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I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/leviticus/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“You must never have sexual relations with a close relative, for I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/leviticus/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“None of you shall approach any one of his close relatives to uncover nakedness. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/leviticus/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />None of you are to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/leviticus/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover <i>their</i> nakedness: I <i>am</i> the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/leviticus/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />‘None of you shall approach anyone who is near of kin to him, to uncover his nakedness: I <i>am</i> the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/leviticus/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />‘None <i>of you</i> shall approach any blood relative of his to uncover nakedness; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/leviticus/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216None of you shall approach any blood relative of his to uncover nakedness; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/leviticus/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘None of you shall approach any blood relative of his to uncover nakedness; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/leviticus/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />‘None of you shall approach any blood relative of his to uncover nakedness; I am Yahweh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/leviticus/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />‘No one shall approach any blood relative of his to uncover nakedness (have intimate relations). I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/leviticus/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“You are not to come near any close relative for sexual intercourse; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/leviticus/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You are not to come near any close relative for sexual intercourse; I am Yahweh. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/leviticus/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />None of you shall approach to any that are near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/leviticus/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't have sex with any of your close relatives, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/leviticus/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/leviticus/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Never have sexual intercourse with anyone related to you by blood. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/leviticus/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD gave the following regulations. Do not have sexual intercourse with any of your relatives. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/leviticus/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"A person is not to approach a near blood relative for sexual relations. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/leviticus/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />None of you are to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/leviticus/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"'No man is to approach any close relative to have sexual intercourse with her. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/leviticus/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"'None of you shall approach anyone who are his close relatives, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/leviticus/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/leviticus/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“‘None of you shall approach any close relatives, to uncover their nakedness: I am Yahweh. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/leviticus/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />None of you draws near to any relation of his flesh to uncover nakedness; I [am] YHWH.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/leviticus/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> None of you unto any relation of his flesh doth draw near to uncover nakedness; I am Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/leviticus/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A man, a man to any remainder of his flesh ye shall not come near to uncover nakedness: I am Jehovah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/leviticus/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />No man shall approach to her that is near of kin to him, to uncover her nakedness. I am the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/leviticus/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />No man shall approach her who is a close blood-relative to him, so as to uncover her nakedness. I am the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/leviticus/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />None of you shall approach a close relative to have sexual intercourse. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/leviticus/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />None of you shall approach anyone near of kin to uncover nakedness: I am the LORD.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/leviticus/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />None of you shall be intimate with any that is near of kin to him to uncover her nakedness; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/leviticus/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Each man with anyone near his flesh you shall not touch to uncover nakedness; I AM LORD JEHOVAH.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/leviticus/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/leviticus/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />No man shall draw nigh to any of his near kindred to uncover their nakedness; I <i>am</i> the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/leviticus/18-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NWs_V1RyMFo?start=4760" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/leviticus/18.htm">Unlawful Sexual Relations</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>Keep My statutes and My judgments, for the man who does these things will live by them. I am the LORD. