Old Testament
Leviticus 18:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You must not have sexual relations with your mother's sister. She is your mother's close relative.
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Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister: for she is thy mother’s near kinswoman.
What Leviticus 18:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 18:13, the commandment prohibits sexual relations with one's aunt, specifically the sister of one's mother. This law is part of a broader set of guidelines aimed at maintaining family integrity and moral conduct within the community. The term "uncover the nakedness" is a euphemism for engaging in sexual activity, emphasizing the seriousness of the prohibition. The verse highlights the importance of respecting familial relationships and boundaries, as engaging in such relationships could lead to confusion and disrupt family dynamics. This command is rooted in the understanding that close relatives should not engage in sexual relations, as it can lead to moral decay and societal issues. The laws in Leviticus serve to set apart the Israelites from other nations, promoting holiness and ethical behavior. Overall, this verse underscores the significance of maintaining appropriate boundaries within family structures to foster a healthy community.
How to apply Leviticus 18:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to respect family boundaries and maintain healthy relationships. In modern contexts, it reminds us to uphold moral standards and avoid relationships that could harm family dynamics. Understanding these principles can help foster a supportive and respectful family environment.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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Keep studying Leviticus 18:13
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 18:13 mean?
Leviticus 18:13 prohibits sexual relations with one's aunt, specifically the sister of one's mother. This commandment emphasizes the importance of maintaining family integrity and moral conduct.
What is the significance of 'uncover the nakedness' in Leviticus 18:13?
The phrase 'uncover the nakedness' is a euphemism for engaging in sexual activity. It highlights the seriousness of the prohibition against incestuous relationships.
Why does Leviticus 18:13 prohibit relationships with aunts?
This verse aims to prevent confusion and disruption within family dynamics by prohibiting sexual relations with close relatives, thereby promoting moral standards in the community.
What themes are present in Leviticus 18:13?
Key themes in Leviticus 18:13 include family integrity, moral conduct, the prohibition of incest, holiness, and community guidelines that set the Israelites apart from other nations.
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