Leviticus 18:18

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

وٱمرأَةً مع أَخْتِها لا تَتَّخِذْ لِتَكونَ ضَرَّتَها فتَكشِفَ عَورَتَها مَعَها وهي حَيَّة.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Leviticus says that a man should not marry a woman and her sister at the same time, because it could cause problems between the sisters. Moses is speaking, and the key message is about avoiding conflict in family relationships.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a big box of toys, and your mom tells you that you can't play with two toys that are very similar at the same time because it might make you and your friend argue over which toy to use first. This verse is like that but for grown-ups and families.

Historical Background

This verse was written by Moses around 1200 B.C., speaking to the Israelites to guide them on how to live in harmony with God's laws. At the time, these laws were crucial to maintain peace and order within the community.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can be applied to avoiding situations where there might be jealousy or conflict among family members. For example, if a person is choosing between two sisters for a job or role in the family business, it's important to ensure that the decision does not cause tension or hurt feelings.

Topics

• family
• marriage
• conflict resolution
• respect
• law
• community

Related Verses

• Genesis 29:31-30:24
• Deuteronomy 25:5-10
• 1 Corinthians 5:1
• 1 Timothy 5:14
• 1 Peter 3:7

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this rule still applicable today?

While the specific rule about not marrying two sisters at the same time is not commonly practiced today, the underlying principle of avoiding conflict in family relationships is still relevant.

What does 'uncover her nakedness' mean?

This phrase is a euphemism for sexual relations and is used to describe the intimate relationship between a man and a woman in the context of marriage.

How does this verse relate to community harmony?

The verse aims to prevent family discord, which can disrupt community harmony. By avoiding situations that could lead to conflict, the community stays more stable and peaceful.

What other laws in the Bible are similar to Leviticus 18:18?

Similar laws include the prohibition against incest and other familial relationships, as seen in Genesis and Deuteronomy, which emphasize the importance of maintaining proper family and marital relations.