Leviticus 18:11

Key Reflection

The verse Leviticus 18:11 addresses a taboo in ancient Near Eastern societies, prohibiting sexual relations between certain blood relatives to prevent inbreeding and maintain family purity. For the original audience, this command extended the prohibition of incest beyond direct siblings and parents to include grandparent-grandchild relationships, reinforcing the idea that such unions were not only morally wrong but also biologically harmful, as they could lead to genetic defects.