Lev 18:6 | MHM | STEP | Leviticus 18:6: Incest Defined and Forbidden; Against Marrying Near Relations This passage sets out God’s laws about not marrying or having sexual relations with close family members. These rules are based on the seventh commandment and are important for all people, even under the gospel. Even most non-Israelite nations believed incest was wrong. By giving these laws, God protects the honor of marriage and the dignity of family life. v. 6 : God forbids people from “approaching” their close relatives to have sexual relations or to marry them ( v. 6 ). This is to keep marriage honorable and prevent confusion in families. The main purpose is to forbid marriage with these close family members. Marriage is a gift from God and meant for people who are not already closely joined by blood or by marriage. If two people are already closely related, it would be wrong for them to become “one flesh” in marriage, because they are already united by family. Also, marriage creates equality between husband and wife, but natural differences in the family (like parent and child or uncle and niece) should not be changed by marriage. God’s law protects these important boundaries. Brothers and sisters are also forbidden to marry, whether they are full siblings or half-siblings. This rule was needed after the first generation, so families would not isolate themselves and forget that everyone is part of the wider human family. Even people without God’s law knew incest was wrong. Having sexual relations with these relatives outside of marriage is also forbidden. Even flirtation or any behavior that could lead to sin is wrong. Family members should care for each other with pure love, not with any hint of evil. People must be careful because Satan looks for ways to tempt us.

‏ Leviticus 18:6

Leviticus 18:6: Incest Defined and Forbidden; Against Marrying Near Relations

This passage sets out God’s laws about not marrying or having sexual relations with close family members. These rules are based on the seventh commandment and are important for all people, even under the gospel. Even most non-Israelite nations believed incest was wrong. By giving these laws, God protects the honor of marriage and the dignity of family life.

v. 6: God forbids people from “approaching” their close relatives to have sexual relations or to marry them (v. 6 ^a). This is to keep marriage honorable and prevent confusion in families.

The main purpose is to forbid marriage with these close family members. Marriage is a gift from God and meant for people who are not already closely joined by blood or by marriage. If two people are already closely related, it would be wrong for them to become “one flesh” in marriage, because they are already united by family. Also, marriage creates equality between husband and wife, but natural differences in the family (like parent and child or uncle and niece) should not be changed by marriage. God’s law protects these important boundaries.

Brothers and sisters are also forbidden to marry, whether they are full siblings or half-siblings. This rule was needed after the first generation, so families would not isolate themselves and forget that everyone is part of the wider human family. Even people without God’s law knew incest was wrong.

Having sexual relations with these relatives outside of marriage is also forbidden. Even flirtation or any behavior that could lead to sin is wrong. Family members should care for each other with pure love, not with any hint of evil. People must be careful because Satan looks for ways to tempt us.