“And if a man shall take his sister, his father’s daughter, or his mother’s daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it is a wicked thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of their people: he hath uncovered his sister’s nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.”
Context: The book of Leviticus is part of the Old Testament and contains laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus 20 deals with various laws concerning sexual immorality and the consequences for violating them.
Prohibition of Incest: Leviticus 20:17 specifically addresses the prohibition of incestuous relationships. In this verse, it condemns a man who engages in sexual relations with his sister, either his father’s daughter or his mother’s daughter. The act of seeing each other’s nakedness refers to engaging in sexual activity.
Moral and Spiritual Implications: This verse highlights the seriousness of incestuous relationships from a moral and spiritual perspective. Incest is considered a wicked thing in the sight of God. It violates the boundaries of family relationships established by God and disrupts the order and sanctity of family life.
Punishment: The consequence for engaging in such an act is being “cut off” from the community. This likely refers to being excommunicated or ostracized from the Israelite community. It is important to note that the phrase “cut off” is often used in the context of severe punishment or divine judgment.
The Principle of Holiness: Leviticus emphasizes the principle of holiness and the need for the Israelites to be set apart from the practices of the surrounding nations. Incest was prevalent in many ancient cultures, but God wanted His people to maintain a higher standard of sexual purity and family integrity.
Application for Today: While the ceremonial and civil laws of the Old Testament may not be binding on Christians today, the underlying principles of sexual purity, respect for family relationships, and maintaining boundaries are still applicable. Incestuous relationships are universally considered immoral and are prohibited in many societies based on natural law and ethical standards.
New Testament Perspective: In the New Testament, Jesus further emphasized the importance of purity and holiness in relationships. He taught against lust and sexual immorality, promoting faithfulness within marriage (Matthew 5:27-28, Matthew 19:4-6). The apostle Paul also addressed sexual immorality and incestuous relationships in his letters (1 Corinthians 5:1-5, 1 Corinthians 6:18).
In conclusion, Leviticus 20:17 condemns incestuous relationships and highlights the importance of maintaining sexual purity and respecting family boundaries. While the specific penalties mentioned in the Old Testament may not apply today, the underlying principles of holiness and sexual purity remain relevant for believers, as emphasized in the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament writers.
