Question 1

What does Leviticus 18:7 mean?

Accepted Answer

Leviticus 18:7 commands that a person must not have sexual relations with either their father or their mother, specifically stating that uncovering a parent's nakedness is forbidden. The verse highlights that the mother’s nakedness is the same as the father’s, emphasizing the prohibition against incest within the immediate family. In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving them laws about sexual conduct as they prepare to live as a distinct community. The phrase "uncover the nakedness" is a way of referring to sexual relations in ancient Hebrew. This law is part of a larger section where God sets boundaries to protect family relationships and uphold social order.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 18:7

Accepted Answer

עֶרְוָה (ervah, "nakedness"): This word often refers to sexual exposure or relations, not just physical nudity. Here, it signals a broader prohibition against sexual acts, not simply seeing someone unclothed. גָּלָה (galah, "uncover"): This verb means to reveal or expose, and in this context, it is a common biblical way to refer to engaging in sexual activity. אֵם (em, "mother") and אָב (av, "father"): The verse uses these words to make clear that both parents are included in the prohibition, underlining the seriousness of incest.

Question 3

Why Leviticus 18:7 matters

Accepted Answer

Leviticus 18:7 clarifies that incest is not just discouraged but strictly forbidden, setting a clear moral boundary for the Israelites. The verse’s language shows that sexual boundaries within the family are foundational to the holiness code in Leviticus, which aims to separate Israel from the practices of surrounding nations. By linking the mother’s nakedness to the father’s, the law emphasizes the unity of the parents in marriage and the importance of respecting both equally.

Leviticus 18:7 (KJV)