Asbury Bible Commentary – 4. Laws carrying the punishment of being cut off from the people (20:17-18)
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4. Laws carrying the punishment of being cut off from the people (20:17-18)

4. Laws carrying the punishment of being cut off from the people (20:17-18)

A man who marries his sister commits a disgraceful act. Since a brother is charged with guarding his sister’s honor, he is held responsible for initiating the marriage and must bear his iniquity. But the text implies that the sister is also guilty, and both the man and the woman are to be cut off from the people. The taboo against touching blood explains why sexual relations are forbidden during a woman’s monthly period (v.18).