Leviticus 18:9

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

لَا تُعَاشِرْ أُخْتَكَ، لَا بِنْتَ أُمِّكَ وَلَا بِنْتَ أبِيكَ، إنْ كَانَتْ قَدْ وُلِدَتْ فِي نَفْسِ البَيْتِ أوْ فِي بَيْتٍ آخَرَ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Leviticus instructs that one should not have sexual relations with their sister, whether they are a full sister, half-sister, or a sister from the same father. This command comes from God to the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of familial boundaries and moral purity.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a special blanket that only you can use. Just like that, God wants us to know that some family members are off-limits for certain kinds of hugs or touch, to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

Historical Background

Leviticus was written by Moses around 1400 B.C. It contains God's laws for the Israelites, guiding their moral and religious practices. This verse reflects cultural values that emphasized family purity and respect.

Living It Out Today

In today's society, this verse reminds us of the importance of setting clear boundaries in relationships. For instance, in a workplace, it's crucial to maintain professional boundaries with family members to avoid conflicts of interest and maintain a healthy work environment.

Topics

• family
• morality
• boundaries
• purity
• respect
• laws

Related Verses

• Leviticus 18:14
• Leviticus 20:17
• 1 Corinthians 5:1
• 1 Corinthians 5:5
• Ezekiel 22:11

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Bible discuss familial boundaries?

The Bible discusses familial boundaries to protect the sanctity of family relationships and to prevent harm that can come from inappropriate relationships, such as incest.

How can this verse be understood in a non-religious context?

In a non-religious context, this verse can be seen as promoting the importance of setting and respecting personal boundaries to maintain healthy relationships and avoid harm.

What does 'born at home, or born abroad' mean?

This phrase indicates that the prohibition applies regardless of where the sister was born, emphasizing that the rule is universal and not limited by geographic location.

How does this verse relate to contemporary family law?

This verse underlines principles that are foundational in modern family law, such as prohibiting incest and ensuring familial relationships are respected and protected.