Leviticus 18:17
Arabic 2023 (SAB) (الكتاب الشريف)
لَا تُعَاشِرِ امْرَأَةً وَبِنْتَهَا. وَلَا تُعَاشِرْ بِنْتَ ابْنِهَا وَلَا بِنْتَ بِنْتِهَا. إِنَّهُمَا قَرِيبَتَاهَا وَهَذَا شَرٌّ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Leviticus warns against inappropriate relationships with a woman and her close female relatives, such as her daughter or granddaughter. God is speaking to the Israelites, emphasizing that these actions are sinful and morally wrong.
Explained for Children
Imagine if you had a friend and her mom and grandma all at once. That would be really confusing, right? This verse says it’s not okay to have close relationships with a woman and her family members like her daughter or granddaughter, because it can lead to bad things.
Historical Background
This verse was written by Moses around 1440-1400 BCE, as part of the Holiness Code in Leviticus. It was given to the Israelites to guide their behavior and maintain moral standards in their society.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this verse can be seen as a reminder to avoid situations where familial or familial-like relationships become inappropriate. For example, a school counselor should not have a romantic relationship with a student’s mother or grandmother.
Topics
moralityfamilyrelationshipssinguidanceethics
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leviticus 18:17 about moral or legal standards?
Leviticus 18:17 addresses both moral and legal standards within the context of the Israelite society. It sets a moral guideline to avoid inappropriate relationships and serves as a legal prohibition to maintain social order.
Why are relationships with close female relatives forbidden?
These prohibitions aim to prevent confusion, incest, and maintain clear boundaries within families. Such relationships can lead to emotional and psychological complications.
How does this verse apply to contemporary relationships?
This verse can remind us to maintain clear and appropriate boundaries in relationships, especially when they involve family members or situations that could lead to conflicts of interest.
What are the broader implications of Leviticus 18:17?
Leviticus 18:17 emphasizes the importance of respecting familial roles and boundaries. It underscores the need for ethical conduct and the protection of individuals, particularly women and children, from exploitation.