Leviticus 18:1-11

1 The LORD spoke to Moses,

2 "Tell the Israelites: I am the LORD your God.

3 You used to live in Egypt. Don't live the way the Egyptians do. I am bringing you to Canaan. Don't live the way the Canaanites do. Never live by their standards.

4 Follow my rules, and live by my standards. I am the LORD your God.

5 Live by my standards, and obey my rules. You will have life through them. I am the LORD.

6 "Never have sexual intercourse with anyone related to you by blood. I am the LORD.

7 "Never have sexual intercourse with your mother. She is your own mother. Never have sexual intercourse with her.

8 Never have sexual intercourse with your stepmother. She is related to you through your father.

9 Never have sexual intercourse with your stepsister, whether she is your father's daughter or your mother's daughter. It makes no difference whether or not she was born in your house.

10 Never have sexual intercourse with your granddaughter, whether she is your son's daughter or your daughter's daughter, because she is related to you.

11 Never have sexual intercourse with a daughter of your father and his wife. She is your own sister.

Leviticus 18:1-11 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.