Leviticus 18: Holiness in Sexuality
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the Lord your God.
After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.
Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the Lord your God.
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord.
None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the Lord.
The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
The nakedness of thy father’s wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father’s nakedness.
The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.
The nakedness of thy son’s daughter, or of thy daughter’s daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness.
The nakedness of thy father’s wife’s daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s sister: she is thy father’s near kinswoman.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister: for she is thy mother’s near kinswoman.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son’s wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother’s wife: it is thy brother’s nakedness.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.
Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time.
Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness.
Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour’s wife, to defile thyself with her.
And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.
Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:
And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:
(For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;)
That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you.
For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people.
Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 18 is a crucial chapter, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to sexual purity and its profound implications for His people. This chapter isn't just a list of "do's and don'ts," but a powerful statement about God's character and the importance of reflecting His holiness in every aspect of our lives, including our sexuality. The prohibitions outlined here serve to protect the sanctity of marriage and family, foundational building blocks of a thriving society.
Distinct from the World (Leviticus 18:1-5)
The chapter opens with a clear declaration: "I am the LORD your God" (Leviticus 18:2). This isn't just a casual introduction; it's the bedrock upon which all the subsequent commands are built. God's identity as their God is inextricably linked to the Israelites' sexual conduct. They were called to be different, set apart from the surrounding cultures. God explicitly forbids them from imitating the practices of Egypt, where they had been enslaved, and Canaan, the land they were about to inherit (Leviticus 18:3).
This principle resonates powerfully today. We are constantly bombarded with messages about sex and relationships that are contrary to God's design. Just as the Israelites were called to resist the allure of pagan customs, we must actively choose to align our lives with God's holy statutes, regardless of prevailing cultural norms. God, as the designer of sex, has the authority to define its proper context and boundaries. Trusting and embracing His design ultimately leads to the greatest joy and protects us from the devastating consequences of sexual immorality.
Boundaries of Intimacy (Leviticus 18:6-19)
The core of Leviticus 18 details specific prohibitions against incestuous relationships (Leviticus 18:7-18). These weren't arbitrary rules but were directly related to the practices of the Canaanites (Leviticus 18:24). God was establishing clear boundaries to protect the family structure and prevent exploitation within familial relationships. The phrase "you are not to come near any close relative for...intercourse" (Leviticus 18:6) underscores the seriousness of these prohibitions.
Even in the New Testament, the relevance of these principles is evident. Paul rebuked the church in Corinth for tolerating a man's relationship with his stepmother, a violation similar to what is prohibited in Leviticus 18:8 (see 1 Corinthians 5:1-5). This highlights the enduring importance of these moral boundaries.
Leviticus 18:19 addresses a different aspect of marital intimacy, forbidding intercourse during a woman's menstrual period. This wasn't merely a matter of hygiene but related to the concept of ceremonial uncleanness associated with blood. Later Jewish tradition extended this prohibition to include seven days after the period, further emphasizing the need for ritual purification.
Beyond the Family (Leviticus 18:20-30)
The chapter then broadens its scope to address sinful sexual relations outside the family, specifically adultery (Leviticus 18:20), homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22), and bestiality (Leviticus 18:23). These prohibitions challenge the notion that sexual expression is solely a matter of personal preference. God defines what is acceptable and unacceptable, and these acts are clearly outside the bounds of His design.
It's a sobering reflection that these ancient sins are still prevalent today, often celebrated and normalized in modern society. This underscores the timeless relevance of Leviticus 18 and the need for believers to stand firm on God's truth in the face of cultural pressure.
The command against sacrificing children to Molech (Leviticus 18:21), a pagan god of the Ammonites, reveals the depths of human depravity. Such sacrifices were driven by a misguided religious fervor, a desperate attempt to appease demonic forces (see Psalm 106:37; 1 Corinthians 10:20). Tragically, the spirit of child sacrifice continues today, often disguised as "sexual freedom" through the practice of abortion. The church has a moral imperative to speak out against the murder of the unborn and advocate for the sanctity of life.
Consequences of Immorality (Leviticus 18:24-30)
God's holiness demands justice. The Canaanites had defiled themselves through these practices, and God was about to judge them by dispossessing them from the land (Leviticus 18:24-25). This may seem harsh in our modern context, but it reflects God's righteous character and His intolerance of sin. He is not a tame deity who simply affirms our choices, but a holy Creator who considers sin detestable (Leviticus 18:26).
God warned the Israelites that if they imitated the Canaanites' immoral practices, they too would be "vomited out" of the land (Leviticus 18:28). This warning tragically came to pass. Both the northern kingdom of Israel (in 722 BC) and the southern kingdom of Judah (in 587-586 BC) were exiled due to their disobedience and idolatry. This serves as a stark reminder that God's standards are not to be taken lightly.
Leviticus 18 calls us to a higher standard of living, one that reflects God's holiness in our sexuality. By embracing His design and adhering to His commands, we honor Him and experience the fullness of life He intends for us.
