Topical Bible: Abomination to God: Lying With a Woman in Her Menses

Bible > Topical > Abomination to God

◄ Abomination to God: Lying With a Woman in Her Menses ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of biblical law and morality, the act of lying with a woman during her menstrual period is considered an abomination to God. This topic is primarily addressed in the Old Testament, where it is associated with ritual impurity and moral conduct.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 18:19 : "You must not approach a woman to have sexual relations with her during her menstrual period." This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus that outlines various laws concerning sexual conduct. The prohibition against sexual relations during menstruation is presented alongside other laws intended to maintain ritual purity and moral order among the Israelites.

2. Leviticus 20:18 : "If a man lies with a menstruating woman and has sexual relations with her, both of them must be cut off from their people; he has exposed the source of her flow, and she has uncovered it." This passage emphasizes the severity of the act by prescribing a punishment of being "cut off" from the community, indicating a serious breach of covenantal law.

Cultural and Theological Context:

In ancient Israelite society, menstruation was considered a time of ritual impurity. The laws in Leviticus reflect a broader concern with maintaining holiness and purity, both in personal conduct and in the community. The act of lying with a woman during her menses was seen as a violation of these purity laws, which were integral to the Israelites' covenant relationship with God.

The concept of ritual impurity was not unique to Israel but was common in many ancient Near Eastern cultures. However, the specific regulations and their theological implications were distinct in the Israelite context, where they were tied to the holiness code and the idea of being set apart as God's chosen people.

Interpretation and Application:

Throughout history, Jewish and Christian interpretations of these passages have varied. In Judaism, the laws concerning menstruation, known as "niddah," have been observed with varying degrees of strictness. In Christianity, the emphasis on ritual purity has generally been less pronounced, with a focus on moral and spiritual purity.

The prohibition against sexual relations during menstruation is often understood within the broader biblical theme of respecting the natural order and boundaries established by God. It underscores the importance of self-control, respect for one's partner, and adherence to divine commandments.

Related Concepts:

· Ritual Purity: The state of being ceremonially clean and fit to participate in religious activities. In the Old Testament, various laws governed what constituted purity and impurity.
· Holiness Code: A section of Leviticus (chapters 17-26) that outlines laws intended to set the Israelites apart as a holy people.
· Covenant: The formal agreement between God and the Israelites, in which they were to follow His laws in exchange for His protection and blessing.

The topic of lying with a woman in her menses is a specific instance of the broader biblical concern with maintaining purity and holiness in the community of God's people.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 18:18,20
Neither shall you take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time.
Nave's Topical Index