Leviticus 18 - Introduction

Leviticus 18. Degrees of Affinity. The chapter is closely connected in subject-matter with Leviticus 20:11, though the details are different, and the two sections must be independent. Leviticus 20 omits mention of mother (as distinct from father's wife), and the cases of Leviticus 18:10; Leviticus 18:18. In four cases, Leviticus 20 adds a penalty (Leviticus 20:11; Leviticus 20:14; Leviticus 20:17; cf. Leviticus 20:15), and in two others a consequence, childlessness (Leviticus 18:20 f.). These prohibitions, from their similarity to widespread taboos, are obviously pre-Mosaic (cf. Westermarck, History of Human Marriage). The origin of prohibited degrees is doubtful; the recognition is universal; the actual prohibitions differ widely. They are generally the most complicated among the least advanced peoples (cf. Spencer and Gillen, Native Tribes of Central Australia), and regarded as visited with the severest Divine penalties. H, however, completely neglects two points common outside Israel; (a) the distinction between exogamous groups, resting on the dread of kindred blood, and (b) the special importance of the mother; in primitive society the father hardly counts (cf. Genesis 44:27; Judges 8:19); hence the so-called matriarchate, where genealogy is traced through the mother, not the father. For the general recognition of these taboos in earlier times, see Genesis 19:30 ff; Genesis 20:12; 2 Samuel 13:13.