Leviticus 18:6-18
God sets clear boundaries for sexual relationships to preserve holiness and protect the covenant community.
6 “ ‘None of you shall approach any close relatives, to uncover their nakedness: I am Yahweh.
7 “ ‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, nor the nakedness of your mother: she is your mother. You shall not uncover her nakedness.
8 “ ‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s wife. It is your father’s nakedness.
9 “ ‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, the daughter of your father, or the daughter of your mother, whether born at home or born abroad.
10 “ ‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your son’s daughter, or of your daughter’s daughter, even their nakedness; for theirs is your own nakedness.
11 “ ‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s wife’s daughter, conceived by your father, since she is your sister.
12 “ ‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s sister. She is your father’s near kinswoman.
13 “ ‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother’s sister, for she is your mother’s near kinswoman.
14 “ ‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s brother. You shall not approach his wife. She is your aunt.
15 “ ‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law. She is your son’s wife. You shall not uncover her nakedness.
16 “ ‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother’s wife. It is your brother’s nakedness.
17 “ ‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter. You shall not take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness. They are near kinswomen. It is wickedness.
18 “ ‘You shall not take a wife in addition to her sister, to be a rival, to uncover her nakedness, while her sister is still alive.
God sets clear boundaries for sexual relationships to preserve holiness and protect the covenant community.
This passage defines prohibited sexual unions within close family relationships, establishing clear boundaries to preserve holiness and covenant order in Israel.
Leviticus 18 begins the holiness-code material with a contrast between Egypt, Canaan, and the LORD's revealed statutes. Verses 1-5 established the covenant logic: Israel must not imitate pagan patterns but must walk in the LORD's decrees. Verses 6-18 now apply that covenant call to the household by prohibiting sexual unions with close relatives and relationally bound family members.
The commands are given to Israel after the exodus and within the Sinai covenant context, as the LORD forms a people distinct from Egypt behind them and Canaan before them.
Sexual Holiness, Covenant Distinction, and the Land That Vomits Out Defilement
The LORD's redeemed people must reject the sexual practices of Egypt and Canaan and live by His holy statutes, because sexual rebellion defiles persons, households, worship, and the land itself.