In the biblical context, the act of a man lying with his father's wife is addressed as a serious transgression, both morally and legally, within the Israelite community. This act is explicitly condemned in the Mosaic Law and is considered a form of incest, which is strictly prohibited.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 18:8 : "You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father." This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus that outlines various prohibited sexual relationships, emphasizing the importance of maintaining familial boundaries and honoring one's parents.

2. Leviticus 20:11 : "If a man lies with his father’s wife, he has uncovered his father’s nakedness. Both of them must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them." This passage underscores the severity of the offense by prescribing the death penalty for both parties involved, highlighting the gravity of the sin in the eyes of the law.

3. Deuteronomy 22:30 : "A man is not to marry his father’s wife, so that he will not dishonor his father’s marriage bed." This commandment reinforces the prohibition and extends it to the context of marriage, further emphasizing the sanctity of the father's marriage.

4. 1 Corinthians 5:1 : "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife." In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses a case of such immorality within the Corinthian church, expressing shock and disapproval. This indicates that the prohibition was upheld in the early Christian community as well.

Cultural and Theological Context:

The prohibition against a man lying with his father's wife is rooted in the broader biblical principle of maintaining family purity and honoring parental relationships. In ancient Israelite society, the family unit was the foundational social structure, and any act that threatened its integrity was met with severe consequences.

The act is seen as a violation of the father's honor and authority, as well as a disruption of the familial order established by God. It is considered an act of rebellion against the divine commandments and an affront to the sanctity of marriage.

Historical Examples:

· Reuben and Bilhah: In Genesis 35:22, Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob, is said to have slept with Bilhah, his father's concubine. This act led to Reuben losing his birthright as the firstborn, as mentioned in Genesis 49:3-4, where Jacob rebukes him for his actions.

· Absalom and David's Concubines: In 2 Samuel 16:21-22, Absalom, the son of King David, publicly lies with his father's concubines as a political act to assert his claim to the throne. This incident is portrayed as a grave dishonor to David and a fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy regarding the consequences of David's sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:11-12).

The biblical injunctions against a man lying with his father's wife serve as a reminder of the importance of sexual purity, respect for parental authority, and the preservation of family integrity within the biblical narrative.