Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon  and Sexual Health

Adultery, nah-AWF

Erotic Rage, Chah-MAWD

Sacred Sex Trade Worker, zah-NAH

Sexual Contact, nah-GAH

Passionate Love, DODE

Seduce, nah-TAH

Give Birth, HOOL

Womb, BEH-ten

Naked, ah-ROME

Ecclesiastes

Naked, ah-ROME

Song

Kiss, nah-SHAWK

Bed, mish-KAWV

Lovers’ Bed, EH-resh

Conceive, hah-RAH

Sexual Arousal, hah-MAH

Breast, SHAWD

Genitalia, REH-ghel

Navel, show-RARE

Pleasant, nah-AHM

Romantic Pleasure, tah-ah-NOOG

Sexual Health Terminology

Passionate Love, DODE

Kiss, nah-SHAWK

Bed, mish-KAWV

Bed, EH-resh

Sexual Arousal, hah-MAH

Pleasant, nah-AIM

Romantic Pleasure, tah-ah-NOOG

Aphrodisiac/mandrake, dew-DAI

Anatomical and Gynecological

Naked, ah-ROME

Womb, BEH-ten

Conceive, ha-RAH

Give Birth, HOOL

Breast, SHAWD

Genitalia, REH-ghel

Navel, show-RARE

Unhealthy Sexuality Terms

Adultery, nah-AWF

Erotic Rage, chah-MAWD

Sacred Sex Trade Worker, zah-NAH

Seduce, nah-TAH

The word for “romantic love” or “ passionate-love boiling over” is DODE appearing 61 times in the Old Testament. Solomon uses DODE one time in Proverbs and 33 times in his romantic memoir called The Song. Over half the occurrences of DODE, passionate love boiling over appear in Solomon’s work. (Strong, H1730) 

Come, let’s drink deeply of love (DODE) till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! (Proverbs 7:18)

Kiss is the Hebrew word nah-SHAWK. I enjoy the many nuances of Hebrew terms. The Assyrian word for kiss is the similar sounding nah-SHAW-ku. The Syriac originally meant “to smell”. Arabic lends the facet, to fasten together. (Strong, H5401) Perhaps the idea connects the closeness and scent of a lover’s breath in a tender kiss?

Two words for “bed” appear in Solomon’s writings. The king uses the term for lovers’ bed (EH-resh) and a place of rest (mish-KAWV). Proverbs mentions covering the bed (EH-resh) with linens from Egypt. It is not clearly sexual. In the Song, Solomon connects the bed (EH-resh) with the verdant-fertility of intercourse (Strong, H7488). An Arabic equivalent uses a similar sounding term for sex partner or consort, ah-RAWSH. (Strong, H6210) 

I have covered my bed (EH-resh) with colored linens from Egypt. 

I have perfumed my bed (mish-KAWV) with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. (Proverbs 7:16-17; Strong, H7901)

She: How handsome you are, my beloved! Oh, how charming! And our bed (EH-resh) is verdant. (Song 1:16)

Sexual arousal is the onomatopoeia, hah-MAH appearing 34 times in the Hebrew Old Testament. The term means to hum like a bee or to be aroused sexually. (Strong, H1993)

My beloved thrust his hand through the latch-opening; my heart began to pound  (hah- MAH or hummmm) for him. (Song 5:4)

Solomon uses two terms for pleasure or delight. The word pleasant has a lovely range of meaning in Old Testament Hebrew.  David uses nah-AIM for his relationship with Jonathon, Saul’s son, exclaiming their love for one another more pleasurable than the love of a woman. Solomon, commended by God for his wisdom, connects the wisdom of the heart to knowing the pleasure of intimacy. The root word for knowledge in Proverbs 2:10 is the premier term for sexual intimacy first found in Genesis 4:1, yah-DAH. Finally, Solomon links the beauty and pleasure of love with his bride in whom he delights. (Strong, H5276) The second term is tah-ah-NOOG meaning delight, delicate or pleasant.  (Strong, H8588) 

I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love  (nah-AIM) for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women. (2 Samuel 1:26)

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant (nah-AIM) to your soul. (Proverbs 2:10)

“Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious (nah-AIM)!” (Proverbs 9:17)

How beautiful you are and how pleasing (nah-AIM), my love, with your delights (tah-ah- NOOG)! (Song 7:6)

Gynecological and Anatomical Terms

Naked, ah-ROME

Womb, BEH-ten

Conceive, ha-RAH

Give Birth, HOOL

Breast, SHAWD

Genitalia, REH-ghel

Navel, show-RARE

Sevengynecological words appear in Solomon’s writings: naked, (ah-ROME; Strong, H6174), womb (BEH-ten, Strong, H990), conceive, give birth (hah-RAH, Strong, H2029) and HOOL (Strong, H2342). The Hebrew word for breast is SHAWD, and REH-ghel, foot,  appears used for genitalia, and navel (show-RARE).

Everyone comes naked (ah-ROME) from their mother’s womb (BEH-ten), and as everyone comes, so they depart. They take nothing from their toil that they can carry in their hands. (Ecclesiastes 5:15)

Scarcely had I passed them when I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go till I had brought him to my mother’s house, to the room of the one who conceived (hah-RAH) me. (Proverbs 3:4; Strong, H2029)

Your breasts (SHAWD) are like two fawns, like twin fawns of a gazelle that browse among the lilies. (The Song 4:5)

I have taken off my robe— must I put it on again? I have washed my feet (REH-ghel)—  must I soil them again? (The Song 5:3)

When there were no watery depths, I was given birth (HOOL), when there were no springs overflowing with water; Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, (HOOL). (Proverbs 8:24-25; Strong, H2342)

Your navel (show-RARE)  is a rounded goblet that never lacks blended wine. Your waist is a mound of wheat encircled by lilies.(The Song 7:2; Strong, H8326)

The final sexual health term is mandrake or aphrodisiac. Appearing 7 times in 5 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament mandrake first occurs in Genesis. the mandrake, (dew-DAI), was an ancient Near Eastern aphrodisiac, sedative, and hallucinogen. (Strong, H1736) Understanding the meaning of mandrake requires revisiting the Jacob snap shot of Genesis.   During the 20-year stint of coerced servitude to Laban, the Jacob narrative revisits sexual health themes. Rachel, the infertile beloved bride, cannot conceive. Leah, the unwanted and unloved sister bride, cannot stop giving birth. Within 4 years, Leah delivers four sons. Rachel scores zero births. The competition game is on. 

