Definition: And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister, nor of thy father’s sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 20:19. It’s a really important rule about how we treat people and avoid gossip. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse warns against looking or speaking about someone who is pregnant – specifically, when they are with a man. It emphasizes the importance of protecting those who are vulnerable. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister…” - This means you shouldn't be looking at or talking about someone who is pregnant – particularly if they are with a man. "Nakedness" refers to being visibly pregnant. "...nor of thy father’s sister:" - This warns against looking at or speaking about anyone who is pregnant with a man . It's specifically about the potential for someone to have children through a relationship that involves a man. “For he uncovereth his near kin:” – This is the crucial part. "Near kin" means someone who is related to you, like your parents, siblings, or other close relatives. The verse says that they will bear their iniquity (that is, their bad deeds). “Iniquity” basically means wrongdoing or moral failings. What does this mean practically? Essentially, it’s a reminder to be discreet and avoid spreading gossip about someone who is pregnant with a man. It's a safeguard against hurtful words that could cause harm or embarrassment. Why is this important in the Bible? This verse is rooted in the idea of kiddushin – a Hebrew word meaning "cleaving" or "binding." It emphasizes the importance of protecting those who are vulnerable and avoiding gossip that could cause pain. It’s about upholding respect for others and preventing harm caused by spreading negative information. In short, it's a reminder to be sensitive and discreet when dealing with situations involving pregnancy – particularly when it involves potential for relationships or involvement with men. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how this principle might apply in a real-life situation (though we’ll keep it general)?