Leviticus 18:16

"“‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law. She is your son’s wife. You shall not uncover her nakedness."

Key Reflection

In Leviticus 18:16, the prohibition against a man uncovering his daughter-in-law's nakedness while she is still married to his son underscores the strict codes of familial and sexual ethics in ancient Israelite society. The original audience would have understood this command within a cultural context where maintaining family purity was paramount, reflecting the complex web of relationships and potential conflicts that could arise from close familial connections.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Thy brother’s wife -That is, if she had children. SeeDeuteronomy 25:5. The law here expressed was broken by Antipas in his connection with HerodiasMatthew 14:3-4.

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