1. Leviticus 18:6 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Who would be categorized as a close relative?

Leviticus 18:6 (ESV)

6 “None of you shall approach any one of his close relatives to uncover nakedness. I am the LORD.

The term relative (šᵉ’ēr) in Hebrew may be literally translated as, body or flesh. This signifies a near blood-relative. This law would have been particularly difficult to navigate for the Hebrews. They were not to marry foreigners but this law limits their marriage to fellow Israelites.