When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she became jealous of her sister. So she said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I’ll die!” Jacob became angry with her and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children?” Then she said, “Here is Bilhah, my servant. Sleep with her so that she can bear children for me and I too can build a family through her.”(Genesis 30:1–8)

Jacob apparently recalled stories of his grandfather Abraham utilizing female slaves for coercive reproductive services. Jacob submits to Rachel’s plea to impregnate a surrogate slave. When Leah realizes she can no longer conceive, she repeats surrogacy with her own slave.

When Leah saw that she had stopped having children, she took her servant Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife. Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son. Then Leah said, “What good fortune!” So she named him Gad. Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son. Then Leah said, “How happy I am! The women will call me happy.” So she named him Asher. (Genesis 30:9–13)

Once again, Jacob faces the coercive power of food as he did with the stealing of Esau’s birth right for a bowl of soup. This time food with sex. Just as Jacob manipulated Esau with stew, Leah, the unwanted and unloved sister-wife, coerces Rachel. Leah challenges Rachel to compel Jacob to have intercourse with Leah using food. The rejected sister barters food for sex using the mandrake plant, an ancient aphrodisiac with hallucinogenic compounds. The progeny of Abraham repeats pimping of family members for sex and food. 

During wheat harvest, Reuben went out into the fields and found some mandrake plants, which he brought to his mother Leah. Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.”But she said to her, “Wasn’t it enough that you took away my husband? Will you take my son’s mandrakes too?” “Very well,” Rachel said, “he can sleep with you tonight in return for your son’s mandrakes.” So when Jacob came in from the fields that evening, Leah went out to meet him. “You must sleep with me,” she said. “I have hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” So he slept with her that night. God listened to Leah, and she became pregnant and bore Jacob a fifth son. Then Leah said, “God has rewarded me for giving my servant to my husband.” So she named him Issachar. Leah conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son. Then Leah said, “God has presented me with a precious gift. This time my husband will treat me with honor, because I have borne him six sons.” So she named him Zebulun. Some time later she gave birth to a daughter and named her Dinah. (Genesis 30:14–21)

As a therapist,  I am unable to stop intuiting the sexual wiring of authors and speakers.  I wonder if Solomon reflected his problematic sexuality within his writings? Solomon engaged the sacred sex trade by marrying wives who worshiped other deities. Did he have encounters with women who were married or did he touch another man’s wife? In Proverbs 6:25-29 Solomon cites the terms lust or covet, chah-MAWD, zah-NAH-sacred sex trade worker, and nah-GAH, sexual touch with another man’s wife. (Strong, H5060)  Paul the Apostle uses the same phrase, it is not good “to touch” a woman, in 1 Corinthians 7:1. The Greek word Paul uses is HOP-toe, meaning to touch. Perhaps Proverbs influenced Paul in this use? The 1 Corinthians 7:1 citation has clear sexual intent by Paul. In addition Paul uses “to touch” with par-NAY-ah as does Solomon in Proverbs 6:25-29.

Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations (to touch, HOP-toe) with a woman.”

But since sexual immorality (par-NAY-ah in Greek and zah-NAH in Hebrew for the sacred sex trade) is occurring, each man should have sexual relations (EH-koe to have) with his own wife, and each woman (EH-koe to have) with her own husband. (1 Corinthians 7:1-2)

The phrase, “each should have sexual relations with” uses the term EH-koe, meaning to have. (Strong, G2192)

Chah-MAWD is the term lust or covet in Proverbs 6:25. Chah-MAWD is used both in the Ten Commands and with Jesus’ sexual health discourse of Matthew 5:28. 

Do not lust (chah-MAWD) in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. (Proverbs 6:25)

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully (epi-thew-MEH-oh) has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:28)

Chah-MAWD means to desire, sexually lust, or covet. (Strong, H2530) An Arabic equivalent means to “loathe”. It seems to have an angry nuance. The Greek word for lust or covet is epi-thew-MEH-oh. (Strong, G1937)  Lust builds on two Greek words, epi meaning upon or epic can add a sense of intensity. The second part of the word, thew-MOS has a range of meaning including anger, rage, to breathe violently and the breath of passion. (Strong, G2372) With the nuance of loathe in Arabic and rage in Greek, this word may carry a sense of erotic rage. Could it be that Jesus is not prohibiting all sexual feelings? Is he speaking about the coercive nature of sexually acting out in anger and rage against a partner? (Strong, G2372)

Seduce is a common term used in many ways 216 times in the Hebrew Old Testament. Nah-TAH can mean stretch out like a tent, manipulate, bend morally, or sexual seduction. (H5186)

With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced (nah-TAH) him with her smooth talk. (Proverbs 7:21)

The Book of Isaiah

Sodom Gomorrah

Unless the LORD Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah. (Isaiah 1:9)

Idols

Genitalia

Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made. (Isaiah 2:8)

Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. (Genitalia = feet) (Isaiah 6:2)

Virgin

Conceive

Give Birth

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virginwill conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

Asherah Poles

They will not look to the altars, the work of their hands, and they will have no regard for the Asherah polesand the incense altars their fingers have made. (Isaiah 17:8)

By this, then, will Jacob’s guilt be atoned for, and this will be the full fruit of the removal of his sin: When he makes all the altar stones to be like limestone crushed to pieces, no Asherah poles or incense altars will be left standing. (Isaiah 27:9)

Idols

Images

Menstrual Cloth

Then you will desecrate your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, “Away with you!” (Isaiah 30:22)

Menstrual cloth is the Hebrew term DIH, pronounced dah-WHEY. (Strong, H1739) 

Begotten

Brought to Birth

Woe to the one who says to a father, ‘What have you begotten?’ or to a mother, ‘What have you brought to birth?’ (Isaiah 45:10)

Virgin

Go down, sit in the dust, Virgin Daughter Babylon; sit on the ground without a throne, queen city of the Babylonians. No more will you be called tender or delicate. (Isaiah 47:1)

Tools

Nakedness

Shame

Your nakedness will be exposed and your shame uncovered. I will take vengeance; I will spare no one.” (Isaiah 47:3)

Womb

And now the LORD says— he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD and my God has been my strength— (Isaiah 49:5)

Infertile

Labor

Bear a Child

Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband. (Isaiah 54:1)

Eunuch Intersexual

Covenant

For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant— to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever. (Isaiah 56:4-5)

Adulterer 

Sacred Sex Trade Worker

“But you—come here, you children of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers (NAF) and prostitutes! (ZNH) (Isaiah 57:3)

Burn with Lust

You burn with lust (HMM) among the oaks and under every spreading tree; you sacrifice your children in the ravines and under the overhanging crags. (Isaiah 57:5) r H2552 

Perhaps the Gehenna, Valley of hinnom.

matches the Hebrew חָמַם (ḥāmam),
which occurs 13 times in 12 verses in the WLC Hebrew. Range of meaning body warmth to the passion of intercourse.

Idols

The idols among the smooth stones of the ravines are your portion; indeed, they are your lot. Yes, to them you have poured out drink offerings and offered grain offerings. In view of all this, should I relent? (Isaiah 57:6)

A High Place for the Sacred Sex Trade

You have made your bed on a high and lofty hill; there you went up to offer your sacrifices. (Isaiah 57:7)

Uncovered Bed

Lust

Naked Bodies

Behind your doors and your doorposts you have put your pagan symbols. Forsaking me, you uncovered your bed, you climbed into it and opened it wide; you made a pact with those whose beds you love, and you looked with lust on their naked bodies. (Isaiah 57:8)

Molek

You went to Molek with olive oil and increased your perfumes. You sent your ambassadors far away; you descended to the very realm of the dead! (Isaiah 57:9)

Bridegroom

Bride

As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. (Isaiah 62:5)

Summary

The first two sexual health terms of Isaiah begin with both foreboding and catastrophic judgement scenes of sexual violence. Sodom and Gomorrah fit the prophet’s prediction of Israel’s downfall and exile to Babylon in 586 BCE. (Isaiah 1:9) The cause of the collapse of their civilization and loss of identity-idolatry and the sex trafficking of humans for profit.  The next term Isaiah uses  is idols in Isaiah 2:8.  Idolatry again dovetails with the erotic violence and addictive quality of the sacred sex trade. Other images for addiction or idolatry in Isaiah are: 

Asherah poles, high place like a hill, oaks, trees and Molek. The Asherah poles were perhaps images of erect male genitalia whether literal or figurative.  These poles most likely signaled the location of shrines build on high places and under trees. Molek is the deity of whom noted for child sacrifice and sex trafficking humans for profit places of worship.

Spiritual intimacy and sexual health merge in Isaiah 6:2. 

Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. (Genitalia = feet) (Isaiah 6:2)

It seems reasonable the winged burning ones, seraphim, covered their faces and genitals rather than literal feet. The Hebrew word REH-ghel, feet, can mean genitalia. 

Isaiah uses seven gynecological terms in his work spanning, virgin, conceive, give birth, menstrual cloth, womb, infertile, and labor. Menstrual cloth is the singular occurrence of this term in the entire Bible. Women’s health terms include the way of women, monthly cycle, flow of blood, discharge, and this hygiene term. Isaiah uses menstrual cloth to compare idolatry with the contamination by body fluid transfer like ejaculate, the blood of menses, and infectious discharge from both men and women. Infertile appears in a message of hope, Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband. (Isaiah 54:1)

The use of sexual health positive terms for the prediction of the coming messiah. Isaiah 7:14. Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virginwill conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

Other sexual health positive terms are genitalia, feet, in Isaiah 6:2. Covenant, Eunuch, bride and groom, each are used for the intimacy of reconciliation. (Isaiah 56:4-5; 62:5)

Unhealthy sexuality images are nakedness and shame of Isaiah 47:3. Adultery and sacred sex trade worker are used in the same sentence in  Isaiah 57:3.  Burn with lust, matches the Hebrew חָמַם (ḥāmam),
which occurs 13 times in 12 verses in the WLC Hebrew. Range of meaning body warmth to the passion of intercourse. Uncovered Bed

Lust

Naked Bodies

Behind your doors and your doorposts you have put your pagan symbols. Forsaking me, you uncovered your bed, you climbed into it and opened it wide; you made a pact with those whose beds you love, and you looked with lust on their naked bodies. (Isaiah 57:8) 

Jeremiah and Sexual Health Vocabulary

Sexual Health Positive Terms

Womb, BE-ten 

Intimacy, YDA

Born, RE-chem 

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew (YDA) you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

Virgin, buh-tue-LAH

Bride Wearing a Crown, ka-LAH

Bridegroom, chah-THAWN

Does a young woman forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number. (Jeremiah 2:32)

The first three sexual health terms of Jeremiah are womb, born, and virgin.  Womb is the

Hebrew term BE-ten. (Strong, H990). The word for born is the Hebrew phrase, “go out from the womb”.  This second term for womb is REH-chem. (Strong, H7358) This is the same root word for compassion or mercy, ra-CHAM. (Strong, H7355) Virgin and bride occur in Jeremiah 2:32-33, the Hebrew are buh-tue-LAH and kah-LAH. (Strong, H1330 and H3618) The word for virgin buh-tue-LAH  means a marriageable female who has not had sexual intercourse. The second term comes from  a root meaning to place a crown upon. (Strong, H3634) It seems that a woman is first a candidate for marriage, a virgin, and then becomes a bride who wears the wedding day crown or head dress.  Jeremiah also uses the bride and bridegroom (chah-THAWN) images in Jeremiah 16:9.

For this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Before your eyes and in your days I will bring an end to the sounds of joy and gladness and to the voices of bride (kah-LAH) and bridegroom (cha-THAWN) in this place. (Jeremiah 16:9)

Sacred Sex Trade Worker, zah-NAH

Lover, ray-AH

Rape, shah-GALL

Prolific Participation in the Sex Trade, zah-NOOT

Forehead (may-TSACH) of a Sacred Sex Trade Worker (zah-NAH)

High Hill 

Spreading Tree

Adultery, zah-NAH

Immorality, COLE zah-NOOT

“If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him and marries another man, should he return to her again? Would not the land be completely defiled? But you have lived as a prostitute (zah-NAH)with many lovers (ray-AH)— would you now return to me?” 

Look up to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been ravished (shah-GALL)? By the roadside you sat waiting for lovers, sat like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution (zah-NOOT)and wickedness.

Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains have fallen. Yet you have the brazen look (may-TSACH) of a prostitute (zah-NAH); you refuse to blush with shame.

During the reign of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high (gah-bo-AH) hill (HAR)and under every spreading (rah-ah-NAWN) tree (EHTZ) and has committed adultery (zah-NAH) there.

I thought that after she had done all this she would return to me but she did not, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it.

I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries (nah-AWF). Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery (zah-NAH).

Because Israel’s immorality (COLE, zah-NOOT) mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood.

In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 3:1-10)

Ten sexual health terms and images appear in verses 1-10 of Jeremiah 3.  The root word for zah-NAH, sacred sex trade worker occurs six times. Six is often an image of evil and coercive sexuality.  The range of words for zah-NAH are sacred sex trade worker (zah-NAH), zah-NOOT meaning plural sex trade acts, and the verb zah-NAH to act out in the sacred sex trade. The word translated immorality in Hebrew is COLE zah-NOOT, the “sound” of plural sex trade acts. Another interesting term is “forehead of a sex trade worker” in Jeremiah 3:3.  The NIV translates this as “brazen look of a prostitute.” May-TSACH, forehead, is used 13 times in 10 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. (Strong, H4696) The forehead is the Hebrew location of guilt, leprosy, the indication of stubbornness, defiance, and grief. The forehead of a sacred sex trade worker may mean that her look is overt guilt, defiance, trauma, and or grief. 

