Leviticus 18:9

Authorized King James Version

The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֶרְוָתָֽן׃
The nakedness
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
#2
אֲחֽוֹתְךָ֤
of thy sister
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
#3
בַת
or daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#4
אָבִ֙יךָ֙
H1
of thy father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#5
א֣וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#6
בַת
or daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#7
אִמֶּ֔ךָ
of thy mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#8
מוֹלֶ֣דֶת
or born
nativity (plural birth-place); by implication, lineage, native country; also offspring, family
#9
בַּ֔יִת
at home
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#10
א֖וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#11
מוֹלֶ֣דֶת
or born
nativity (plural birth-place); by implication, lineage, native country; also offspring, family
#12
ח֑וּץ
abroad
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#13
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
תְגַלֶּ֖ה
thou shalt not uncover
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#15
עֶרְוָתָֽן׃
The nakedness
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Leviticus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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