First-Degree Incest and the Hebrew Bible

By Johanna Stiebert

Book Description

This scholarly exploration examines how ancient Hebrew texts address one of humanity's most complex and universally regulated topics: intimate relationships between immediate family members. Johanna Stiebert presents a comprehensive analysis that bridges contemporary understanding with biblical narratives, revealing how cultural contexts shape the boundaries of acceptable relationships across different societies and time periods.

The study delves into both explicit biblical accounts and subtle textual implications, examining well-known stories alongside less obvious references that may suggest intimate connections between parents and children or siblings. Stiebert investigates the legal frameworks presented in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, the prophetic condemnations found in Ezekiel, and narrative passages involving figures like Lot, Amnon, Tamar, and others. The analysis extends to more nuanced interpretations, exploring possible intimate undertones in relationships involving Adam, Ham, Noah, and other biblical characters.

Drawing from over a century of academic research, this work incorporates evolving perspectives from psychology, sociology, and contemporary critical theory, including queer and post-feminist approaches. The author examines how scholarly understanding has shifted from viewing such relationships as natural impulses requiring social suppression to considering them aberrant behaviors stemming from disrupted early bonding.

For readers interested in understanding how ancient texts reflect complex social values and psychological insights, this monograph offers a thorough examination of how biblical literature addresses fundamental questions about human relationships, cultural boundaries, and the intersection of law, narrative, and social meaning.