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Leviticus 18:17

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

You must not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter. You must not marry or have sexual relations with her granddaughter (either her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter). They are close relatives, and this is evil.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is forbidding sexual relationships within close family connections, calling such behavior wicked and harmful.

📚 Historical Context

In the historical context of ancient Israel, God was giving the Israelites a set of laws through Moses as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, aiming to set them apart from the immoral practices of surrounding nations like the Canaanites and Egyptians. This verse specifically addresses prohibitions against incestuous relationships, which were prevalent in some pagan cultures, to safeguard family structures and uphold communal holiness. These laws were part of the broader Holiness Code in Leviticus, emphasizing God's call for moral purity in everyday life.

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