Leviticus 20:18

Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)

واذا اضطجع رجل مع امرأة طامث وكشف عورتها عرّى ينبوعها وكشفت هي ينبوع دمها يقطعان كلاهما من شعبهما.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Leviticus states that if a man has sexual intercourse with a woman during her menstrual period, both of them will be considered to have committed a serious offense and will be punished by being 'cut off' from the community. It highlights the cultural and religious importance of purity and boundaries in ancient Israel.

Explained for Children

Imagine if there were special rules about when it was okay to share a toy. This verse is like that, but for grown-ups. It says there are certain times when grown-ups aren't supposed to be intimate, and if they do, it's a big deal that can get them in serious trouble.

Historical Background

The book of Leviticus was compiled during the time of Moses, around 1400-1200 BCE, as part of the Torah. It was written for the Israelites, providing them with detailed laws and instructions for living a holy life. This verse reflects the cultural and religious values that emphasized purity and specific rituals.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, this verse encourages us to respect physical and emotional boundaries in our relationships. It can be applied to situations where there are cultural or health reasons to avoid certain physical contact, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and understanding.

Topics

• purity
• boundaries
• sanctity
• sexual ethics
• community standards
• religious observance

Related Verses

• Leviticus 18:19
• Leviticus 20:15
• Ezekiel 22:10
• Romans 1:24-27
• 1 Corinthians 6:18

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'cut off' in Leviticus 20:18?

Being 'cut off' means the individuals would be excluded from the community. It's a severe punishment indicating that the offense was seen as a significant violation of the community's religious and social norms.

How does Leviticus 20:18 apply to modern relationships?

It can be seen as a call for respecting personal and cultural boundaries in relationships, especially when it comes to health and mutual agreement on physical contact.

Why is menstrual purity emphasized in Leviticus 20:18?

The emphasis on purity during menstruation is rooted in ancient cultural and religious beliefs about cleanliness and holiness. It aimed to maintain a sense of order and sanctity in the community.

What are the cross-references for Leviticus 20:18?

Other verses like Leviticus 18:19, Ezekiel 22:10, and 1 Corinthians 6:18 discuss similar themes of sexual ethics and boundaries within religious contexts.