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].

Neither shalt thou take {H3947} a wife {H802} to her sister {H269}, to vex {H6887} her, to uncover {H1540} her nakedness {H6172}, beside the other in her life {H2416} time.

You are not to take a woman to be a rival with her sister and have sexual relations with her while her sister is still alive.

You must not take your wife’s sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is still alive.

And thou shalt not take a wife to her sister, to be a rival to her, to uncover her nakedness, besides the other in her life-time.

Commentary

Leviticus 18:18 is part of a comprehensive chapter outlining forbidden sexual relationships and is crucial for understanding God's standards for holiness within the Israelite community.

Context

This verse is situated within Leviticus chapter 18, often referred to as part of the "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26). This section of the Law of Moses delineates specific moral and sexual prohibitions designed to distinguish Israel from the corrupt practices of the surrounding Canaanite nations and the Egyptians. The overarching purpose of these laws was to establish a holy nation, set apart for God, whose conduct would reflect His righteous character. The prohibitions here are not merely cultural but are presented as fundamental moral principles for maintaining purity and order within society and the family unit. The laws in this chapter aim to prevent sexual immorality, incest, and other deviations from God's design for human relationships, which had grievous consequences for those who defied them, as seen in Leviticus 18:25.

Key Themes

  • Prohibition of Sororal Polygyny: The primary injunction forbids a man from marrying two sisters simultaneously, or sequentially while the first is still alive. This specific prohibition addresses a form of polygyny that was practiced in the ancient Near East but was deemed unacceptable by God.
  • Prevention of Family Strife: The phrase "to vex [her]" (KJV) is central to the verse's meaning. The Hebrew word here, tsarar (צרר), implies to be an adversary, to distress, or to cause rivalry and contention. God recognized that marrying two sisters would inherently lead to deep-seated jealousy, conflict, and emotional distress within the family, undermining the peace and unity of the household. This foresight can be seen in the historical account of Jacob and his wives, Leah and Rachel, prior to this law being given, which vividly illustrates the very "vexation" this law seeks to prevent (see Genesis 30:1).
  • Upholding Marital Sanctity and Purity: By prohibiting such relationships, God underscored the importance of sexual purity and the sanctity of the marital bond. The phrase "to uncover her nakedness" is a euphemism for sexual intercourse, emphasizing that such a union would defile the marital bed and the family lineage.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase "to vex [her]" translates the Hebrew verb tsarar (צרר). This word carries a strong connotation of being an adversary, causing distress, or bringing about rivalry. It highlights that the prohibition isn't just about a physical act but also about the relational and emotional harm such a union would inevitably inflict. It speaks to God's concern for the well-being and harmony of individuals and families. The repeated phrase "to uncover her nakedness" throughout Leviticus 18 serves as a clear and consistent euphemism for sexual intercourse, establishing boundaries for all sexual relationships.

Practical Application

While the specific cultural context of marrying two sisters is less common in many societies today, the underlying principles of Leviticus 18:18 remain profoundly relevant. This verse teaches us about:

  • God's Design for Marriage: It reinforces the idea of marriage as a union intended for peace, harmony, and mutual respect, typically understood as a one-flesh union between one man and one woman, free from inherent conflict caused by sibling rivalry within the marital bond.
  • The Importance of Healthy Relationships: God's law here demonstrates His concern for the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals within a family. It encourages us to avoid relationships or situations that are inherently prone to causing deep distress, jealousy, or significant rivalry.
  • Sexual Ethics and Purity: The broader context of Leviticus 18, including this verse, calls believers to a high standard of sexual purity and integrity. It reminds us that God's laws are not arbitrary but are designed for our good, promoting order, health, and holiness within society and personal lives, reflecting the call to be holy, for the Lord your God is holy.
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Cross-References

  • Malachi 2:15 (3 votes)

    And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

  • Genesis 29:28 (3 votes)

    And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.

  • Genesis 30:15 (3 votes)

    And she said unto her, [Is it] a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son's mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son's mandrakes.

  • Genesis 4:19 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one [was] Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.

  • 1 Samuel 1:6 (2 votes)

    And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.

  • 1 Samuel 1:8 (2 votes)

    Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? [am] not I better to thee than ten sons?

  • Exodus 26:3 (1 votes)

    The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and [other] five curtains [shall be] coupled one to another.