“Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness.”
Context and Background: The book of Leviticus is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament. It contains various laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus addresses various aspects of religious, moral, and ceremonial practices for the Israelites, providing instructions for their daily lives.
Understanding the Verse: In Leviticus 18, God provides guidelines regarding sexual morality, highlighting various relationships and situations that are considered inappropriate or forbidden. Verse 19 specifically focuses on the prohibition of sexual relations during a woman’s period of menstruation or “uncleanness.”
The Prohibition Explained: In the Old Testament, menstruation was seen as a state of ritual impurity. During this time, women were considered ceremonially unclean and were required to observe a period of separation or isolation from certain activities and people. One aspect of this separation was the prohibition of sexual relations.
The verse emphasizes that a man should not approach a woman to uncover her nakedness while she is in a state of uncleanness due to her menstrual cycle. This directive ensures that both the man and the woman honor the period of separation and maintain the sanctity of sexual relations within the bounds set by God.
The Significance: The prohibition mentioned in Leviticus 18:19 serves multiple purposes:
- Spiritual and Moral Purity: By enforcing boundaries for sexual intimacy, God emphasized the importance of maintaining purity and holiness within the sexual relationship. This regulation aimed to prevent any defilement or misuse of the sexual act, which was designed to be a sacred expression of love and commitment within the covenant of marriage.
- Health and Hygiene: From a practical standpoint, the separation during menstruation helped maintain hygiene and prevented the spread of infections or diseases that could potentially arise during this time.
- Symbolism and Separation: The temporary separation during menstruation served as a symbolic reminder of the separation of the Israelites from other nations. God desired His people to be distinct and set apart, adhering to a different standard of living. The separation during menstruation also highlighted the importance of observing God’s laws and respecting His boundaries.
Application and New Testament Perspective: As Christians, we need to approach the Old Testament laws with discernment, understanding that Jesus Christ fulfilled the law and inaugurated a new covenant. While the specific regulations regarding menstruation no longer apply to believers today, the underlying principles of purity, honor, and maintaining boundaries in sexual relationships still hold true.
In the New Testament, we find teachings on sexual morality and the sanctity of marriage. For example, Jesus emphasizes the permanence and exclusivity of marriage (Matthew 19:4-6), and the apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of sexual purity and honoring one’s spouse (1 Corinthians 6:18, 7:3-5). As Christians, we are called to maintain sexual purity, honor the boundaries of marriage, and treat our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
In conclusion, Leviticus 18:19 addresses the prohibition of sexual relations during a woman’s period of uncleanness. While the specific regulations regarding menstruation are not binding on Christians today, the underlying principles of purity, honor, and maintaining boundaries in sexual relationships remain relevant and continue to guide us in our pursuit of holiness.
