“And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister, nor of thy father’s sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.”
Leviticus 20:19 is a verse from the book of Leviticus, which is part of the Old Testament. This verse is a part of a larger section known as the Holiness Code, where God provides guidelines for the Israelites on how to live a holy and righteous life.
In this particular verse, the focus is on the prohibition against uncovering the nakedness of one’s mother’s sister or father’s sister. The phrase “uncover the nakedness” is a euphemism for engaging in sexual relations with someone. It is important to note that the concept of “nakedness” in this context refers to close family members and is not meant to be understood literally.
The underlying principle behind this command is the prohibition of incestuous relationships within the family. The Bible emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper boundaries and respecting familial relationships. Engaging in sexual relationships with close relatives, such as aunts, goes against the natural order established by God and disrupts the family structure.
The verse concludes by stating that those who violate this commandment shall bear their iniquity. This suggests that there will be consequences for disregarding God’s law, both in this life and potentially in the afterlife. It highlights the seriousness of the commandment and the need for obedience to God’s moral standards.
It is worth mentioning that the laws and regulations found in Leviticus were given specifically to the Israelites during their time as a distinct nation under the Mosaic covenant. While the moral principles conveyed in these laws still hold significance for Christians today, the ceremonial and civil aspects of the Mosaic Law, including many of the laws in Leviticus, are not binding on Christians under the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ.
In summary, Leviticus 20:19 prohibits engaging in sexual relations with one’s mother’s sister or father’s sister. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper familial boundaries and highlights the consequences for violating God’s commands.