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">None of</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7126.htm" title="7126: ṯiq·rə·ḇū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To come near, approach. A primitive root; to approach for whatever purpose.">you are to approach</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">any</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7607.htm" title="7607: šə·’êr (N-msc) -- Flesh. From sha'ar; flesh, as living or for food; generally food of any kind; figuratively, kindred by blood.">close relative</a> <a href="/hebrew/1320.htm" title="1320: bə·śā·rōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Flesh. From basar; flesh; by extension, body, person; also The pudenda of a man."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1540.htm" title="1540: lə·ḡal·lō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To uncover, remove. A primitive root; to denude; by implication, to exile; figuratively, to reveal.">to have sexual relations.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6172.htm" title="6172: ‘er·wāh (N-fs) -- Nakedness. From arah; nudity, literally or figuratively."></a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">am the LORD.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>You must not expose the nakedness of your father by having sexual relations with your mother. She is your mother; you must not have sexual relations with her.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/27-20.htm">Deuteronomy 27:20</a></span><br />‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his father’s wife, for he has violated his father’s marriage bed.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/27-22.htm">Deuteronomy 27:22</a></span><br />‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/27-23.htm">Deuteronomy 27:23</a></span><br />‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his mother-in-law.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/5-1.htm">1 Corinthians 5:1</a></span><br />It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-11.htm">Ezekiel 22:11</a></span><br />One man commits an abomination with his neighbor’s wife; another wickedly defiles his daughter-in-law; and yet another violates his sister, his own father’s daughter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">1 Corinthians 6:9-10</a></span><br />Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/13-11.htm">2 Samuel 13:11-14</a></span><br />And when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said, “Come lie with me, my sister!” / “No, my brother!” she cried. “Do not violate me, for such a thing should never be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! / Where could I ever take my shame? And you would be like one of the fools in Israel! Please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:3-5</a></span><br />For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; / each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, / not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/9-22.htm">Genesis 9:22-24</a></span><br />And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness and told his two brothers outside. / Then Shem and Japheth took a garment and placed it across their shoulders, and walking backward, they covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned away so that they did not see their father’s nakedness. / When Noah awoke from his drunkenness and learned what his youngest son had done to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-8.htm">1 Corinthians 10:8</a></span><br />We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/19-30.htm">Genesis 19:30-36</a></span><br />Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains—for he was afraid to stay in Zoar—where they lived in a cave. / One day the older daughter said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is no man in the land to sleep with us, as is the custom over all the earth. / Come, let us get our father drunk with wine so we can sleep with him and preserve his line.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-24.htm">Romans 1:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another. / They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen. / For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/20-11.htm">Genesis 20:11-12</a></span><br />Abraham replied, “I thought to myself, ‘Surely there is no fear of God in this place. They will kill me on account of my wife.’ / Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father—though not the daughter of my mother—and she became my wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Ephesians 5:3</a></span><br />But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/38-15.htm">Genesis 38:15-18</a></span><br />When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face. / Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her and said, “Come now, let me sleep with you.” “What will you give me for sleeping with you?” she inquired. / “I will send you a young goat from my flock,” Judah answered. But she replied, “Only if you leave me something as a pledge until you send it.” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">to uncover</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/18-7.htm">Leviticus 18:7-19</a></b></br> The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she <i>is</i> thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/20-11.htm">Leviticus 20:11,12,17-21</a></b></br> And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood <i>shall be</i> upon them… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/10-3.htm">Approach</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-14.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-38.htm">Close</a> <a href="/exodus/22-19.htm">Connection</a> <a href="/leviticus/10-4.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/leviticus/17-16.