Leviticus 18:16"'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother's wife: it is your brother's nakedness.
The setting
Sinai Peninsula, ~1445 BC. Moses records God's family laws that will separate Israel from surrounding nations, modern-day Egypt/Saudi Arabia border...
The emotion here: fierce protectiveness over the sanctity of brotherhood and marriage
The original word
ervah (ערוה) — nakedness, shame, that which should be covered and protected
Why it matters
King Herod Antipas violated this exact law by marrying his brother Philip's wife Herodias
Read with care
What most readers miss in Leviticus 18:16
The phrase 'your brother's nakedness' shows that violating his wife violates HIM
Common misconceptionPeople think this is just about adultery, but the unique phrasing 'your brother's nakedness' shows this violates the brotherhood bond itself — you're not just stealing a wife, you're destroying a brother.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Leviticus 18:16
Bible Genome reading
Leviticus 18:16 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Leviticus 18:16 comes from the book of Leviticus, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 10% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include sexual purity, family boundaries. Notable phrases: brother's wife; your brother's nakedness. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Leviticus 18:16 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "deciding"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.