You must not take your wife's sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is still alive. You must not take your wife’s sister as a rival wifeThis phrase addresses the practice of polygamy, which was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The prohibition against marrying a wife's sister as a rival wife is intended to prevent familial discord and protect the sanctity of the marriage relationship. In biblical context, this law seeks to maintain harmony within the family unit, as seen in the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel (Genesis 29-30), where rivalry between sisters led to significant strife. The law reflects a broader biblical principle of monogamy and the ideal of one man and one woman in marriage, as established in Genesis 2:24. and have sexual relations with her
This part of the verse emphasizes the prohibition of sexual relations with a wife's sister, reinforcing the idea of sexual exclusivity within marriage. The biblical context underscores the importance of sexual purity and fidelity, as seen in the broader Levitical laws that govern sexual conduct. The prohibition is consistent with the seventh commandment, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14), and reflects the holiness code that calls for Israel to be set apart from surrounding nations. while your wife is still alive
The phrase "while your wife is still alive" highlights the temporal aspect of the prohibition, indicating that the law applies as long as the wife is living. This underscores the permanence and commitment expected in the marriage covenant. The historical context of this law is significant, as it contrasts with the practices of other ancient cultures where polygamy and concubinage were more freely practiced. The emphasis on the wife's lifetime suggests a respect for her dignity and the enduring nature of the marital bond, aligning with New Testament teachings on marriage, such as in Ephesians 5:31-33, which speaks of the profound mystery of Christ and the church reflected in the marital relationship. Persons / Places / Events 1. Moses- The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites. 2. Israelites- The chosen people of God, to whom the laws in Leviticus were given. 3. Canaan- The land where the Israelites were headed, which had practices God wanted them to avoid. 4. Sister-in-law- The specific familial relationship mentioned in this verse, highlighting the importance of family integrity. 5. God- The ultimate lawgiver, whose holiness and standards are reflected in these commands. Teaching Points Sanctity of MarriageThis verse underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity and exclusivity of the marital relationship. Avoiding Family StrifeBy prohibiting marriage to a wife's sister, the law seeks to prevent familial discord and rivalry. God’s Design for RelationshipsThe command reflects God’s design for relationships to be harmonious and respectful. Cultural DistinctionThe Israelites were called to be distinct from the surrounding nations, who practiced polygamy and other customs contrary to God’s laws. Holiness in Daily LifeObserving God’s commands in personal relationships is a reflection of living a holy life. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the prohibition in Leviticus 18:18 reflect God’s design for marriage? 2. In what ways can the account of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel (Genesis 29-30) help us understand the potential issues with marrying sisters? 3. How does this verse challenge us to maintain integrity and faithfulness in our own relationships? 4. What are some modern-day applications of the principle of avoiding rivalry and strife in family relationships? 5. How can we apply the teaching of 1 Corinthians 7:2 to our understanding of Leviticus 18:18 and its relevance today? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 29-30The account of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel provides a account context for understanding the complications and rivalries that can arise from marrying sisters. Exodus 20:14The commandment against adultery underscores the sanctity of marriage, which is a theme in Leviticus 18:18. 1 Corinthians 7:2Paul’s teaching on marriage emphasizes monogamy, aligning with the principle of not taking a rival wife. Matthew 19:4-6Jesus’ teaching on marriage highlights the original design for marriage as a union between one man and one woman. 1 Timothy 3:2The qualifications for church leaders include being the husband of one wife, reflecting the importance of marital faithfulness. People Israelites, Molech, MosesPlaces Canaan, Egypt, TemanTopics Addition, Adversary, Alive, Beside, Besides, Competition, During, Lifetime, Life-time, Marry, Nakedness, Relations, Rival, Sexual, Sister, Uncover, Uncovering, Vex, Wife, Wife's, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 18:18 5732 polygamy
5737 sisters
5937 rivalry 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 18:18 NIVLeviticus 18:18 NLTLeviticus 18:18 ESVLeviticus 18:18 NASBLeviticus 18:18 KJV
Leviticus 18:18 Commentaries
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