Leviticus 18:7 - “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, nor the nakedness of your mother: she is your mother. You shall not uncover her nakedness.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 18:7

What does "Leviticus 18:7" mean?


Leviticus 18:7, "“‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, nor the nakedness of your mother: she is your mother. You shall not uncover her nakedness," is a prohibition against incest. Let's break it down:

"You shall not uncover the nakedness..." This is a euphemism for sexual relations. It means to have sexual intercourse with.

"...of your father, nor the nakedness of your mother..." While it specifically mentions both parents, the key is understanding the relationship being protected:

Father: The verse is interpreted as not just prohibiting sex with your biological father, but also any woman closely related to him, such as a stepmother or close female relative who would be considered like a mother. The principle is maintaining respect for the paternal line and avoiding sexual relations within the immediate family structure created by the father.

**Mother: "**She is your mother. You shall not uncover her nakedness." This is a direct prohibition against incest with one's biological mother. The second part of the verse emphasizes the inherent wrongness and sanctity of the mother-child relationship, making sexual relations absolutely forbidden.

In summary:

The verse forbids incestuous relationships with both parents, and by extension, those closely related to them. It establishes a fundamental boundary against sexual relationships within the immediate family, safeguarding the family structure, respect for parents, and preventing genetic issues. It's a foundational law defining acceptable and unacceptable sexual relationships within the community.

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