Leviticus 18:6-18

Forbidden Degrees of Marriage. After a general preface (Leviticus 18:6) the relationships are given in detail. The phrase uncover the nakedness is almost confined to Leviticus 17-20, Ezek., and Genesis 9. No penalties or consequences are given, though reasons are sometimes added (e.g. Leviticus 18:14; Leviticus 18:16 f.). Two special cases should be noticed; prohibition of marriage with a father's wife (Leviticus 18:8), which has often been familiar in Oriental royal families (cf. 1 Kings 2:22), and of levirate marriages (Leviticus 18:16, see p. 109). Contrast Deuteronomy 25:5; also Ruth, where, however, there is more thought for the widow, as needing to be looked after, than for her first husband. The more importance is attached to population and the preservation of families, the stronger will be the hold of such a law. From Matthew 22:23 ff., it would seem that the prohibition of Lev. could not overcome an old-established custom which was able to give a reason for itself. There is no prohibition of the marriage of uncle and niece, or of cousins. In older societies (e.g. Fiji) the marriage of paternal cousins is allowed, and even encouraged, but that of maternal cousins strictly forbidden, through the influence of matriarchal ideas. Marriage with a daughter is not actually mentioned, probably by inadvertence. Bigamy is never prohibited in the OT; in Leviticus 18:18 its existence is implied; it gradually fell out of use. The restriction of Leviticus 18:18 (observe also in her lifetime) is noteworthy (cf. 1 Samuel 1:6). [In view of frequent misuse it may be explicitly stated that this passage has nothing to do with marriage to a deceased wife's sister. A man may not marry his wife's sister while the wife is still living. A. S. P.] The Semitic name for a fellow-wife is significantly derived from a root meaning hostile (cf. 1 Samuel 1:6 *).