12 'The nakedness of a sister of thy father thou dost not uncover; she 'is' a relation of thy father. 13 'The nakedness of thy mother's sister thou dost not uncover; for she 'is' thy mother's relation. 14 'The nakedness of thy father's brother thou dost not uncover; unto his wife thou dost not draw near; she 'is' thine aunt. 15 'The nakedness of thy daughter-in-law thou dost not uncover; she 'is' thy son's wife; thou dost not uncover her nakedness. 16 'The nakedness of thy brother's wife thou dost not uncover; it 'is' thy brother's nakedness. 17 'The nakedness of a woman and her daughter thou dost not uncover; her son's daughter, and her daughter's daughter thou dost not take to uncover her nakedness; they 'are' her relations; it 'is' wickedness.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 18:12-17
Chapter Contents
Unlawful marriages and fleshly lusts.
Here is a law against all conformity to the corrupt usages of the heathen. Also laws against incest, against brutal lusts, and barbarous idolatries; and the enforcement of these laws from the ruin of the Canaanites. God here gives moral precepts. Close and constant adherence to God's ordinances is the most effectual preservative from gross sin. The grace of God only will secure us; that grace is to be expected only in the use of the means of grace. Nor does He ever leave any to their hearts' lusts, till they have left him and his services.