Definition: And if a man shall lie with a woman having her sickness, and shall uncover her nakedness; he hath discovered her fountain, and she hath uncovered the fountain of her blood: and both of them shall be cut off from among their people.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Leviticus 20:18. It’s a really serious and important passage about trust and faithfulness. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse deals with a situation where someone engages in sexual activity with a woman who is experiencing a sickness – essentially, a physical illness. It's a strong warning against betrayal and deceit. Let’s break it down word by word: “And if a man shall lie with a woman having her sickness…” This tells us the core issue: a man has engaged in sexual activity with someone who is experiencing a physical ailment. The “sickness” part is key – it’s not just any illness; it's one that’s causing pain and discomfort. “…and shall uncover her nakedness.” This describes what happened next – the man revealed the woman’s body, exposing her nudity. “He hath discovered her fountain, and she hath uncovered the fountain of her blood:” This is where it gets really serious. "Fountain" in this context refers to a person's life force, their vitality, or even their physical well-being. It's like a source of energy and health. The woman is revealing her own life force – it’s a direct violation of God’s laws. “And both of them shall be cut off from among their people:” This is the consequence. The man and woman are being banished or separated from their community, group of believers. This isn't just about punishment; it’s about separation from the blessings of God and a loss of fellowship. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse is rooted in the idea that God values trust and faithfulness above all else. It’s a strong moral warning against temptation, deceit, and harming someone's well-being. It emphasizes that honesty and integrity are vital for maintaining a relationship with God. Why is this important? It speaks to the importance of respect and honor: The verse highlights a violation of the woman’s dignity and her own well-being. It's about divine judgment: It shows that God has a way of punishing sin and wrongdoing, and this punishment is meant to be a consequence for breaking His law. Important Note: This verse isn't about simply being “rude” or “disrespectful.” It’s about a serious transgression that disrupts the natural order and violates God’s laws. It’s a clear example of sin – something that goes against God’s will. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Relate it to a specific biblical story or concept? Discuss the potential interpretation of this verse within a broader theological context?