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/mark/6-4.htm">Kin</a> <a href="/exodus/28-42.htm">Nakedness</a> <a href="/exodus/20-14.htm">Relation</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-24.htm">Relations</a> <a href="/genesis/29-15.htm">Relative</a> <a href="/leviticus/10-4.htm">Relatives</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-33.htm">Sex</a> <a href="/exodus/22-19.htm">Sexual</a> <a href="/leviticus/10-6.htm">Uncover</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/18-14.htm">Approach</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-12.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-12.htm">Close</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-12.htm">Connection</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-14.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-26.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-19.htm">Kin</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-7.htm">Nakedness</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-12.htm">Relation</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-7.htm">Relations</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-12.htm">Relative</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-17.htm">Relatives</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-7.htm">Sex</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-7.htm">Sexual</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-9.htm">Uncover</a><div class="vheading2">Leviticus 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/18-1.htm">Unlawful marriages and unlawful lusts</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/leviticus/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/leviticus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/leviticus/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>None of you are to approach</b><br>This phrase establishes a direct command, emphasizing the personal responsibility of each individual within the community. The use of "none of you" indicates that this is a universal mandate, applicable to all members of the Israelite community. This command is part of the Holiness Code, which outlines the standards of conduct for the Israelites, setting them apart from the surrounding nations. The directive to "approach" implies not just physical proximity but also the intention to engage in prohibited actions.<p><b>any close relative</b><br>The term "close relative" refers to family members within a certain degree of kinship. In the ancient Near Eastern context, family structures were often extended, and maintaining the sanctity of these relationships was crucial for social stability. This prohibition is part of a broader set of laws designed to protect the family unit and ensure that relationships remain pure and respectful. The concept of "close relative" is further defined in the surrounding verses, which list specific familial relationships that are off-limits for sexual relations.<p><b>to have sexual relations.</b><br>This phrase explicitly identifies the nature of the prohibited action. Sexual relations within the family were seen as a violation of the natural order established by God. Such actions were not only socially disruptive but also spiritually defiling. The prohibition of incestuous relationships is consistent with similar laws found in other ancient cultures, though the biblical laws are often more comprehensive. This command underscores the importance of sexual purity and the need to honor God's design for human relationships.<p><b>I am the LORD.</b><br>This declaration serves as the divine authority behind the command. The phrase "I am the LORD" is a frequent refrain in Leviticus, reminding the Israelites of God's sovereignty and holiness. It reinforces the idea that these laws are not arbitrary but are rooted in the character and will of God. The use of God's covenant name, "LORD" (YHWH), emphasizes the special relationship between God and His people, calling them to reflect His holiness in their conduct. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy as He is holy, as seen in passages like <a href="/1_peter/1-16.htm">1 Peter 1:16</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The primary audience of the Levitical laws, who were being prepared to live as God's holy people in the Promised Land.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The place where God delivered the laws to Moses, including the laws in Leviticus.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The divine lawgiver who establishes moral and ceremonial laws for His people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/canaan.htm">Canaan</a></b><br>The land where the Israelites were headed, which was inhabited by people with practices contrary to God's laws.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/holiness_in_relationships.htm">Holiness in Relationships</a></b><br>God calls His people to maintain purity in their relationships, reflecting His holiness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_family_boundaries.htm">Respect for Family Boundaries</a></b><br>The command underscores the importance of respecting family boundaries and the sanctity of familial relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_distinction.htm">Cultural Distinction</a></b><br>The Israelites were to be distinct from the surrounding nations, whose practices were often contrary to God's laws.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_authority.htm">God's Authority</a></b><br>The phrase "I am the LORD" emphasizes God's authority and the divine origin of these commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contemporary_relevance.htm">Contemporary Relevance</a></b><br>The principles of sexual purity and respect for family boundaries remain relevant for Christians today, calling for a counter-cultural stance in a permissive society.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_leviticus_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'uncover_nakedness'_mean.htm">What does "uncover the nakedness" mean in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_divine_judgment_on_amnon.htm">Why is there no direct divine judgment against Amnon for his actions in 2 Samuel 13:1–14? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_the_new_anointing.htm">What does 'uncover the nakedness' mean in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_incest.htm">What does the Bible say about incest?