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.
LEVITICUS 18:17KJVWhat does Leviticus 18:17 mean?
Leviticus 18:17 forbids a man from having sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter, or with a woman and her granddaughter, because these women are considered close relatives, and such actions are called wickedness. The verse sets a clear boundary about relationships within extended families.
In this verse, God is giving instructions to the Israelites through Moses about forbidden sexual relationships, specifically addressing boundaries within family structures. The law aims to protect family integrity and prevent confusion or harm that could come from overlapping intimate relationships among close relatives.
The Hebrew behind Leviticus 18:17
- "Uncover" (גָּלָה, galah): This word is often used as a polite way to refer to sexual relations, literally meaning to "uncover" someone's nakedness. Here, it signals the specific kind of relationship being prohibited.
- "Nakedness" (עֶרְוָה, ervah): This word refers to intimate exposure, often as a stand-in for sexual activity. The focus is not just on physical nakedness but on the act itself.
- "Kinswomen" (שְׁאֵרָה, she’erah): This term means "close relative" or "flesh and blood." The verse highlights that the women mentioned are not just related, but are considered immediate family, making such relationships especially inappropriate.
- "Wickedness" (זִמָּה, zimmah): This word means "an evil plan" or "outrage." The verse uses a strong term to show that such actions are not just improper but are seen as a serious moral offense.
Why Leviticus 18:17 matters
- Leviticus 18:17 clarifies that the boundaries for sexual relationships extend beyond immediate parents and children to include step-relations and grandchildren, showing the law's concern for the broader family unit.
- The verse uses strong language ("wickedness") to emphasize the seriousness of violating these boundaries, highlighting the importance of protecting family relationships from harm or confusion.
- In the wider context of Leviticus 18, this verse is part of a larger list of forbidden relationships, helping the Israelites understand how to live differently from surrounding cultures that might not have had such restrictions.