Leviticus 18:9
You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether brought up in the family or in another home.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse broadens the definition of "sister" beyond just full siblings to include half-sisters, whether they share your father or your mother. The phrase "whether born at home or born abroad" clarifies that this prohibition applies even if the sister was born within your father's household or outside of it, encompassing both legitimate and illegitimate offspring.
This passage is part of a larger section where God is giving Moses laws concerning sexual purity and distinguishing Israel from the surrounding nations, whose practices were often depraved. The verses immediately before detail prohibitions against sexual relations with close relatives like one's father or mother, and this verse continues that list by specifically forbidding intimacy with one's sister. This prohibition, though seemingly obvious to many today, was a necessary clarification as incestuous relationships were practiced by some ancient cultures.
The Bible calls for a clear distinction between familial love and illicit desire. But what exactly did 'sister' mean in this context?
Leviticus 18:9 prohibits uncovering the 'nakedness' of your sister, clarifying that this includes:
The phrases 'born at home' and 'born abroad' were used to cover all these possibilities, ensuring no ambiguity. Whether born within a legal marriage ('at home') or outside of it ('abroad'), the relationship was deemed too close for sexual intimacy or marriage. This was a radical departure from some surrounding cultures where such practices were tolerated or even embraced.
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This isn't just a list of forbidden acts. What deep truth about God's character and our humanity does this law reveal?
While Leviticus 18:9 provides specific legal boundaries, its core purpose goes deeper than simply listing forbidden relationships. It's about preserving the sanctity and integrity of the family unit, which God established.
This passage highlights Abraham marrying Sarah, who was his half-sister, demonstrating that such unions, though once potentially practiced even by patriarchs, were later explicitly forbidden by God's law.
2 Samuel 13:1-14The tragic story of Amnon and Tamar powerfully illustrates the devastating consequences of violating this prohibition, showing the profound sin and sorrow that arises from incestuous relationships.
Ezekiel 22:10-11The prophet Ezekiel lists incest and sexual immorality among the specific sins of Jerusalem, showing that this prohibition was a foundational aspect of Israel's covenant faithfulness throughout its history.
Deuteronomy 27:22This verse pronounces a curse upon anyone who lies with their sister, directly reinforcing the severe penalty and abhorrence with which God viewed this specific act of incest.
gillLeviticus 18:9: "The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover."
The nakedness of thy sister,.... To lie with one in so near a relation is exceeding criminal, and for which the law curses a man, Deuteronomy 27:22 ; and to marry her is not lawful; for though it was necessary for the propagation of mankind that a man should marry his sister, for who else could Cain and Ab…
bensonLeviticus 18:9: "The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover."
Leviticus 18:9 . Whether she be born at home, or born abroad — Whether she be legitimately born in wedlock, or illegitimately out of wedlock. Others explain it thus: “Whether she be thy sister by the same father, or by another marriage.”
This verse broadens the definition of "sister" beyond just full siblings to include half-sisters, whether they share your father or your mother. The phrase "whether born at home or born abroad" clarifies that this prohibition applies even if the sister was born within your father's household or outside of it, encompassing both legitimate and illegitimate offspring.
This passage is part of a larger section where God is giving Moses laws concerning sexual purity and distinguishing Israel from the surrounding nations, whose practices were often depraved. The verses immediately before detail prohibitions against sexual relations with close relatives like one's father or mother, and this verse continues that list by specifically forbidding intimacy with one's sister. This prohibition, though seemingly obvious to many today, was a necessary clarification as incestuous relationships were practiced by some ancient cultures.
This passage is part of a larger section where God is giving Moses laws concerning sexual purity and distinguishing Israel from the surrounding nations, whose practices were often depraved. The verses immediately before detail prohibitions against sexual relations with close relatives like one's father or mother, and this verse continues that list by specifically forbidding intimacy with one's sister. This prohibition, though seemingly obvious to many today, was a necessary clarification as incestuous relationships were practiced by some ancient cultures.
"You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether brought up in the family or in another home." — This verse broadens the definition of "sister" beyond just full siblings to include half-sisters, whether they share your father or your mother. The phrase "whether born at home or born abroad" clari…
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