Leviticus 20:17

French S21 2007 (Bible Segond 21)

»Si un homme épouse sa sœur, fille de son père ou de sa mère, s'il voit sa nudité et qu'elle voie la sienne, c'est une honte; ils seront exclus sous les yeux des membres de leur peuple. Il a dévoilé la nudité de sa sœur, il supportera les conséquences de sa faute.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Leviticus warns against incest, specifically a man having a sexual relationship with his sister. The text states that such an act is considered wicked and will result in severe punishment, including being cut off from the community. The key message is the importance of avoiding incestuous relationships to maintain moral standards.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your family had a special rule that said it's not okay for brothers and sisters to date each other. This rule in the Bible is like that. It tells us that such relationships are wrong and can lead to big trouble. It's meant to keep families and communities healthy and happy.

Historical Background

The book of Leviticus was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE, detailing laws and regulations for the Israelites. This verse, along with other purity laws, was meant to guide the Israelites in living a holy life, setting them apart from other cultures and preventing the spread of immoral practices.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can remind us of the importance of respecting family boundaries and the potential consequences of ignoring them. For example, a person might face significant emotional and legal repercussions if they enter into a relationship with a close relative, which can disrupt family dynamics and social norms.

Topics

• incest
• family
• morality
• community
• punishment
• purity

Related Verses

• Genesis 19:30-38
• Deuteronomy 27:22
• Leviticus 18:9
• Matthew 15:1-9
• Romans 1:26-27

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is incest considered so serious in Leviticus?

Incest is considered serious because it disrupts family structures and can lead to genetic disorders. The laws in Leviticus aim to maintain social and moral order within the community.

What are the consequences of breaking this law?

The consequences include being 'cut off' from the community, which means severe social and sometimes physical punishment to deter such behavior and maintain moral standards.

How does this verse apply to modern society?

This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of setting clear boundaries within families and understanding the potential consequences of breaking these moral and legal boundaries.

What other verses in the Bible address incest?

Other verses such as Leviticus 18:9 and Deuteronomy 27:22 also address incest, reinforcing the moral and legal prohibition against such acts.