Leviticus 18:17
Leviticus 18:17 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter; thou shalt not take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness; they are near kinswomen: it is wickedness.
You may not take as wife a woman and her daughter, or her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter, for they are of one family: it is an act of shame.
Don't have sex with both a woman and her daughter. Don't have sex with her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter. They are her close relatives. That is something I loathe.
Thou shalt not discouer the shame of the wife and of her daughter, neither shalt thou take her sonnes daughter, nor her daughters daughter, to vncouer her shame: for they are thy kinsfolkes, and it were wickednesse.
'The nakedness of a woman and her daughter thou dost not uncover; her son's daughter, and her daughter's daughter thou dost not take to uncover her nakedness; they [are] her relations; it [is] wickedness.
“‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter. You shall not take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness. They are near kinswomen. It is wickedness.
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.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy wife and her daughter. Thou shalt not take her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter, to discover her shame: because they are her flesh, and such copulation is incest.
“Do not have sex with the daughter or granddaughter of any woman whom you have previously had sex with; they are her (OR, your) close relatives. Having sex with any of them would be a wicked thing to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 18:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 18:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֶרְוַ֥ת
אִשָּׁ֛ה
וּ/בִתָּ֖/הּ
לֹ֣א
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
אֶֽת
בַּת
בְּנָ֞/הּ
וְ/אֶת
בַּת
בִּתָּ֗/הּ
לֹ֤א
תִקַּח֙
לְ/גַלּ֣וֹת
עֶרְוָתָ֔/הּ
שַׁאֲרָ֥ה
הֵ֖נָּה
זִמָּ֥ה
הִֽוא
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs
אִשָּׁ֛ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
וּ/בִתָּ֖/הּ
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
Conj | N-fs | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
בְּנָ֞/הּ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
בִּתָּ֗/הּ
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs | Suff
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִקַּח֙
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לְ/גַלּ֣וֹת
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
עֶרְוָתָ֔/הּ
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs | Suff
שַׁאֲרָ֥ה
shaʼărâh
H7608
kinswomen
N-fs
הֵ֖נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
they(fem.)
Pron
זִמָּ֥ה
zimmâh
H2154
wickedness
N-fs
הִֽוא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 18:17
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
"nakedness"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for nakedness, implying shame or exposure. It appears in Genesis 9:22 and Leviticus 18:6, often warning against improper behavior. This concept is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:14.
Definition: 1) nakedness, nudity, shame, pudenda 1a) pudenda (implying shameful exposure) 1b) nakedness of a thing, indecency, improper behaviour 1c) exposed, undefended (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: ar.vah (עַרְוָה "dishonor" H6173)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: nakedness, shame, unclean(-ness). See also: Genesis 9:22; Leviticus 20:11; Isaiah 20:4.
אִשָּׁ֛ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
וּ/בִתָּ֖/הּ
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
בְּנָ֞/הּ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
בִּתָּ֗/הּ
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִקַּח֙
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
לְ/גַלּ֣וֹת
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
עֶרְוָתָ֔/הּ
ʻervâh
H6172
"nakedness"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for nakedness, implying shame or exposure. It appears in Genesis 9:22 and Leviticus 18:6, often warning against improper behavior. This concept is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:14.
Definition: 1) nakedness, nudity, shame, pudenda 1a) pudenda (implying shameful exposure) 1b) nakedness of a thing, indecency, improper behaviour 1c) exposed, undefended (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: ar.vah (עַרְוָה "dishonor" H6173)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: nakedness, shame, unclean(-ness). See also: Genesis 9:22; Leviticus 20:11; Isaiah 20:4.
שַׁאֲרָ֥ה
shaʼărâh
H7608
"kinswomen"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to female relatives by blood, or kinswomen. It is related to the word for flesh, and appears in the KJV as near kinswomen. It is used to describe family ties in the Bible.
Definition: kinswomen A grammatical form of she.er (שְׁאֵר "flesh" H7607)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: near kinswomen. See also: Leviticus 18:17.
הֵ֖נָּה
hênnâh
H2007
"they(fem.)"
Pron
A Hebrew pronoun meaning they or them, used to refer to a group of people or things, often in a general sense, like in the Psalms. It can also be used to describe something belonging to them.
Definition: they, these, the same, who A grammatical form of hu (הוּא "he/she/it" H1931)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in, [idiom] such (and such things), their, (into) them, thence, therein, these, they (had), on this side, whose, wherein. See also: Genesis 6:2; Psalms 34:21; Proverbs 6:16.
זִמָּ֥ה
zimmâh
H2154
"wickedness"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to a wicked or evil plan, and can include things like adultery, incest, and idolatry. It is used to describe the bad intentions or schemes of people in the Bible.
