You must not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter. You are not to marry her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter and have sexual relations with her. They are close relatives; it is depraved. You must not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter.Marriage or sexual union with a woman could not be extended to her daughter as though women within one household were possessions available to the same man. Israel was to reject the sexual practices associated with Egypt and Canaan and to preserve the God-given boundaries of the family. Such unions corrupted marriage, violated trust within the household, and brought shame upon those whom a man was responsible to protect. Lev 20:14 If a man marries both a woman and her mother,… You are not to marry her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter and have sexual relations with her. The prohibition reaches every generation of a woman’s direct descendants, leaving no opening for exploitation through marriage or sexual access. Daughters and granddaughters were to be treated with honor and protection, not drawn into relationships that confused the proper order of family life. God’s design for marriage in Genesis 2:24 establishes a new household through a husband and wife, while preserving the distinct bonds and responsibilities of the families from which they came. Lev 20:12 If a man lies with his daughter-in-law… They are close relatives; it is depraved. Such conduct joined relationships that God had separated and damaged the integrity of the family. Leviticus places these sins among the defiling practices for which the Canaanite peoples faced judgment, warning Israel that sexual sin has consequences beyond private desire. God’s call to holiness required His people to reflect His purity in their homes and bodies. The New Testament continues that standard, condemning incestuous immorality and calling believers to honor God with their bodies. Deu 27:23 Cursed is he who sleeps with his mother-in-law.… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites. 2. Israelites The chosen people of God, to whom these laws were given to set them apart from other nations. 3. Canaan The land where the Israelites were headed, which was inhabited by people practicing detestable customs that God wanted His people to avoid. Teaching Points Sanctity of Family RelationshipsGod’s laws protect the integrity and sanctity of family relationships. Engaging in sexual relations with close relatives disrupts the family structure and is considered wickedness. Holiness and Separation The Israelites were called to be holy and separate from the practices of the surrounding nations. This command underscores the importance of living a life that reflects God’s holiness. Moral Boundaries Establishing clear moral boundaries is essential for maintaining purity. God’s laws provide these boundaries to guide His people in righteous living. Consequences of Sin Engaging in prohibited sexual relations leads to spiritual and social consequences. Understanding these consequences helps believers make wise choices. Respect for God’s Design God’s design for relationships is purposeful and protective. Respecting His design leads to harmony and blessing within the community. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Leviticus 18:17 reflect God’s concern for the sanctity of family relationships, and how can we apply this principle in our own families today?2. In what ways does the call to holiness in Leviticus 18 challenge us to live differently from the surrounding culture? 3. How can we establish and maintain moral boundaries in our personal lives to align with God’s standards? 4. What are some modern-day consequences of ignoring God’s design for sexual relationships, and how can we address these issues within the church? 5. How can we encourage respect for God’s design for relationships in our communities, and what role does the church play in this effort? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 19The account of Lot and his daughters, which illustrates the consequences of sexual immorality and the importance of maintaining family purity. 1 Corinthians 5 Paul addresses sexual immorality in the church, emphasizing the need for purity among believers. Deuteronomy 27:20-23 These verses list curses for those who engage in various forms of sexual immorality, reinforcing the prohibitions found in Leviticus.
People Israelites, Molech, MosesPlaces Canaan, Egypt, TemanTopics Act, Blood, Close, Daughter, Daughter's, Either, Family, Kinswomen, Lewdness, Nakedness, Relations, Relatives, Sexual, Shame, Son's, Uncover, Wickedness, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 18:1-228273 holiness, ethical aspects 6189 immorality, examples 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. " The Doctrine of Arbitrary Scriptural Accommodation Considered. Epistle Lxiv. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli . The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn by the Disciples, and the Healing of the Man with the Withered Hand Obedience The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. ) Meditations for Household Piety. Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology. Leviticus Links Leviticus 18:17 NIVLeviticus 18:17 NLT Leviticus 18:17 ESV Leviticus 18:17 NASB Leviticus 18:17 KJV Leviticus 18:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |