Leviticus 18:18 meaning
The importance of marital integrity is highlighted in a passage that discusses relationships and their moral implications. This scripture emphasizes the protection of marriage against rivalries that could arise from polygamous practices. The command serves to establish clear boundaries regarding interpersonal relationships, reflecting God's desire for order and holiness within the community. By prohibiting certain forms of marriage, the text underscores the sanctity of the marital union and the need to avoid jealousy and discord that could emerge from such complicated arrangements.
The verse also fits into a broader context where God commands His people to live differently from surrounding nations, which often engaged in morally questionable behaviors. This call to holiness is not merely for personal piety but also reflects a societal imperative for maintaining ethical standards. The charge is to avoid the practices that detracted from the sanctity of relationships and society at large, reminding the Israelites of their unique covenant with God and the standards that set them apart.
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Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Leviticus 18:6-18 meaning. God outlines a list of incestuous sexual sins and forbids His people to engage in them as was common in the lands of Egypt and Canaan. The phrase "uncover one's nakedness" means to engage in sexual intimacy with a person (including but not limited to intercourse). Uncovering the nakedness of one's spouse within the covenant of marriage produces oneness. However, having forbidden sexual relations is usually in order to exploit another for personal sexual gratification, and is forbidden. Here it is forbidden particularly within families.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Deuteronomy 7:1-6 meaning. God reemphasizes that Israel is set apart (holy) to their Suzerain (Ruler) God as a special possession. He instructs the Israelites to eliminate the people who live in Canaan as well as their corrupt culture. Then Israel must occupy the Promised Land.
- Ecclesiastes 8:11-13 meaning. Regardless of appearance, evil actions will eventually lead to an evil end. But it will be well for those who fear God.
- Hosea 12:7-11 meaning. The LORD exposes Israel's wickedness, where a pagan culture of deception and violence had taken the place of God's command to love and respect their neighbors. Israel had great materialistic pride, and arrogantly practiced religious worship to God while blatantly disobeying His commands. For their disobedience, God will send His people to exile and destroy their altars because they have failed to listen to His prophets and repent of their wicked ways.
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