Definition: 1) plan, device, wickedness, evil plan, mischievous purpose 1a) plan, purpose 1b) evil device, wickedness 1c) not chaste, incest, licentiousness, adultery, idolatry, harlotry
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: heinous crime, lewd(-ly, -ness), mischief, purpose, thought, wicked (device, mind, -ness). See also: Leviticus 18:17; Ezekiel 16:27; Psalms 26:10.
הִֽוא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Leviticus 18:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 18:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:17
Context — Unlawful Sexual Relations
15You must not have sexual relations with your daughter-in-law. She is your son’s wife; you are not to have sexual relations with her.
16You must not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would shame your brother.
17You 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.
18You must not take your wife’s sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is still alive. 19You must not approach a woman to have sexual relations with her during her menstrual period.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 20:14 | If a man marries both a woman and her mother, it is depraved. Both he and they must be burned in the fire, so that there will be no depravity among you. |
| 2 | Amos 2:7 | They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the earth; they push the needy out of their way. A man and his father have relations with the same girl and so profane My holy name. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 27:23 | ‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his mother-in-law.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
Leviticus 18:17 Summary
Leviticus 18:17 teaches us that it's not okay to have sexual relations with close relatives, like a woman and her daughter or grandchildren. This is because God wants us to respect and honor the relationships He has designed for us, as seen in Genesis 2:24. By following this command, we can avoid hurting ourselves and others, and instead seek to live in a way that is pleasing to God, as described in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20. This means being careful about the relationships we pursue and making sure they align with God's plan for our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of Leviticus 18:17?
The main focus of Leviticus 18:17 is to prohibit sexual relations with close relatives, specifically a woman and her daughter, or a woman and her grandchildren, as seen in the command to not marry her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter and have sexual relations with her, which is considered depraved.
Why are these relationships considered depraved?
These relationships are considered depraved because they violate God's design for family relationships and sexual intimacy, as seen in Leviticus 18:17, and are also warned against in other scriptures such as Deuteronomy 22:30 and Ezekiel 22:11.
How does this verse relate to other biblical teachings on sexual purity?
This verse is part of a larger biblical theme of maintaining sexual purity and respecting God-ordained boundaries, as seen in scriptures such as Genesis 2:24, which describes the union between a husband and wife, and 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, which warns against sexual immorality.
What is the significance of the phrase 'close relatives' in this verse?
The phrase 'close relatives' in Leviticus 18:17 emphasizes the importance of respecting family relationships and avoiding sexual relationships that could lead to exploitation, shame, or harm, as also seen in Leviticus 18:15 and Leviticus 18:16.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principles of respecting God-ordained boundaries in my own relationships and family dynamics?
- What are some ways I can prioritize sexual purity and integrity in my life, according to scriptures such as 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7?
- How can I seek to honor God's design for family relationships and sexual intimacy, as described in Genesis 2:24 and Ephesians 5:31?
- What are some potential consequences of disregarding the warnings in Leviticus 18:17, and how can I seek to avoid them in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:17
Thou shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter,.... That is, if a man marries a woman, and she has a daughter, which is the man's daughter-in-law, after the death of his wife he may
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:17
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 18:17
Of a woman and her daughter, to wit, thy step-daughter, and so thy step-son’ s daughter, &c. It is wickedness; because they are very near to thy wife by consanguinity, as coming directly from her; and therefore they are as near to thee by affinity, which binds as much as consanguinity; the wife, who is only related by affinity, being nearer to a man than any other by consanguinity, they two being made one flesh, and therefore the same distance is to be observed in both of them.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:17
Leviticus 18:17 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.Ver. 17. It is wickedness.] Wickedness with a witness; and yet avowed for lawful by some odious upstart sectaries, who teach that those marriages are most laudable that are betwixt persons nearest in blood, brother and sister, father and daughter, mother and son, &c. This they shame not to set forth in print. Hist. Davidis Georg., pp. 28, 29; Little Non-such, pp. 5-7.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:17
(17) A woman and her daughter.—That is, if a man marries a widow who has a daughter by a former husband, or if he forms an alliance with a woman who has a daughter out of wedlock, he is forbidden to marry also the daughter. But though this prohibition is directed against a peculiar form of polygamy. there can hardly be any doubt that, as the administrators of the law during the second Temple interpreted it, if he married either of them and she died, he could not marry the other any more, and that this prohibition did not apply to cases of illicit commerce. Criminal intercourse with one did not preclude him from marrying the other. For contracting the kind of polygamy here forbidden, the offenders were punished with death by fire. (See Leviticus 20:14.)
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:17
17. A woman and her daughter — This verse prohibits the successive marriage of a man with a woman and her daughter or granddaughter on account of their near blood relationship.