What does Leviticus 18:15 mean?

"Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness." - Leviticus 18:15

"Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness." - Leviticus 18:15

Leviticus 18:15 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter-in-law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness."

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus, which is the third book in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). It is a part of the legal code set forth by God to the Israelites through Moses. The laws and regulations in Leviticus cover a wide range of topics, including personal conduct, hygiene, dietary rules, and moral behavior.

The specific verse can be seen as a prohibition on incest, specifically between a father-in-law and his daughter-in-law. In this verse, the act of "uncovering nakedness" is used as a euphemism for engaging in sexual relations. The implication of this commandment is that such a relationship is considered taboo and immoral in the eyes of God.

One of the key themes in this verse is the importance of maintaining proper familial relationships and boundaries. In ancient Hebrew society, there was a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities within the family unit. Any violation of these roles, especially in the form of inappropriate sexual relationships, was considered a serious transgression.

The broader context of the book of Leviticus is significant for understanding the meaning of this verse. The entire book is dedicated to outlining the laws and rituals that were meant to govern the lives of the Israelites and set them apart as a holy people. These laws were intended to guide them in their relationships with God and with one another, and the prohibition against incest and inappropriate sexual behavior was an important aspect of these guidelines.

The symbolism in this verse lies in the concept of purity and sanctity within the family unit. The idea of uncovering nakedness within the family carries a symbolic weight, representing the exposure of something that should remain private and sacred. By prohibiting this act, the verse emphasizes the importance of preserving the integrity and dignity of the family and maintaining proper moral conduct in all relationships, particularly those within the family.

In a broader spiritual sense, this verse also speaks to the concept of honoring and respecting the sacredness of marriage. The daughter-in-law is described as "thy son's wife," underscoring the sanctity of the marital bond and the need to uphold it as a sacred institution. This prohibition reinforces the idea that the marital relationship is to be respected and protected, and that any violation of its sanctity is not acceptable in the eyes of God.

It's important to note that while the laws in Leviticus are a foundational part of the Hebrew Bible and have influenced religious and moral thought for centuries, they were written in a specific historical and cultural context. As such, their application and interpretation may vary within different religious traditions and contemporary ethical frameworks.

In conclusion, Leviticus 18:15 serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining proper familial relationships and boundaries, as well as upholding the sanctity of marriage. It underscores the significance of moral conduct and the preservation of personal and familial integrity. As with many verses in Leviticus, it reflects the values and principles that were intended to guide the Israelites in their relationship with God and with one another.

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Leviticus 18:15 Artwork

Leviticus 18:15 - "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness."

Leviticus 18:15 - "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness."

"Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness." - Leviticus 18:15

"Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness." - Leviticus 18:15

Leviticus 15:18 - "The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even."

Leviticus 15:18 - "The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even."

Leviticus 11:18 - "And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle,"

Leviticus 11:18 - "And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle,"

"The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even." - Leviticus 15:18

"The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even." - Leviticus 15:18

Leviticus 23:15-22

Leviticus 23:15-22

Leviticus 18:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Leviticus 18:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Leviticus 11:15 - "Every raven after his kind;"

Leviticus 11:15 - "Every raven after his kind;"

Leviticus 18:22 - "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."

Leviticus 18:22 - "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."

Leviticus 15:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying,"

Leviticus 15:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying,"

Leviticus 18:18 - "Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time."

Leviticus 18:18 - "Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time."

Leviticus 13:18 - "¶ The flesh also, in which, even in the skin thereof, was a boil, and is healed,"

Leviticus 13:18 - "¶ The flesh also, in which, even in the skin thereof, was a boil, and is healed,"

Leviticus 24:18 - "And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast."

Leviticus 24:18 - "And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast."

Leviticus 18:16 - "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it is thy brother's nakedness."

Leviticus 18:16 - "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it is thy brother's nakedness."

Leviticus 18:8 - "The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father's nakedness."

Leviticus 18:8 - "The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father's nakedness."

"And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle," - Leviticus 11:18

"And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle," - Leviticus 11:18

Leviticus 15:15 - "And the priest shall offer them, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD for his issue."

Leviticus 15:15 - "And the priest shall offer them, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD for his issue."

Leviticus 18:20 - "Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her."

Leviticus 18:20 - "Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her."

Genesis 15:18

Genesis 15:18

Genesis 18-15

Genesis 18-15

Leviticus 15:9 - "And what saddle soever he rideth upon that hath the issue shall be unclean."

Leviticus 15:9 - "And what saddle soever he rideth upon that hath the issue shall be unclean."

Leviticus 2:15 - "And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay frankincense thereon: it is a meat offering."

Leviticus 2:15 - "And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay frankincense thereon: it is a meat offering."

Leviticus 22:15 - "And they shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, which they offer unto the LORD;"

Leviticus 22:15 - "And they shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, which they offer unto the LORD;"

Leviticus 18:2 - "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God."

Leviticus 18:2 - "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God."

"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," - Leviticus 18:1

"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," - Leviticus 18:1

Leviticus 18:12 - "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she is thy father's near kinswoman."

Leviticus 18:12 - "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she is thy father's near kinswoman."

Leviticus 18:27 - "(For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;)"

Leviticus 18:27 - "(For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;)"

Leviticus 18:13 - "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister: for she is thy mother's near kinswoman."

Leviticus 18:13 - "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister: for she is thy mother's near kinswoman."

Leviticus 18:6 - "¶ None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD."

Leviticus 18:6 - "¶ None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD."

Leviticus 8:18 - "¶ And he brought the ram for the burnt offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram."

Leviticus 8:18 - "¶ And he brought the ram for the burnt offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram."