you take to ensure that your family or community upholds biblical values for future generations? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 20:19This verse reiterates the prohibition against sexual relations with an aunt, emphasizing the seriousness of maintaining family purity. 1 Corinthians 5:1Paul addresses a case of sexual immorality in the Corinthian church, showing that such issues persisted and needed addressing in the New Testament era. Deuteronomy 27:22This verse includes a curse for those who violate this command, underscoring the gravity of the sin. Genesis 9:22-23The account of Ham and Noah illustrates the importance of respecting family boundaries and the consequences of failing to do so. People Israelites, Molech, MosesPlaces Canaan, Egypt, TemanTopics Blood, Close, Connection, Father's, Kinswoman, Nakedness, Relation, Relations, Relative, Sex, Sexual, Sister, UncoverDictionary 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 Leviticus 18:11-13 5737 sisters 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 18:12 NIVLeviticus 18:12 NLTLeviticus 18:12 ESVLeviticus 18:12 NASBLeviticus 18:12 KJV
Leviticus 18:12 Commentaries
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