“And the man that lieth with his father’s wife hath uncovered his father’s nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”
Leviticus 20:11 addresses a specific prohibition regarding sexual relations between a man and his stepmother or his father’s wife. This verse is part of the broader context of Leviticus 18-20, which contains laws and regulations concerning sexual morality, family relationships, and maintaining holiness in the community of Israel.
Historical and cultural context: Leviticus is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, and it was written by Moses under divine inspiration. These laws were given to the Israelites after their liberation from Egypt and before their entry into the Promised Land. The laws in Leviticus served to guide the Israelites in their worship of God, their moral conduct, and their social interactions.
Understanding the verse: The verse condemns the act of a man having sexual relations with his father’s wife, referring to the wife of his biological father or his stepmother. Such an act is seen as a violation of the sacred bonds of family and marriage. It is described as “uncovering his father’s nakedness,” which metaphorically represents a deep betrayal of the family unit and a violation of the proper order of relationships.
The punishment: The verse states that both the man and the woman involved in this forbidden relationship shall be put to death, and their blood shall be upon them. This severe punishment indicates the seriousness of the offense and serves as a deterrent against such immoral behavior within the Israelite community.
The broader moral and theological significance: The laws in Leviticus, including this verse, reflect God’s desire for holiness and moral purity among His people. They emphasize the importance of maintaining proper boundaries within relationships, especially within the family structure. These laws were intended to promote social order, preserve the integrity of marriage, and prevent the breakdown of family units.
Application for today: While the specific laws in Leviticus were given to the ancient Israelites, Christians today often interpret them in light of the principles of love, justice, and moral purity found throughout the Bible. The New Testament teaches that Jesus Christ fulfilled the requirements of the Old Testament law and established a new covenant based on faith in Him. Christians are called to uphold the principles of sexual purity and honor the sanctity of marriage as outlined in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
In conclusion, Leviticus 20:11 addresses the prohibition against a man having sexual relations with his father’s wife. It highlights the importance of maintaining proper family relationships, promotes moral purity, and serves as a reminder of the significance of upholding God’s standards for holiness.
