Leviticus – Chapter 18

Old Testament30 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 18 of Leviticus begins: "And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:" Moses stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 30 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and sin and divine judgment. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

2Speak to the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them: I am the Lord your God.

3You shall not do according to the custom of the land of Egypt, in which you dwelt: neither shall you act according to the manner of the country of Chanaan, into which I will bring you. Nor shall you walk in their ordinances.

4You shall do my judgments, and shall observe my precepts, and shall walk in them. I am the Lord your God.

5Keep my laws and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them, I am the Lord.

6No man shall approach to her that is near of kin to him, to uncover her nakedness. I am the Lord.

7Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother: she is thy mother, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

8Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's wife: for it is the nakedness of thy father.

9Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy sister by father or by mother: whether born at home or abroad.

10Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy son's daughter, or thy daughter's daughter: because it is thy own nakedness.

11Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's wife's daughter, whom she bore to thy father: and who is thy sister.

12Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: because she is the flesh of thy father.

13Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister: because she is thy mother's flesh.

14Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's brother: neither shalt thou approach to his wife, who is joined to thee by affinity.

15Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: because she is thy son's wife, neither shalt thou discover her shame.

16Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: because it is the nakedness of thy brother.

17Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy wife and her daughter. Thou shalt not take her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter, to discover her shame: because they are her flesh, and such copulation is incest.

18Thou shalt not take thy wife's sister for a harlot, to rival her: neither shalt thou discover her nakedness, while she is yet living.

19Thou shalt not approach to a woman having her flowers: neither shalt thou uncover her nakedness.

20Thou shalt not lie with thy neighbour's wife: nor be defiled with mingling of seed.

21Thou shalt not give any of thy seed to be consecrated to the idol Moloch, nor defile the name of thy God. I am the Lord.

22Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind: because it is an abomination.

23Thou shalt not copulate with any beast: neither shalt thou be defiled with it. A woman shall not lie down to a beast, nor copulate with it: because it is a heinous crime.

24Defile not yourselves with any of these things with which all the nations have been defiled, which I will cast out before you,

25And with which the land is defiled: the abominations of which I will visit, that it may vomit out its inhabitants.

26Keep ye my ordinances and my judgments: and do not any of these abominations. Neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you.

27For all these detestable things the inhabitants of the land have done, that were before you, and have defiled it.

28Beware then, lest in like manner, it vomit you also out, if you do the like things: as it vomited out the nation that was before you.

29Every soul that shall commit any of these abominations, shall perish from the midst of his people.

30Keep my commandments. Do not the things which they have done, that have been before you: and be not defiled therein. I am the Lord your God.

Important Verses in Leviticus 18

Speak to the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them: I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 18:2

Keep my laws and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them, I am the Lord.

Leviticus 18:5

Thou shalt not give any of thy seed to be consecrated to the idol Moloch, nor defile the name of thy God. I am the Lord.

Leviticus 18:21

Keep my commandments. Do not the things which they have done, that have been before you: and be not defiled therein. I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 18:30

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Leviticus was written with the priests (sons of Aaron) and the whole assembly of Israel in view. Chapter 18 of 27 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a legal and cultic instruction given to Israel regarding worship, holiness, and daily life with 30 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Moses, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The chapter begins: "And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:" It concludes: "Keep my commandments. Do not the things which they have done, that have been before you: and be not defiled therein. I…" The wider setting of Leviticus is this: Leviticus is the liturgical handbook of ancient Israel, given at Sinai to teach a newly freed people how to worship a holy God. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Leviticus around Core traditions from the wilderness period; final form by the 5th century BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Moses; contains priestly legislation preserved by the Levitical priesthood

When It Was Written

Core traditions from the wilderness period; final form by the 5th century BC

Catholic Commentary

This chapter presents divine statutes and cultic norms that shaped Israel's worship and moral life. A pivotal line is verse 2: "Speak to the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them: I am the Lord your God." The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of holiness, sacrifice, and priestly worship. Catholic theology sees these sacrifices fulfilled in Christ's one perfect sacrifice (CIC 1539-1545). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1032).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Leviticus 18 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • 'Be holy, for I am holy': God calls His people to be set apart for Him in every area of life.

People in This Chapter

Moses1 mention

Reflection for Today

Leviticus Chapter 18, containing 30 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 1362). Here the emphasis falls on courage in witness to the Gospel, which shapes how the Church understands holiness, sacrifice, and priestly worship.

As you continue through Leviticus, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Leviticus Chapter 18 about?

Leviticus 18 contains 30 verses. It opens with "And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:" and closes with "Keep my commandments. Do not the things which they have done, that have been before you: and be not defiled therein. I…". The book as a whole is law and liturgical instruction.

What is a key verse in Leviticus 18?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "Speak to the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them: I am the Lord your God." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Leviticus Chapter 18?

This chapter mentions Moses.

Who wrote Leviticus and when?

Traditionally attributed to Moses; contains priestly legislation preserved by the Levitical priesthood. Core traditions from the wilderness period; final form by the 5th century BC.

Deepen your understanding with these related articles