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the Lord your God.
After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.
Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the Lord your God.
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord.
None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the Lord.
The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
The nakedness of thy father’s wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father’s nakedness.
The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.
The nakedness of thy son’s daughter, or of thy daughter’s daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness.
The nakedness of thy father’s wife’s daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s sister: she is thy father’s near kinswoman.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister: for she is thy mother’s near kinswoman.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son’s wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother’s wife: it is thy brother’s nakedness.
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.
Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time.
Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness.
Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour’s wife, to defile thyself with her.
And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.
Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:
And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:
(For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;)
That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you.
For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people.
Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 18 is a crucial chapter, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to sexual purity and its profound implications for His people. This chapter isn't just a list of "do's and don'ts," but a powerful statement about God's character and the importance of reflecting His holiness in every aspect of our lives, including our sexuality. The prohibitions outlined here serve to protect the sanctity of marriage and family, foundational building blocks of a thriving society.
Distinct from the World (Leviticus 18:1-5)
The chapter opens with a clear declaration: "I am the LORD your God" (Leviticus 18:2). This isn't just a casual introduction; it's the bedrock upon which all the subsequent commands are built. God's identity as their God is inextricably linked to the Israelites' sexual conduct. They were called to be different, set apart from the surrounding cultures. God explicitly forbids them from imitating the practices of Egypt, where they had been enslaved, and Canaan, the land they were about to inherit (Leviticus 18:3).
This principle resonates powerfully today. We are constantly bombarded with messages about sex and relationships that are contrary to God's design. Just as the Israelites were called to resist the allure of pagan customs, we must actively choose to align our lives with God's holy statutes, regardless of prevailing cultural norms. God, as the designer of sex, has the authority to define its proper context and boundaries. Trusting and embracing His design ultimately leads to the greatest joy and protects us from the devastating consequences of sexual immorality.
Boundaries of Intimacy (Leviticus 18:6-19)
The core of Leviticus 18 details specific prohibitions against incestuous relationships (Leviticus 18:7-18). These weren't arbitrary rules but were directly related to the practices of the Canaanites (Leviticus 18:24). God was establishing clear boundaries to protect the family structure and prevent exploitation within familial relationships. The phrase "you are not to come near any close relative for...intercourse" (Leviticus 18:6) underscores the seriousness of these prohibitions.
Even in the New Testament, the relevance of these principles is evident. Paul rebuked the church in Corinth for tolerating a man's relationship with his stepmother, a violation similar to what is prohibited in Leviticus 18:8 (see 1 Corinthians 5:1-5). This highlights the enduring importance of these moral boundaries.
Leviticus 18:19 addresses a different aspect of marital intimacy, forbidding intercourse during a woman's menstrual period. This wasn't merely a matter of hygiene but related to the concept of ceremonial uncleanness associated with blood. Later Jewish tradition extended this prohibition to include seven days after the period, further emphasizing the need for ritual purification.
Beyond the Family (Leviticus 18:20-30)
The chapter then broadens its scope to address sinful sexual relations outside the family, specifically adultery (Leviticus 18:20), homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22), and bestiality (Leviticus 18:23). These prohibitions challenge the notion that sexual expression is solely a matter of personal preference. God defines what is acceptable and unacceptable, and these acts are clearly outside the bounds of His design.
It's a sobering reflection that these ancient sins are still prevalent today, often celebrated and normalized in modern society. This underscores the timeless relevance of Leviticus 18 and the need for believers to stand firm on God's truth in the face of cultural pressure.
The command against sacrificing children to Molech (Leviticus 18:21), a pagan god of the Ammonites, reveals the depths of human depravity. Such sacrifices were driven by a misguided religious fervor, a desperate attempt to appease demonic forces (see Psalm 106:37; 1 Corinthians 10:20). Tragically, the spirit of child sacrifice continues today, often disguised as "sexual freedom" through the practice of abortion. The church has a moral imperative to speak out against the murder of the unborn and advocate for the sanctity of life.
Consequences of Immorality (Leviticus 18:24-30)
God's holiness demands justice. The Canaanites had defiled themselves through these practices, and God was about to judge them by dispossessing them from the land (Leviticus 18:24-25). This may seem harsh in our modern context, but it reflects God's righteous character and His intolerance of sin. He is not a tame deity who simply affirms our choices, but a holy Creator who considers sin detestable (Leviticus 18:26).
God warned the Israelites that if they imitated the Canaanites' immoral practices, they too would be "vomited out" of the land (Leviticus 18:28). This warning tragically came to pass. Both the northern kingdom of Israel (in 722 BC) and the southern kingdom of Judah (in 587-586 BC) were exiled due to their disobedience and idolatry. This serves as a stark reminder that God's standards are not to be taken lightly.
Leviticus 18 calls us to a higher standard of living, one that reflects God's holiness in our sexuality. By embracing His design and adhering to His commands, we honor Him and experience the fullness of life He intends for us.