Overview
God's law in Leviticus 18 and 20 explicitly forbids sexual relations between close relatives, establishing boundaries that preserve family structure and demonstrate God's concern for holy living. These prohibitions applied to Israel and reflect principles of sexual purity throughout Scripture. Violations carried serious consequences, including death penalties in certain cases.
Key Scriptures
"None of you shall approach any one of his close relatives to uncover nakedness" (Leviticus 18:6, ESV). "You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's wife; it is your father's nakedness" (Leviticus 18:8, ESV). "If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death; they have committed perversion; their blood is upon them" (Leviticus 20:12, ESV).
Application
Believers should recognize these laws as reflecting God's design for family relationships and maintain appropriate boundaries that honor both family integrity and personal purity in all relationships.