And if a man shall take his sister, his father’s daughter, or his mother’s daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it is a wicked thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of their people: he hath uncovered his sister’s nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.
If a man marries his sister (whether she's his father's daughter or his mother's daughter) and they have sexual relations, this is a terrible sin. They must be completely removed from their community in front of everyone. Because he has had sexual relations with his sister, he will bear the punishment for his wrongdoing.
This verse establishes that sexual relationships between siblings are absolutely forbidden and result in being permanently cut off from the community.
📚 Historical Context
In the ancient Near East, various cultures often had lax or different standards regarding family relations and marriages, which could include practices like incest that were common in some societies. God gave these laws to the Israelites through Moses as part of the Holiness Code in Leviticus, aiming to set them apart as a holy nation and protect the integrity of family structures. This command specifically addressed incest to promote moral purity, social order, and reflect God's intended design for human relationships.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.