6 “‘None of you shall approach anyone who are his close relatives, to uncover their nakedness: I am Yahweh. 7 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, nor the nakedness of your mother: she is your mother. You shall not uncover her nakedness. 8 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s wife: it is your father’s nakedness. 9 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, the daughter of your father, or the daughter of your mother, whether born at home, or born abroad. 10 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your son’s daughter, or of your daughter’s daughter, even their nakedness: for theirs is your own nakedness. 11 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s wife’s daughter, conceived by your father, since she is your sister. 12 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s sister: she is your father’s near kinswoman. 13 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother’s sister: for she is your mother’s near kinswoman. 14 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s brother, you shall not approach his wife: she is your aunt. 15 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law: she is your son’s wife. You shall not uncover her nakedness. 16 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother’s wife: it is your brother’s nakedness. 17 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter. You shall not take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness; they are near kinswomen: it is wickedness. 18 “‘You shall not take a wife to her sister, to be a rival, to uncover her nakedness, while her sister is yet alive.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 18:6-18
Chapter Contents
Unlawful marriages and fleshly lusts.
Here is a law against all conformity to the corrupt usages of the heathen. Also laws against incest, against brutal lusts, and barbarous idolatries; and the enforcement of these laws from the ruin of the Canaanites. God here gives moral precepts. Close and constant adherence to God's ordinances is the most effectual preservative from gross sin. The grace of God only will secure us; that grace is to be expected only in the use of the means of grace. Nor does He ever leave any to their hearts' lusts, till they have left him and his services.