Meaning of Leviticus 18:6

Leviticus 18:6 establishes a fundamental prohibition against incestuous sexual relations within the Israelite community, declaring that "No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations." This verse is part of a larger corpus of laws in Leviticus, specifically chapters 18 and 20, which detail the sexual prohibitions and their associated penalties. The purpose of these laws was to set Israel apart from the surrounding nations, whose practices often included such relationships, and to sanctify them as a people dedicated to the Lord. The emphasis on "I am the Lord" underscores that these are not mere social conventions but divine commands rooted in God's holiness and His desire for His people to reflect His character.

Context and Background

This verse is situated within the Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-26), a section of the Old Testament law that addresses various aspects of Israelite life, from ritual purity and sacrifices to social ethics and sexual morality. Leviticus 18 begins by warning the Israelites against imitating the practices of Egypt and Canaan, the lands they were about to enter. The subsequent verses then enumerate specific prohibited sexual relationships, with verse 6 serving as a foundational statement before detailing further prohibitions. The familial relationships being addressed are those considered "close" or "near of kin," a concept that was further elaborated in subsequent verses (e.g., Leviticus 18:7-18).

Key Themes and Messages

The primary theme is the sanctity of family and the prohibition of incest. This command is rooted in the concept of holiness, meaning separation unto God. By forbidding these relationships, God was instructing Israel to maintain a distinct moral and social order, reflecting His own perfect nature. Another key message is the preservation of social order and the prevention of familial breakdown. Incestuous relationships inherently disrupt the natural structures of kinship, creating confusion and potential exploitation within the family unit. The command also implicitly promotes responsible procreation and the integrity of lineage.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse speaks to the importance of boundaries and purity in all aspects of life, including our most intimate relationships. For believers today, while the specific legalistic application of Levitical law has been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage and family remain paramount. This verse, therefore, calls for a high standard of sexual ethics, respecting the God-ordained structures of relationships and avoiding that which would defile oneself or the community of faith. It encourages a life lived in separation from the corrupting influences of the world, reflecting God's own holiness.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This prohibition is consistent with the broader biblical narrative concerning human sexuality and marriage, which begins with God instituting marriage between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24). Throughout Scripture, the ideal presented is heterosexual marriage, and deviations from this, particularly those that destabilize the family unit or exploit vulnerable individuals, are condemned. The establishment of clear boundaries in Leviticus 18 serves as a precursor to the New Testament's emphasis on sexual purity within the context of the redeemed community, where believers are called to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Analogies

One analogy for this command is the sanitation laws in a city. Just as a city establishes rules about waste disposal and sewage systems to prevent disease and maintain public health, God established these sexual laws to prevent the moral and social "disease" that incest would bring to His people. Another analogy is a sacred space. Just as certain areas in a temple or sacred precinct are designated as off-limits to prevent defilement, certain relationships were forbidden to maintain the sanctity and purity of the Israelite community as God's chosen people.

Relation to Other Verses

Leviticus 18:6 is directly reinforced by Leviticus 20:11-12, which specifies the severe penalty for such acts: death. This emphasizes the gravity with which God viewed these prohibitions. Furthermore, the principle of avoiding close sexual relations is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in 1 Corinthians 5:1, where Paul addresses a case of incest within the Corinthian church, condemning it severely and calling for its removal. The New Testament also expands the concept of purity to include thought and desire, as seen in Matthew 5:27-28, where Jesus states that looking at a woman lustfully is adultery in the heart.