None of you are to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD. None of youThis phrase establishes a universal command directed at the entire community of Israel. The Hebrew word used here, "אִישׁ" (ish), often translated as "man" or "anyone," emphasizes the individual responsibility of each member of the community. It underscores the collective moral and ethical standards expected of God's people, highlighting that this command is not limited to a specific group but applies to all. are to approach
The Hebrew verb "קָרַב" (qarab) means "to draw near" or "to approach." In the context of Leviticus, this term often carries a connotation of entering into a sacred or intimate space. Here, it is used to denote the act of initiating inappropriate or forbidden relationships. The use of this verb suggests a deliberate action, warning against even the initial steps toward sin. any close relative
The phrase "שְׁאֵר בְּשָׂרוֹ" (she'er besaro) translates to "flesh of his flesh," indicating a blood relative. This term is crucial in understanding the boundaries set by God regarding familial relationships. The prohibition against sexual relations with close relatives is rooted in the preservation of family integrity and the prevention of moral corruption within the community. Historically, such laws distinguished the Israelites from surrounding nations, which often engaged in practices contrary to these commands. to have sexual relations
The Hebrew phrase "לְגַלּוֹת עֶרְוָה" (legalot ervah) literally means "to uncover nakedness." This euphemism for sexual relations is used throughout Leviticus 18 to describe prohibited sexual acts. The language reflects the sacredness of the human body and the importance of maintaining purity and holiness in sexual conduct. It serves as a reminder of the sanctity of marriage and the family unit as ordained by God. I am the LORD
This declaration, "אֲנִי יְהוָה" (Ani YHWH), serves as the divine authority behind the command. It is a reminder of God's sovereignty and holiness, reinforcing that these laws are not arbitrary but are rooted in the character and will of God. The phrase underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, calling them to reflect His holiness in their lives. It is a powerful reminder that obedience to God's commands is an act of worship and reverence for the Creator. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai. 2. The IsraelitesThe primary audience of the Levitical laws, who were being prepared to live as God's holy people in the Promised Land. 3. Mount SinaiThe place where God delivered the laws to Moses, including the laws in Leviticus. 4. The LORD (Yahweh)The divine lawgiver who establishes moral and ceremonial laws for His people. 5. CanaanThe land where the Israelites were headed, which was inhabited by people with practices contrary to God's laws. Teaching Points Holiness in RelationshipsGod calls His people to maintain purity in their relationships, reflecting His holiness. Respect for Family BoundariesThe command underscores the importance of respecting family boundaries and the sanctity of familial relationships. Cultural DistinctionThe Israelites were to be distinct from the surrounding nations, whose practices were often contrary to God's laws. God's AuthorityThe phrase "I am the LORD" emphasizes God's authority and the divine origin of these commands. Contemporary RelevanceThe principles of sexual purity and respect for family boundaries remain relevant for Christians today, calling for a counter-cultural stance in a permissive society. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the cultural context of Canaan help us appreciate the significance of this command in Leviticus 18:6? 2. In what ways can Christians today uphold the principle of holiness in their relationships, as outlined in Leviticus 18:6? 3. How does the command in Leviticus 18:6 relate to the broader biblical teaching on sexual purity found in the New Testament? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to respect family boundaries and maintain purity in our relationships? 5. How does recognizing God's authority in giving these commands influence our obedience to them in contemporary society? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 2:24This verse establishes the foundational principle of marriage between a man and a woman, which is exclusive and sacred. 1 Corinthians 5:1Paul addresses a case of sexual immorality in the Corinthian church, highlighting the ongoing relevance of sexual purity. Deuteronomy 27:20-23These verses provide further prohibitions against sexual relations with close relatives, reinforcing the command in Leviticus. Matthew 5:27-28Jesus expands on the concept of sexual purity, emphasizing the importance of purity in thought as well as action. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5Paul instructs believers to abstain from sexual immorality, calling them to live in holiness and honor. People Israelites, Molech, MosesPlaces Canaan, Egypt, TemanTopics Anyone, Approach, Blood, Close, Connection, Draw, Flesh, Kin, Nakedness, None, Relation, Relations, Relative, Relatives, Sex, Sexual, UncoverDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 18:6 5378 law, OT Leviticus 18:1-22 5714 men Leviticus 18:1-24 8273 holiness, ethical aspects Leviticus 18:6-18 5681 family, nature of
5711 marriage, restrictions 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 18:6 NIVLeviticus 18:6 NLTLeviticus 18:6 ESVLeviticus 18:6 NASBLeviticus 18:6 KJV
Leviticus 18:6 Commentaries
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