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/leviticus/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">None of you shall approach.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">man, man, ye shall not approach. </span>It is part of the phrase used in <a href="/leviticus/17-3.htm" title="What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that kills an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that kills it out of the camp,">Leviticus 17:3</a>; <a href="/leviticus/17-8.htm" title="And you shall say to them, Whatever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers which sojourn among you, that offers a burnt offering or sacrifice,">Leviticus 17:8</a>; <a href="/leviticus/17-13.htm" title="And whatever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunts and catches any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust.">Leviticus 17:13</a>, and should accordingly be rendered by <span class= "ital">no man whatsoever shall approach. </span>The absence of the words "of the house of Israel," which, in the other instances, form part of this phrase, as we are assured by the authorities in the time of Christ, shows that these prohibitions are also binding upon the stranger who took up his abode among the Israelites, lest the land be defiled by his transgressions. Though primarily addressed to man, who, in these cases, takes the initiative, the punishment for violating any of these laws was visited upon both man and woman.<p><span class= "bld">Near of kin to him.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">the flesh of his flesh. </span>(See <a href="/psalms/73-26.htm" title="My flesh and my heart fails: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.">Psalm 73:26</a>; <a href="/psalms/78-20.htm" title="Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?">Psalm 78:20</a>; <a href="/psalms/78-27.htm" title="He rained flesh also on them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea:">Psalm 78:27</a>; <a href="/context/micah/3-2.htm" title="Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;">Micah 3:2-3</a>.) The combination of two synonymous expressions is often used to denote intensity. Thus the phrase rendered "my exceeding joy" in the Authorised Version (<a href="/psalms/43-4.htm" title="Then will I go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy: yes, on the harp will I praise you, O God my God.">Psalm 43:4</a>), literally means <span class= "ital">the joy of my joy, </span>or, as the Margin has it, "the gladness of my joy." Accordingly, "the flesh of his flesh" signified "nearness of his flesh," his near kin. This technical sense is assigned to the first of these two words by itself in <a href="/context/leviticus/18-12.htm" title="You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's sister: she is your father's near kinswoman.">Leviticus 18:12-13</a>, &c, where it is translated "near kinswoman." It expresses kinship of both consanguinity and mere affinity. (See <a href="/leviticus/18-17.htm" title="You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shall you take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.">Leviticus 18:17</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/leviticus/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - The next thirteen verses contain the law of incest, or the prohibited degrees of marriage. The positive law of marriage, as implanted in the human heart, would be simply that any man of full age might marry any woman of full age, provided that both parties were willing. But this liberty is at once controlled by a number of restrictions, the main purpose of which is to prevent incest, which, however much one nation may come to be indifferent to one form of it, and another to another, is yet abhorrent to the feelings and principles of mankind. The Hebrew restrictive law is contained in one verse. <span class="cmt_word">None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him to uncover their nakedness: I am the Lord.</span> All that follows (verses 9-18) is simply an amplification and an explanation of the words, <span class="accented">near of kin to him.</span> These words would be literally rendered, <span class="accented">flesh of his flesh</span>, or less probably (as in the margin), <span class="accented">remainder of his flesh.</span> They certainly include within the compass of their meaning those that are near by affinity, as much as those that are near by consanguinity. This is proved by the instances given below, where no difference is drawn between blood relations and relations by marriage, the latter being supposed to become the former, in consequence of the marriage that has taken place. Nearness of kin is generally counted by "degrees;" but, unfortunately, this word is itself ambiguous, for it is used in different senses by canonists and by civilians. So far as the direct line is concerned, the same method of calculation is observed by the canon and by the civil law. There is one degree from the son to the mother, two degrees to the grandmother; one degree from the father to the daughter, two degrees to the granddaughter. But this is not so with the collateral lines. A brother and sister, for example, are regarded by the canon law as in the first degree of kinship, because there is only one step to the father, in whom their blood meets; but the civil lawyers consider them as being in the second degree, because, as they calculate, there is one step from the brother to the father, and a second from the father to the sister. An aunt is, according to the canonists, in the second degree of propinquity, because there are two steps from her nephew to his grandfather, who is likewise her father, in whom their blood unites; but, according to the civilian's calculation, there are three steps, namely, from her nephew to his grandfather, two steps, and a third from that grandfather to his daughter the aunt; and therefore the aunt and nephew are in the third degree of propinquity. The case of an uncle and niece is exactly the same as that of a nephew and aunt. On the same principle, according to the canonists, first cousins are in the second degree of kinship; according to the civilians, in the fourth. Propinquity by affinity is calculated in just the same way; so that the brother's wife is in the same degree