DOES THE BIBLE CONTRADICTS ITSELF ON THE MATTER OF INCEST?

 

          Some see accounts about first cousins marrying and assume this is a contradiction in the Bible on the matter of incest. This is confusing personal preference with Bible teaching, as the Bible never prohibits marriage between first cousins. Incidentally, the USA is the only country with restrictions against first cousin marriage, and those States that restricted it did so based on claims and data that were later disproved.

          It is important to distinguish between marriages before and after God officially forbade marriage to a close relative. (Leviticus 18:6-18)

          Where did Cain get his wife? When Cain killed Abel, both were probably adults. (Genesis 4:8) Cain being scared for his life after he killed Abel tends to indicate that Adam and Eve had many children and perhaps grandchildren at this time. (Genesis 4:14) Cain would have married a sister or niece. Incidentally, the Bible does not say whether there were descendants of Adam and Eve in the land of Nod before Cain got there, or if he was married or not before he went there. (Genesis 4:16-17) 

          What about Lot and his daughters? (Genesis 19:30-38) Genesis 2:24 does indicate that marriage and sexual relations between parents and their children was never allowed by God, but as you read the account in Genesis 19 note that nothing in the text condones or excuses anything Lot and his daughters did. The account is a warning about consequences of backsliding.

          Some claim the Mosaic law did not include any prohibition against marriage and sexual relations with a man’s own daughter. Pay attention to the wording of Leviticus 18:17 which puts daughters, stepdaughters, and granddaughters off limits, and a man claiming his daughter is not his would not excuse anything.

          The laws against incest (and other immoral acts) in Leviticus 18-20 protected the moral and social order of the family ordained by God, which would not have been an issue till the population grew, and established ethical boundaries and prevented abuse within families. Note the wording: “None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 18:6) Incest typically begins with immodesty in the home (familial roles and relationships are meant to be supportive and nurturing), and application of standards of modesty prevented lust that could lead to incest.

          The Bible contains passages that may appear to readers to be contradictory, but this is due to lack of understanding that is clarified through further study.