The spreading tree is most likely a place for the practice of the sacred sex trade. Strabo (64 BCE to 24 CE) the Greek historian remarked:

There is a custom prescribed by an oracle for all the Babylonian women to have intercourse with strangers. The women repair to a temple of Aphrodite, accompanied by numerous attendants and a crowd of people. Each woman has a cord round her head; the man approaches a woman, and places on her lap as much money as he thinks proper; he then leads her away to a distance from the sacred grove, and has intercourse with her. The money is regarded as consecrated to Aphrodite. (Strabo 16.1.20)

• Both the Medes and Armenians have adopted all the sacred rites of the Persians, but the Armenians pay particular reverence to Anaitis, and have built temples to her honor in several places, especially in Acilisene. They dedicate there to her service male and female slaves; in this there is nothing remarkable, but it is surprising that persons of the highest rank in the nation consecrate their virgin daughters to the goddess. It is customary for these women, after being prostituted for a long period at the temple of Anaitis, to be disposed of in marriage, no one disdaining a connection with such persons (καταπορνευθείσαις πολὺν χρόνον παρὰ τῇ θεῷ μετὰ ταῦτα δίδοσθαι πρὸς γάμον, οὐκ ἀπαξιοῦντος τῇ τοιαύτῃ συνοικεῖν οὐδενός). Herodotus mentions something similar respecting the Lydian women, all of whom prostitute themselves (πορνεύειν γὰρ ἁπάσας). But they treat their paramours with much kindness, they entertain them hospitably, and frequently make a return of more presents than they receive, being amply supplied with means derived from their wealthy connections. They do not admit into their dwellings accidental strangers, but prefer those of a rank equal to their own. (Strabo, 11.14.16) 

Jeremiah uses the words circumcise in chapter 4:4 and uncircumcised in chapter 9:26. Circumcise is the Hebrew term MOOL first appearing in the Genesis sexual health big picture of covenant (buh-REETH) with Abraham. MOOL occurs 36 times within 32 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. (Strong, H3145)

This is my covenant (buh-REETH) with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised (MOOL). (Genesis 17:10)

The word for uncircumcised is aw-RAIL. (Strong, H8169)  Jeremiah presses the case that Israel is as uncircumcised in heart as non Jewish nations. Deuteronomy first uses the phrase “circumcised in heart”. A circumcised heart is both humble and the path for loving God with heart and soul. 

Circumcise (MOOL) your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. (Deuteronomy 10:16)

The LORD your God will circumcise (MOOL) your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. (Deuteronomy 30:6)

Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, circumcise (MOOL) your hearts, you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire because of the evil you have done— burn with no one to quench it. (Jeremiah 4:4)

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will punish all who are circumcised (MOOL) only in the flesh—

Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab and all who live in the wilderness in distant places. For all these nations are really uncircumcised, and even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.” (Jeremiah 9:25-26)

ah-GAWV, lovers

What are you doing, you devastated one? Why dress yourself in scarlet and put on jewels of gold? Why highlight your eyes with makeup? You adorn yourself in vain. Your lovers (ah-GAWV)despise you; they want to kill you. (Jeremiah 4:30)

Jeremiah uses two terms for lovers in his writings. The first is ray-AH found in Jeremiah 3:2. This word translates as lovers only once found at this location. All other 188 citations indicate a close community relationship or friend. The best translation may be close relationship rather than lover. (Strong H7453) The second term is ah-GAWV occurring 8 times in 7 verses meaning extreme affection or sexual desire. (Strong, H5689) 

Too

Houses (by-ITH) of Sacred Sex Trade Workers (zah-NAW)

Lusty Stallions, ZOON sue-SEEM

“Why should I forgive you? Your children have forsaken me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I supplied all their needs, yet they committed adultery (nah-AWF) and thronged to the houses (by-ITH) of prostitutes (zah-NAW).

Tools

They are well-fed, lusty stallions, each neighing for another man’s wife. (Jeremiah 5:7-8)

Jeremiah uses detailed terms for the trafficking of humans in chapter 5:7-8.  He laments that children have given their allegiance to false gods and sex trafficking.  Jeremiah then identifies the perpetrators of the sex trade as married adulterers.  He states these adulterers throng in crowds to the house (by-ITH) of sex trafficking (za-NAH). The prophet then adds another layer of detail, he compares the mob to well fed (ZOON) stallions (sue-SEEM) sexually aroused in heat for another man’s wife. (Strong, H2109) This image of seducing another man’s wife connects to his use of the word, adultery, which means two people in a sexual relationship. These partners are in a covenant of marriage with others. Other colorful phrases are pull up the skirts, lustful neighing, detestable sexual acts, and hills and in the fields.

I will pull up your skirts over your face that your shame may be seen. …your adulteries and lustful neighings, your shameless prostitution (zah-NAW)! I have seen your detestable acts on the hills and in the fields. Woe to you, Jerusalem! How long will you be unclean?” (Jeremiah 13:26-27)

Pull up your skirts is the Hebrew phrase chah-SAWF SHOOL. Pull up (chah-SAWF) occurs 11 times in 10 verses of he Hebrew Old Testament. It has a sense of “pulling off the bark” of a tree.  (Strong, H2834). Skirt, SHOOL, appears 11 times in 10 verses meaning skirt.  Lustful neighing (mitz-ha-LAH) appears only two times in the Hebrew Old Testament within the Book of Jeremiah. The prophet seems to enjoy comparing the sexual arousal of sex traffickers with horses in heat mating on the hills. (Strong, H4684) Detestable Sexual Acts is the Hebrew word zee-MAH occurring 29 times in the Hebrew Old Testament. Zee-MAH means heinous crimes like incest and forcing one’s daughter into sex trafficking. (Strong, H2154) Note the use of HLL in Leviticus 19:29 prohibiting coercing daughters into the sex trade. HLL is the untranslatable trigger word often indicating loss of intimacy with God and decline to unhealthy sexuality.

The snorting of the enemy’s horses is heard from Dan; at the neighing  (mitz-ha-LAH)of their stallions the whole land trembles. They have come to devour the land and everything in it, the city and all who live there. (Jeremiah 8:16)

…your adulteries and lustful neighings (mitz-ha-LAH), your shameless prostitution! I have seen your detestable acts on the hills and in the fields. Woe to you, Jerusalem! How long will you be unclean?” (Jeremiah 13:27)

Chapters 7-50 contain numerous images for the sacred sex trade.  Baal, other gods, Asherah poles, high hills, Molek, Valley of Ben Hinnom, Molek, Bel, and Marduk. 

Baal

Other Gods,  el-oh-HEEM ah-chah-REEM

“ Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known.” (Jeremiah 7:9)

Baal is the deity most cited in the Old Testament connecting to the sacred sex trade.  Baal appears 83 times in 79 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. (Strong, H1167) Other gods appears 60 times in the Hebrew Old Testament. (BLB, other gods) The term other gods occurs as the first command in the decalogue of Exodus 20:3.

“You shall have noothergods beforeme.” (Exodus 20:3)

Jeremiah creates vivid images about the sacred sex trade. He links pulling up the skirts to reveal the genitals, with the sex drive of a horse for adulterers and participants of the sacred sex trade. (Strong, H7036)

I will pull up your skirts over your face that your shame may be seen. …your adulteries (nah-AWF)and lustful neighings, your shameless prostitution (zah-NAW)! I have seen your detestable acts on the hills and in the fields. Woe to you, Jerusalem! How long will you be unclean?” (Jeremiah 13:26-27)

Asherah Poles

Spreading Trees, rah-ah-NAWN ATES

High Hills, gah-bow-AH geeb-AH

Even their children remember their altars and Asherah polesbeside the spreading trees and on the high hills. (Jeremiah 17:2)

Asherah Poles, spreading (rah-ah-NAWN) trees (ATES), high (gah-bow-AH) hills (geeb-AH) are all locales for the practice of the sacred sex trade.

Baal

Valley of Ben Hinnom

Molek

Chemosh

They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molek, though I never commanded—nor did it enter my mind—that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin. (Jeremiah 32:35)

Then Moab will be ashamed of Chemosh, as Israel was ashamed when they trusted in Bethel. (Jeremiah 48:13)

The valley of Ben Hinnom appears 38 times in 10 verses of the NIV.  Four of the ten references speak of child sacrifice in the Valley of Ben Hinnom. The typical sacrificial modality was burning the children in fire.(Strong, 2011) Molek was the deity to whom worshippers sacrificed their children. Molek occurs 9 times in 9 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. (Strong, H4432)

Sodom and Gomorrah

As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown, along with their neighboring towns,”

“so no one will live there; no people will dwell in it. (Jeremiah 49:18)

Bel

Marduk

“Announce and proclaim among the nations, lift up a banner and proclaim it; keep nothing back, but say, ‘Babylon will be captured; Bel will be put to shame, Marduk filled with terror. Her images will be put to shame and her idols filled with terror.” (Jeremiah 50:2)

Sodom and Gomorrah connect directly to the Genesis sexual health big picture representing coercive violent sexuality first found in Genesis 19. Sodom and Gomorrah appear 77 times in 20 verses of the NIV translation. (BLB, Sodom and Gomorrah) Bel is a form of the name Baal meaning lord or master. The nations of Akkad, Assyria, and Babylonia each worshiped Baal. The use of Bel in this text with Marduk may indicate neo-Babylonian influence. If so, this era correlates exactly to the siege and fall of Jerusalem by Babylonians in 586 BCE. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bel_(mythology)

At the time of Jeremiah’s writing in the 7th century BCE the Babylonians worshipped a deity named “Bel“, meaning “lord”. Bel was a synthesis of Marduk, Enlil, and Dumuzid, the dying deity. Bel came to be known as the god of order and destiny. The cult of Bel cites in the Jewish story of “Bel and the Dragon” from the apocryphal addition to the book of Daniel. Bel mentions in numerous writings of Greek historians. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marduk

Marduk was the calf of the sun deity. When Hammurabi crafted his law code in the 18th century BCE Marduk became the chief deity of the Babylonian pantheon.  Marduk is the diety who raped and dismembered Tiamat, the Mesopotamian sea dragon goddess.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marduk

Ezekiel Sexual Health Positive Terms in Order of Appearance

Born, yeh-LED

Umbilical Cord, SHORE

Sexual Mature Partner, DODE

Betrothal, Spread (pah-RAWSH) Corner of Garment (kah-NAWF) Over, pah- RAWSH kah-NAWF

Cover (kah-SAH) Nakedness (ehr-VAH), kah-SAH ehr-VAH  An act of compassion contrasted with “uncovering the nakedness” which is an incestuous act

Covenant, buh-REETH

Large(gah-DAWL), Genitals (bah-SAR)

Lovers, ah-HAWV

Pleasure of Intimate Relationship, ah-RAWV

Nude Body, ehr-VAH

Genital Sexual Intercourse, qah-RAV

Monthly Cycle, nee-DAH

Nipples, DAWD

Breasts, SHAWD

Ejaculate, zeer-MAH

Intimacy, yah-DAH

Covenant, buh-REETH

Increase, rah-BAH

At-one-ment/Intimacy, kah-PHAR

Intimacy Terms

Genital Sexual Intercourse, qah-RAV

Pleasure of Intimate Relationship, ah-RAWV

Lover, ah-HAWV

Sexually Mature Partner, DODE

At-one-ment/intimacy, kah-PHAR

Intimacy, yah-DAH

Five terms connect to genital sexual intercourse in Ezekiel; intercourse, qah-RAV, the pleasure of intimacy, ah-RAWV,  lovers, ah-HAWV,  sexually mature partner, DODE, and yah-DAH, to know intimately.

Qah-RAWV means to draw near, or be near. Eight times in the Hebrew Old Testament qah-RAWV has the meaning of genital sexual intercourse. (Genesis 20:4; Isaiah 8:3; Deuteronomy 22:14; Leviticus 18:6, 14, 19; Ezekiel 18:6; Leviticus 20:16; Strong, H7126) Qah-RAV can be used for unhealthy sexuality or sexual intimacy. 

He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or have sexual relations (qah-RAV) with a woman during her period. (Ezekiel 18:6)

Isaiah chooses draw near, qah-RAV, to describe sexual intimacy with his wife. 

Then I made love to (qah-RAV) the prophetess, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. And the LORD said to me, “Name him Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. (Isaiah 8:3)

Ah-RAWV appears 7 times in 7 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. Ah-RAWV means sweet or pleasurable. (Strong, H6149) 

Therefore I am going to gather all your lovers, with whom you found pleasure (ah- RAWV), those you loved as well as those you hated. (Ezekiel 16:37)

Ezekiel seems to enjoy words which sound alike, called homophones. Ah-RAWV, pleasure, and ah-HAWV the root word for lovers, sound similar. (Strong, H157). Ah-HAWV, love, has a range of meaning to desire, to love, to delight. Chaldee is a dialect which influenced Biblical Hebrew. Ah-VAWV in Chaldee though unused in Hebrew has meanings of to germinate, to be fertile, to shoot forth, an ear of corn, and eager pursuit. (BLB, Strong, H157)

Sexually Mature Partner, DODE

Betrothal, Spread (pah-RAWSH) Corner of Garment (kah-NAWF) Over, pah- RAWSH kah-NAWF

Cover (kah-SAH) Nakedness (ehr-VAH), kah-SAH ehr-VAH  An act of compassion contrasted with uncovering the nakedness which is an incestuous act

In this Ezekiel snap shot of compassionate presence God is seen as the YBM, redeemer, who betroths the zah-NAH, sex trafficking victim, by spreading the corner of his garment over the bride to be. 

”Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love (DODE), I spread (pah-RAWSH) the corner of my garment (kah-RAWSH)over you and covered (kah-SAH)your naked body (ehr-VAH). I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine. (Ezekiel 16:8)

  The phrase, spread the corner of my garment  is the exact wording in Ruth for the betrothal snap shot of Boaz and Ruth. (Strong, H6566, H3671) 

“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner (pah- RAWSH) of your garment (kah-NAWF) over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.” (Ruth 3:9)

The uncovering (gah-LAH) of nakedness (ehr-VAH), means incest beginning in Genesis 9 with the sexual assault of Ham against his mother. The covering of nakedness or the naked body in this passage however means the opposite, that is to cover the shameful exposure of a victim of trafficking. (Strong, H3680, H6172) “Old enough for love” is the term DODE meaning perhaps sexually mature, or one ripe for love.  Solomon adopts this word using it 32 times to speak of his lover in the Song of Solomon. (Strong, H1730)

Covenant, buh-REETH

Increase, rah-BAH

I will make a covenant (buh-REETH) of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant (buh-REETH). I will establish them and increase their numbers (rah-BAH), and I will put my sanctuary among them forever. (Ezekiel 37:26)

Covenant (buh-REETH) and increase (rah-BAH) their numbers connect word for word to the Genesis sexual health positive big picture. Covenant first appears in Genesis 6:18 when God promises to cut a covenant or make a lasting agreement with Noah and his family. Covenant, buh-REETH means to “cut” appearing 284 times in 264 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. (Strong, H1285) Jeremiah describes the serious consequences of breaking covenant, “Those who have violated my covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two and then walked between its pieces.” (Jeremiah 34:18) Ezekiel uses buh-REETH 15 times. Rah-BAH, increase, features in the preamble to every covenant in Genesis. This sexual health positive keystone phrase is, “Be fruitful and increase.” The first time rah-BAH appears is in Genesis 1:22, “God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and increase (rah-BAH) in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.’” (Genesis 1:22) In Ezekiel 16 the prophet uses covenant, buh-REETH, plus the word for oath six times. Six is a favorite symbol of Ezekiel’s excellent writing expressing consummate evil. 

“ This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will deal with you as you deserve, because you have despised my oath (ah-LAH) by breaking the covenant (buh-REETH).

Yet I will remember the covenant (buh-REETH)I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant (buh-REETH) with you.

Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you receive your sisters, both those who are older than you and those who are younger. I will give them to you as daughters, but not on the basis of my covenant (buh-REETH) with you.

So I will establish my covenant (buh-REETH)with you, and you will know that I am the LORD.

Then, when I make atonement (kah-PHAR) for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign LORD.’ ” (Ezekiel 16:20-63)

The closing for chapter 16 uses two intimacy terms, yah-DAH, intimacy, and atonement, kah-PHAR meaning “at-one-ment”.  William Tyndall in his 1534 translation of the Bible coins the word for reconciliation as at-one-ment. https://forward.com/culture/11632/at-one-ment-00488/ The fuller meaning includes unity and reconciliation.  The Hebrew term kah-PHAR has the range of meaning: to cover, to condone, to appease, cleanse, forgive, be compassionate, pacify, pardon, and reconcile. (Strong, H3722) Yah-DAH, is both the premier term to express God’s relationship with humankind but also sexual intimacy.  The Hebrew Biblical word for to be intimate is yah-DAH, and the similar sounding Greek term is OIDA.  The meaning for the terms YDA and Greek OIDA range: to know; spiritually, pleasurably, beautifully, compassionately, mutually, consensually, rationally, or emotionally and at times for sexual intercourse (Botterweck and Kittel, 1986). 

After the breaking of covenant through the trafficking of humans for sex, benevolent Creator recreates oneness with Israel. In this renewal of intimacy between God and humankind the people He loves will “know” or see that God is the Lord. 

Anatomical and Gynecological Terms

Born, yeh-LED

Umbilical Cord, SHORE

Cover (kah-SAH) Nakedness (ehr-VAH), kah-SAH ehr-VAH

On the day you were born (yeh-LED)your cord (SHORE)was not cut, nor were you washed with water to make you clean, nor were you rubbed with salt or wrapped in cloths.

No one looked on you with pity or had compassion enough to do any of these things for you. Rather, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the day you were born (yeh-LED) you were despised.

“ ‘Then I passed by and saw you kicking about in your blood, and as you lay there in your blood I said to you, “Live!”

“ ‘Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love (DODE), I spread (pah-RAWSH) the corner of my garment (kah-NAWF)over you and covered (kah-SAH) your naked (ehr-VAH) body. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant (buh-REETH) with you, declares the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine. (Ezekiel 16:1-8)

“ This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will deal with you as you deserve, because you have despised my oath (ah-LAH) by breaking the covenant (buh-REETH).

Yet I will remember the covenant (buh-REETH)I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant (buh-REETH) with you.

Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you receive your sisters, both those who are older than you and those who are younger. I will give them to you as daughters, but not on the basis of my covenant (buh-REETH) with you.

So I will establish my covenant (buh-REETH)with you, and you will know that I am the LORD.

Then, when I make atonement (kah-PHAR) for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign LORD.’ ” (Ezekiel 16:20-63)

Large(gah-DAWL), Genitals (bah-SAR)

You engaged in prostitution (zah-NAW) with the Egyptians, your neighbors with large (gah-DAWL), genitals (bah-SAR) and aroused my anger with your increasing promiscuity (zah-NAW). (Ezekiel 16:26)

Nude Body, ehr-VAH

I am going to gather all your lovers (ah-HAWV), with whom you found pleasure (ah- RAWV), those you loved (ah-HAWV) as well as those you hated. I will gather them against you from all around and will strip you (gah-LAH er-VAH) in front of them, and they will see you stark (gah-LAH) naked (er-VAH).

Monthly Cycle, nee-DAH

“Suppose there is a righteous man who does what is just and right. 

