You must not dishonor your father's brother by approaching his wife to have sexual relations with her; she is your aunt. You must not dishonor your father’s brotherThis phrase addresses the importance of family honor and respect within the Israelite community. The family unit was central to societal structure, and maintaining its integrity was crucial. The term "dishonor" implies a violation of familial respect and order. In the broader biblical context, honoring one's family is a recurring theme, as seen in the Ten Commandments ( Exodus 20:12). The patriarchal society of ancient Israel placed significant emphasis on the male lineage, and any act that could disrupt this lineage was strictly prohibited. by approaching his wife
The act of "approaching" here is a euphemism for engaging in sexual relations. This prohibition is part of a larger set of laws in Leviticus 18 that outline forbidden sexual relationships, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and the boundaries set by God. The wife of the father's brother is considered part of the extended family, and any sexual relationship with her would be seen as an intrusion into the marital covenant, which is sacred and inviolable. to have sexual relations with her
This phrase explicitly states the nature of the prohibited act. Sexual relations outside the bounds of marriage, especially within the family, were seen as defiling and corrupting. The Levitical laws were given to set the Israelites apart from the surrounding nations, many of which practiced forms of sexual immorality. This commandment underscores the call to holiness and purity, as seen in Leviticus 19:2, where God commands His people to be holy as He is holy. she is your aunt
The identification of the woman as "your aunt" highlights the close familial relationship and the inherent respect and boundaries that should exist within it. This relationship is not just a social construct but a divinely ordained order. The term "aunt" signifies a familial bond that should be honored and protected. In the broader biblical narrative, family relationships are often used to illustrate spiritual truths, such as the church being the family of God (Ephesians 2:19). This commandment serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining purity and respect within the family, reflecting God's order and design for human relationships. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites. 2. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, to whom the laws in Leviticus were given as a guide for holy living. 3. CanaanThe land where the Israelites were headed, which was inhabited by people with practices God deemed abominable. 4. Father’s Brother (Uncle)A family member whose wife is specifically mentioned in this law. 5. AuntThe wife of the father’s brother, whom the law protects from sexual relations with her nephew. Teaching Points Respect for Family BoundariesThis law underscores the importance of respecting family relationships and maintaining boundaries to preserve family honor and integrity. Holiness and PurityThe call to avoid such relationships is part of a broader call to holiness, as God’s people are to be set apart from the surrounding nations. Consequences of SinEngaging in prohibited relationships can lead to personal and communal consequences, as seen in other biblical accounts. Cultural DistinctionThe Israelites were to live differently from the Canaanites, whose practices were contrary to God’s design for human relationships. Application to Modern LifeWhile the specific cultural context has changed, the principle of honoring family relationships and maintaining sexual purity remains relevant. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Leviticus 18:14 reflect God’s design for family relationships, and why is this important for us today? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of respecting family boundaries in our modern context? 3. How does the prohibition in Leviticus 18:14 relate to the broader theme of holiness found throughout the book of Leviticus? 4. What are some modern-day challenges to maintaining sexual purity, and how can we address them in light of biblical teachings? 5. How can the church support individuals and families in upholding the values found in Leviticus 18:14 and similar passages? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 20:19This verse reiterates the prohibition against sexual relations with an aunt, emphasizing the importance of maintaining family honor and purity. 1 Corinthians 5:1Paul addresses a case of sexual immorality in the Corinthian church, highlighting the need for the church to uphold moral standards. Deuteronomy 27:20This verse includes a curse for those who violate family boundaries, reinforcing the seriousness of such actions. Genesis 9:22-23The account of Ham and Noah illustrates the consequences of dishonoring family members, which is a broader theme in Leviticus 18. People Israelites, Molech, MosesPlaces Canaan, Egypt, TemanTopics Approach, Approaching, Aunt, Brother, Dishonor, Draw, Family, Fathers, Father's, Nakedness, Relations, Sex, Sexual, Uncover, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 18:1-22 5714 men Leviticus 18:1-24 8273 holiness, ethical aspects Leviticus 18:6-18 5681 family, nature of Leviticus 18:6-20 6189 immorality, examples
6237 sexual sin, nature of Leviticus 18:6-23 6206 offence Leviticus 18:6-30 7525 exclusiveness Library General Character of Christians.
"And they that are Christ's have crucified the Flesh, with the Affections and Lusts." St. Paul is supposed to have been the first herald of gospel grace to the Galatians; and they appear to have rejoiced at the glad tidings, and to have received the bearer with much respect. But after his departure, certain judaizing teachers went among them, and labored but too successfully, to alienate their affections from him, and turn them form the simplicity of the gospel. The malice and errors of those deceitful …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects"They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his Children; they are a Perverse and Crooked Generation. "
Deut. xxxii. 5.--"They have corrupted themselves; their spot is not the spot of his children; they are a perverse and crooked generation." We doubt this people would take well with such a description of themselves as Moses gives. It might seem strange to us, that God should have chosen such a people out of all the nations of the earth, and they to be so rebellious and perverse, if our own experience did not teach us how free his choice is, and how long-suffering he is, and constant in his choice. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Doctrine of Arbitrary Scriptural Accommodation Considered.
"But the Righteousness which is of Faith speaketh on this wise,--Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into Heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep?' (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth; and in thine heart:' that is, the word of Faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from …
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation Epistle Lxiv. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [174] . Here begins the epistle of the blessed Gregory pope of the city of Rome, in exposition of various matters, which he sent into transmarine Saxony to Augustine, whom he had himself sent in his own stead to preach. Preface.--Through my most beloved son Laurentius, the presbyter, and Peter the monk, I received thy Fraternity's letter, in which thou hast been at pains to question me on many points. But, inasmuch as my aforesaid sons found me afflicted with the …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn by the Disciples, and the Healing of the Man with the Withered Hand
IN grouping together the three miracles of healing described in the last chapter, we do not wish to convey that it is certain they had taken place in precisely that order. Nor do we feel sure, that they preceded what is about to be related. In the absence of exact data, the succession of events and their location must be matter of combination. From their position in the Evangelic narratives, and the manner in which all concerned speak and act, we inferred, that they took place at that particular …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Obedience
Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
Ver. 20. "And Noah began and became an husbandman, and planted vineyards."--This does not imply that Noah was the first who began to till the ground, and, more especially, to cultivate the vine; for Cain, too, was a tiller of the ground, Gen. iv. 2. The sense rather is, that Noah, after the flood, again took up this calling. Moreover, the remark has not an independent import; it serves only to prepare the way for the communication of the subsequent account of Noah's drunkenness. By this remark, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Meditations for Household Piety.
1. If thou be called to the government of a family, thou must not hold it sufficient to serve God and live uprightly in thy own person, unless thou cause all under thy charge to do the same with thee. For the performance of this duty God was so well pleased with Abraham, that he would not hide from him his counsel: "For," saith God, "I know him that he will command his sons and his household after him that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Leviticus 18:14 NIVLeviticus 18:14 NLTLeviticus 18:14 ESVLeviticus 18:14 NASBLeviticus 18:14 KJV
Leviticus 18:14 Commentaries
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