Leviticus 18:1-8

Do Not Commit Sexual Sins

1 The LORD spoke to Moses. He said,
2 "Speak to the people of Israel. Tell them, 'I am the LORD your God.
3 You must not do what the people of Egypt do. You used to live there. And you must not do what the people of Canaan do. I am bringing you into their land. Do not follow their practices.
4 " 'You must obey my laws. You must be careful to follow my rules. I am the LORD your God.
5 Keep my rules and laws. The one who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord.
6 " 'Do not have sex with any of your close relatives. I am the Lord.
7 " 'Do not bring shame on your father by having sex with your mother. Do not have sex with her. She is your mother.
8 " 'Do not have sex with any other wife of your father. That would bring shame on your father.

Leviticus 18:1-8 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO LEVITICUS 18

In this chapter the Israelites are directed in general not to imitate the customs and practices of the Egyptians and Canaanites, but to keep the ordinances, statutes, and judgments of the Lord, Le 18:1-5; and they are instructed particularly to avoid incestuous marriages, Le 18:6-18; carnal copulation with a menstruous woman, Le 18:19; adultery, Le 18:20; letting any of their seed pass through the fire to Molech, Le 18:21; sodomy, Le 18:22; and bestiality, Le 18:23; and they are deterred from these things by observing to them the pollution and destruction which they brought on the inhabitants of Canaan, and would bring the same on them should they commit them, Le 18:24-30.

Holy Bible, New International Reader's Version® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998 by Biblica.   All rights reserved worldwide.