He does not eat at the mountain shrines (HAR) or look to the idols (gil-LOOL) of Israel. He does not defile (tah-MAH) his neighbor’s wife or have sexual relations (qah-RAV) with a woman during her period (nee-DAH). (Ezekiel 18:5-6)

Nipples, DAWD

Breasts, SHAWD

So you longed for the lewdness (zee-MAH) of your youth, when in Egypt your bosom (DAWD) was caressed and your young breasts (SHAWD) fondled. (Ezekiel 23:21)

Ejaculate, zeer-MAH

There she lusted after her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission (zeer-MAH)was like that of horses. (Ezekiel 23:20)

Unhealthy Sexuality Terms and Images in Ezekiel

Unhealthy Sexual Behaviors, toe-eh-VAH

Spread (pah-SHAWK ) Legs (REH-gel)

Increasing (rah-BAH) Promiscuity (zah-NAH)

Sacred Sex Trade or Trafficking in Sex, zah-NAH

Lewdness or High Crimes, zee-MAH

Coercive or Violent Sexual Intercourse, shah-CAWV

Payment for Sacred Sex Trade, eth-NAWN 

Adulterous person or adultery, nah-AWF

Poured out (shah-PHAWK) your Lust (neh-SHAWK)

Depraved or Unhealthy Sexual Behavior, shah-CHAWT

Expose (gah-LAH) your naked body (er-VAH)

Coercive Sexuality, RA

Unhealthy Sexuality, BO

Heavy Breathing, ah-GAWV

At every street corner you built your lofty shrines (rah-MAH) and degraded your beauty, spreading your legs (pah-SAWK, REH-gel) with increasing (rah-BAH) promiscuity (zah-NAH)to anyone who passed by.

You engaged in prostitution (zah-NAH) with the Egyptians, your neighbors with large (gah-DAWL), genitals (bah-SAR) and aroused my anger with your increasing promiscuity (zah-NAH) So I stretched out my hand against you and reduced your territory; I gave you over to the greed of your enemies, the daughters of the Philistines, who were shocked by your lewd conduct (zee-MAH).

When you built your mounds (GAWV) at every street corner and made your lofty shrines (rah-MAH)in every public square, you were unlike a prostitute (zah-NAH), because you scorned payment (eth-NAWN).

“ ‘You adulterous (nah-AWF) wife! You prefer strangers to your own husband!

All prostitutes (zah-NAH) receive gifts, but you give gifts to all your lovers (ah-HAWV), bribing them to come to you from everywhere for your illicit favors (zah-NAH)…. (Strabo’s citation here)

This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because you poured out (shah-PHAWK) your lust (neh-SHAWK) and exposed (gah-LAH) your naked body (er-VAH) in your promiscuity (zah-NAH) with your lovers (AH-HAWV), and because of all your detestable (toe-eh-VAH) idols (gah-LEEL), and because you gave them your children’s blood, therefore I am going to gather all your lovers (ah-HAWV), with whom you found pleasure (ah-RAWV), those you loved (ah-HAWV) as well as those you hated. I will gather them against you from all around and will strip you (gah-LAH er-VAH) in front of them, and they will see you stark (gah-LAH) naked (er-VAH).

I will sentence you to the punishment of women who commit adultery (nah-AWF) and who shed blood; I will bring on you the blood vengeance of my wrath and jealous anger….

You not only followed their ways and copied their detestable practices, but in all your ways you soon became more depraved (shah-CHAWT)  than they….

You would not even mention your sister Sodom in the day of your pride,

before your wickedness (RA) was uncovered (gah-LAH). Even so, you are now scorned by the daughters of Edom  and all her neighbors and the daughters of the Philistines—all those around you who despise you. (Ezekiel 16:25-57)

The phrase “detestable practice” translates from the word toe-eh-VAH appearing 118 times in 112 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament.  Detestable, toe-eh-VAH, connects to behaviors, rituals, or customs associated with foreign gods and idolatry. The Genesis and Exodus use of the term toe-eh-VAH relates to Egyptian culture. When Leviticus uses the word, incest is the context. So, in the first two books of the Bible, the sole context for toe-eh-VAH is Egyptian customs and the practice of incest.(Strong, H8441)

“Turn from your idols (ghih-LOOL) and renounce all your detestable practices (toe-eh- VAH)!“ (Ezekiel 14:6)

They served him by himself, the brothers by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because Egyptians could not eat with Hebrews, for that is detestable (toe-eh-VAH) to Egyptians. (Genesis 43:32)

But Moses said, “That would not be right. The sacrifices we offer the LORD our God would be detestable to the Egyptians. And if we offer sacrifices that are detestable (toe- eh-VAH) in their eyes, will they not stone us? (Exodus 8:26)

“ No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD…

Everyone who does any of these detestable (toe-eh-VAH)things—such persons must be cut off from their people.” (Leviticus 18:6-29)

“Spread the legs” is not necessarily a negative phrase. It seems the context cements this as unhealthy sexuality with the words, “Spreading the legs…increasing promiscuity” (sex trafficking). Increasing is the Hebrew term rah-BAH. Rah-BAH is the root word for Rahab of Joshua 2:1. Rahab, a survivor of sex trafficking, assisted Israel’s intel and special ops at the siege of Jericho. She is recorded in the Bible at the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 as an ancestor of Christ. The Book of Hebrews “hall of faith” honors Rehab along with Abraham, Isaac, Moses, and King David. James too remembers Rahab with high honors as a righteous woman who was faithful to God and survived the coercive abuse of the sacred sex trade.

Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse…. (Matthew 1:5)

By faith the prostitute (sex trafficking survivor) Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. (Hebrews 11:31)

In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute (sex trafficking survivor) considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? (James 2:25)

Lewdness or High Crimes, zee-MAH

So I stretched out my hand against you and reduced your territory; I gave you over to the greed of your enemies, 

the daughters of the Philistines, who were shocked by your 

lewd conduct (zee-MAH). (Ezekiel 16:27)

Zee-MAH means high crimes. Perhaps in our culture we might say, felonious misconduct like trafficking humans and murder. Zee-MAH appears 29 times in 27 verses in the Hebrew Old Testament connecting to incest, trafficking a daughter into the sex trade, murder with dismemberment, and execution by ambush. (Strong, H2154)

Unhealthy Sexuality, shah-CAWV

She did not give up the prostitution (zah-NAH)she began in Egypt, when during her youth men slept with (shah-CAWV) her, caressed her virgin (buh-tue-LAH) bosom (DAWD) and poured out (shah-PHAWK) their lust (zah-NAH)on her. (Ezekiel 23:8)

Shah-CAWV is an important sexual health term. Shah-CAWV meaning coercive sexual intercourse occurs appears 213 times in 194 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. The range of meaning includes: to lie down, coercive genital sexual intercourse, to rape, to die, to sleep, or to stay. Genesis uses shah-CAWV twenty times, fifteen of which refer to unhealthy sexuality. All uses of shah-CAWV in the book of Genesis connect to the unhealthy sexuality of incest, non-consensual intercourse, bartering for sexual favors, rape, and coercive seduction for sexual intercourse.  (Strong, H7901)

Payment for offering sexual services is the term eth-NAWN. The payment or price of a sex act with a trafficking victim occurs 11 times in 8 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. (Strong, H868). In this piece Ezekiel seems to mock the sex trade.  In Ezekiel’s mind traffickers enjoy the business so much they shun payment.