of relationship as the brother, and wife's sister as the sister by blood. In the code before us, confirmed by that in Deuteronomy, marriage is forbidden with the following blood relations: mother (verse 7), daughter (verse 17), sister (verse 9; <a href="/leviticus/20-17.htm">Leviticus 20:17</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/27-22.htm">Deuteronomy 27:22</a>), granddaughter (verse 10), aunt (verses 12, 13; <a href="/leviticus/20-19.htm">Leviticus 20:19</a>); and with the following relations by affinity: mother-in-law (verse 17; chapter Leviticus 20:14; <a href="/deuteronomy/27-23.htm">Deuteronomy 27:23</a>), daughter-in-law (verse 15; <a href="/leviticus/20-12.htm">Leviticus 20:12</a>), brother's wife (verse 16; <a href="/leviticus/20-21.htm">Leviticus 20:21</a>), stepmother (verse 8; chapter 20:11; <a href="/deuteronomy/22-30.htm">Deuteronomy 22:30</a>; see <a href="/genesis/49-4.htm">Genesis 49:4</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/5-1.htm">1 Corinthians 5:1</a>), stepdaughter and step-granddaughter (verse 17), uncle's wife, or aunt by marriage (verse 14; <a href="/leviticus/20-20.htm">Leviticus 20:20</a>); putting aside for the present the question of who is meant by <span class="accented">a wife to her sister</span>, in verse 18. In these lists, according to the canonists' method of reckoning, the mother, the daughter, and the sister are related in the first degree of consanguinity; the wife's mother, the wife's daughter, the stepmother, the daughter-in-law, the brother's wife, are related in the first degree of affinity. The granddaughter and the aunt are in the second degree of consanguinity; the wife's granddaughter and the uncle's wife in the second degree of affinity. According to the civilians' reckoning, the following would be the degrees of propinquity: - The mother and the daughter would be in the first degree of consanguinity; the wife's mother, the wife's daughter, the stepmother, the daughter-in-law, would be in the first degree of affinity. The sister and the granddaughter would be in the second degree of consanguinity; the brother's wife and the wife's granddaughter would be in the second degree of affinity. The aunt by blood would be in the third degree of consanguinity, and the uncle's wife, or aunt by marriage, would be in the third degree of affinity. The wife's sister, with regard to whom it is questioned whether she is referred to or not in verse 18, is in the first degree of affinity (a man's wife being regarded as himself) according to the canonists' reckoning, and in the second according to the civilians'. There is no mention made in the code of the grandmother, the niece, and the cousin-german. All of these are in the second degree of consanguinity according to the canon law; and according to the civil law, the grandmother would be in the second degree, the niece in the third, and the cousin-german in the fourth. It may reasonably be supposed that by the expression, <span class="accented">None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness</span>, intercourse is forbidden between all those who are related by consanguinity or affinity in the first and second degrees according to the canonists' reckoning (except cousins-german, whose case is considered below); in the first, second, and third degrees 'according to the civilians' method of calculating; whether they are mentioned by name in the list or not. It is only by implication, not by direct injunction, that marriage even with a daughter is forbidden (verse 17). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/leviticus/18-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">None of</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֥ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you are to approach</span><br /><span class="heb">תִקְרְב֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiq·rə·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come near, approach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">any</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">close relative</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁאֵ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(šə·’êr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7607.htm">Strong's 7607: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flesh, as living, for, food, food of any kind, kindred by blood</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to have sexual relations.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְגַלּ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḡal·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1540.htm">Strong's 1540: </a> </span><span class="str2">To denude, to exile, to reveal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">am the LORD.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> </span><span class="str2">YHWH</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/leviticus/18-6.htm">Leviticus 18:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/leviticus/18-6.htm">Leviticus 18:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/leviticus/18-6.htm">Leviticus 18:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/leviticus/18-6.htm">Leviticus 18:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/leviticus/18-6.htm">Leviticus 18:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/leviticus/18-6.htm">Leviticus 18:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/leviticus/18-6.htm">Leviticus 18:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/leviticus/18-6.htm">Leviticus 18:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/leviticus/18-6.htm">Leviticus 18:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/leviticus/18-6.htm">Leviticus 18:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/leviticus/18-6.htm">OT Law: Leviticus 18:6 None of you shall approach anyone who (Le Lv Lev.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/leviticus/18-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Leviticus 18:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Leviticus 18:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/leviticus/18-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Leviticus 18:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Leviticus 18:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>