Leviticus 18:11

Authorized King James Version

The nakedness of thy father's wife's daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃
The nakedness
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
#2
בַּת
daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#3
אֵ֤שֶׁת
wife's
a woman
#4
אָבִ֔יךָ
H1
of thy father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#5
מוֹלֶ֣דֶת
begotten
nativity (plural birth-place); by implication, lineage, native country; also offspring, family
#6
אָבִ֔יךָ
H1
of thy father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#7
אֲחֽוֹתְךָ֖
she is thy sister
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
#8
הִ֑וא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#9
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
תְגַלֶּ֖ה
thou shalt not uncover
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#11
עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃
The nakedness
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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