If a man marries his sister, whether the daughter of his father or of his mother, and they have sexual relations, it is a disgrace. They must be cut off in the sight of their people. He has uncovered the nakedness of his sister; he shall bear his iniquity. If a man marries his sister, whether the daughter of his father or of his mother,This phrase addresses the prohibition against incestuous relationships, specifically between siblings. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such unions were often seen as taboo and were prohibited in Israelite law to maintain the sanctity and purity of the family unit. The reference to "the daughter of his father or of his mother" clarifies that this law applies to both full and half-siblings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clear boundaries within familial relationships. This commandment reflects the broader biblical principle of holiness and separation from the practices of surrounding nations, which often included various forms of sexual immorality. Lev 18:9 You must not have sexual relations with your sister,… and they have sexual relations, it is a disgrace. The term "disgrace" indicates a severe moral and social violation. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, maintaining family honor and purity was paramount. Sexual relations between siblings were seen as a violation of God's created order and an affront to the community's moral standards. This disgrace is not only a personal sin but also a communal concern, as it affects the integrity of the entire community. The biblical narrative consistently upholds sexual purity as a reflection of God's holiness, as seen in other passages like 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, which calls believers to flee from sexual immorality. 2Sa 13:12 “No, my brother!” she cried. “Do not violate me”… They must be cut off in the sight of their people. "Cut off" is a term often interpreted as excommunication or even death, depending on the severity of the offense and the context. This punishment underscores the seriousness with which God views the violation of His laws. Being "cut off" serves both as a deterrent to others and as a means of preserving the holiness of the community. The phrase "in the sight of their people" suggests a public acknowledgment of the sin and its consequences, reinforcing the communal aspect of maintaining holiness and obedience to God's commandments. Num 15:30-31 But the person who sins defiantly, whether a native… He has uncovered the nakedness of his sister; This phrase uses the euphemism "uncovered the nakedness" to describe sexual relations, a common expression in Levitical law. It highlights the violation of personal and familial boundaries, as nakedness was associated with vulnerability and shame outside the context of marriage. The uncovering of nakedness within the family is a direct violation of the order established by God in creation, where marriage is intended to be between a man and a woman who are not closely related. This concept is further explored in Genesis 2:24, where the institution of marriage is defined. Ezk 22:10-11 In you they have uncovered the nakedness of their fathers;… he shall bear his iniquity. The phrase "bear his iniquity" indicates personal responsibility and accountability for one's actions. In the biblical context, iniquity refers to a deep moral failing or sin that separates individuals from God. Bearing one's iniquity implies facing the consequences of sin, both in terms of divine judgment and social repercussions. This principle is consistent throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like Ezekiel 18:20, which emphasizes individual responsibility for sin. The call to bear one's iniquity also points to the need for repentance and the hope of redemption, ultimately fulfilled in the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, who bore the iniquities of humanity on the cross (Isaiah 53:5-6). Lev 5:17 If someone sins and violates any of the LORD’s commandments… Persons / Places / Events 1. Moses- The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites. 2. Israelites - The people to whom the laws in Leviticus were given, forming the covenant community of God. 3. Canaan - The land where the Israelites were headed, which had practices that God wanted them to avoid, including incestuous relationships. 4. God - The divine lawgiver who establishes moral and ceremonial laws for His people. 5. The Promised Land - The destination of the Israelites, where they were to live as a holy nation distinct from surrounding peoples. Teaching Points Holiness and DistinctionGod calls His people to be distinct from the surrounding cultures. This includes maintaining purity in familial relationships. The Seriousness of Sin The command to "bear his iniquity" highlights the gravity of sin and its consequences. Sin is not just a personal issue but affects the community. Respect for Family Boundaries God's laws establish clear boundaries to protect the sanctity of family relationships, which are foundational to societal stability. Community Accountability The requirement to be "cut off in the sight of their people" underscores the role of community in upholding God's standards. Redemption and Forgiveness While the law highlights sin, the New Testament offers redemption through Christ, who forgives and restores those who repent. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the prohibition against incest in Leviticus 20:17 reflect God's desire for holiness among His people?2. In what ways can the church today uphold the principles of purity and holiness in relationships, as outlined in Leviticus 20:17? 3. How does the concept of being "cut off" from the community in Leviticus relate to church discipline as described in the New Testament? 4. What are some practical steps believers can take to maintain purity in their personal and family relationships? 5. How does understanding the cultural context of Canaan help us appreciate the distinctiveness of God's laws for the Israelites? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 20Abraham's interaction with Abimelech highlights the cultural complexities of familial relationships and the importance of integrity. Deuteronomy 27 Reinforces the prohibition against incest, emphasizing the seriousness of maintaining purity within the family. 1 Corinthians 5 Paul addresses sexual immorality in the church, underscoring the need for holiness among believers. Ephesians 5 Calls believers to live as children of light, avoiding deeds of darkness, including sexual immorality. Hebrews 12 Encourages believers to pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord, reflecting the call to purity in Leviticus.
People Molech, MosesPlaces TemanTopics Act, Bear, Beareth, Bears, Cut, Daughter, Disgrace, Dishonored, Either, Father's, Guilt, Held, Iniquity, Marries, Mother's, Nakedness, Relations, Responsible, Sees, Sex, Sexual, Shame, Shameful, Sight, Sin, Sister, Sister's, Sons, Takes, Taketh, Uncovered, WickedDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 20:17 5681 family, nature of 6188 immorality, sexual Library Tenth Day. Holiness and Separation. I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people. And ye shall be holy unto me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from other people that ye should be Mine.'--Lev. xx. 24, 26. 'Until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the Lord, he shall be holy.... All the days of his separation he is holy unto the Lord.'--Num. vi. 5, 8. 'Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered without the … Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Seventh Day. Holiness and Obedience. Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus. Self-Denial. Epistle Lxiv. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli . Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel. Jesus Fails to Attend the Third Passover. The Holiness of God The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic Theology as Regards the Doctrine of Forgiveness in Contrast to the Gospel of Christ Leviticus Links Leviticus 20:17 NIVLeviticus 20:17 NLT Leviticus 20:17 ESV Leviticus 20:17 NASB Leviticus 20:17 KJV Leviticus 20:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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