When you built your mounds at every street corner and made your lofty shrines in every public square, you were unlike a prostitute, because you scorned payment (eth-NAWN).  (Ezekiel 16:31)

Adulterous person or adultery, nah-AWF

Poured out (shah-PHAWK) your Lust (neh-SHAWK)

Exposed (gah-LAH) your naked body (ehr-VAH) or uncover (gah-LAH) the nakedness (ehr-VAH) of

“ ‘You adulterous (nah-AWF) wife! You prefer strangers to your own husband!

All prostitutes (zah-NAH) receive gifts, but you give gifts to all your lovers (ah-HAWV), bribing them to come to you from everywhere for your illicit favors (zah-NAH)…. 

This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because you poured out (shah-PHAWK) your lust (neh-SHAWK) and exposed (gah-LAH) your naked body (er-VAH) in your promiscuity (zah-NAH) with your lovers (AH-HAWV). (Ezekiel 16:32-36)

Adultery is the Hebrew word, nah-AWF. Adultery appears 31 times in 26 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament.  The first occurrence of this term is found in the Ten Commandments, “Thou shalt not commit adultery (nah-AWF). (Exodus 20:14) Nah-AWF does not only mean adultery between two people in a covenant of marriage with others, but also an image of unhealthy sexuality for decline of Israel’s intimacy with God. As a married partner moves away spiritually from the marriage, so did Israel distance from intimacy with God.  (Strong, H5003)

“Pour out lust” is an obscure phrase. Literally in Hebrew it reads, “‘poured out your brass’ and exposed your genitals in the act of sex trafficking with your customers.” (Ezekiel 16:36). Brass is the Hebrew word neh-HOE-sheth, brass. (Strong, H5178) Appearing 140 times in 119 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. The term first appears in Genesis, “Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out ofbronze (neh-HOE-sheth) and iron.” (Genesis 4:22) Brass has a range of meaning: copper, metal coin, brass shackles; a metaphor of value as in brass is less valuable than gold, and one reference to unhealthy sexuality in Ezekiel 16:36. This work permits the Bible to interpret itself. The integrity of numerous texts can validate obscure meanings.  Ezekiel may very well have clarified the use of “brass” in his own writings. Ezekiel cites, neh-HOE-sheth, brass, five times. Each use of neh-HOE-sheth refers to liquifying metal in the process of metal working. Brass also represents impurity as opposed to the purity of gold. Could Ezekiel be thinking of molten brass poured out like the passionate heat of intercourse? Is it possible the prophet connects pouring out of sexual desire like the pouring out of “children’s blood” in sacrifice at the end of vs. 36? Does this form an inclusio highlighting a specific idea? Ezekiel 27:13 seems to cement this idea in terms of connecting brass to sex trafficking, “Greece, Tubal and Meshek did business with you; they traded human beings and articles of bronze (neh-HOE-sheth) for your wares.” (Ezekiel 27:13) Note that the locale Tubal is the surname of Tubal-Cain in Genesis 4:22 above.

This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because you poured out your lust (neh-HOE- sheth) and exposed your naked body (ehr-VAH) in your promiscuity with your lovers, and because of all your detestable idols, and because you gave them your children’s blood. (Ezekiel 16:36)

“Son of man, the people of Israel have become dross to me; all of them are the copper (neh-HOE-sheth), tin, iron and lead left inside a furnace. They are but the dross of silver. (Ezekiel 22:18)

As silver, copper (neh-HOE-sheth), iron, lead and tin are gathered into a furnace to be melted with a fiery blast, so will I gather you in my anger and my wrath and put you inside the city and melt you. (Ezekiel 22:20)

Then set the empty pot on the coals till it becomes hot and its copper (neh-HOE- sheth) glows, so that its impurities may be melted and its deposit burned away. (Ezekiel 24:11)

Greece, Tubal and Meshek did business with you; they traded human beings and articles of bronze (neh-HOE-sheth) for your wares. (Ezekiel 27:13)

“Uncover the nakedness of “ is a phrase for incest in Genesis 9 and Leviticus chapters 18, 20 and Deuteronomy 22 and 27.  Uncover the nakedness of is used three times in chapter 23 of Ezekiel. Perhaps the best translation connects to Exodus 20:26. Moses helps protect the modesty of clergy as they ascend a public stairway. Apparently as priests process up steep flights of steps for rituals, cleric robes may have billowed in the wind exposing their genitals to gawking worshipers below. This phrase uncover the nakedness of is used in Moses’ regulations for priests.  So perhaps the best translation based on the data and context is, “exposing genitals.”

And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private parts (ahr-VAH) may be exposed (gah-LAH). (Exodus 20:26)

Morally Corrupt, shah-CHAWT 

Morally corrupt first appears in the Noah snap shot of Genesis 6-9. Shah-CHAWT appears six times in this sexual nihilism section of Genesis. Six often represents comprehensive evil. The moral corruption of the Noah snap shot declined to erotic violence and incest.  (Strong, H7843) 

Unhealthy Sexuality, BO

Then I said about the one worn out by adultery (nah-AWF), ‘Now let them use her as a prostitute (zah-NAH), for that is all she is.’And they slept with (BO) her. As men sleep (BO) with a prostitute (BO), so they slept with (BO) those lewd (zee-MAH) women, Oholah and Oholibah. But righteous judges will sentence them to the punishment of women who commit adultery (zah-NAH) andshed blood, because they are adulterous (zah-NAH)and blood is on their hands….

Genesis uses BO, meaning to go into or unhealthy sexual intercourse 16 times. Bo first appears in the decline of humankind to sexual nihilism of Genesis 6:4. AllBO citations in Genesis reflect the unhealthy sexuality of sexual abuse, coercive sex, incest, and sex for food. BO does not appear in chapters 1-5 of the Genesis sexual health big picture. (Strong, H935). BO first occurs in the decline of humankind of chapter 6:4, then coercive intercourse with Hagar and Bilhah the concubine, the incest of Lot’s daughters with their biological father, Laban coercing his son-in-law Jacob to have sex with Leah, the bartering of mandrakes for sexual favors between rival sisters, the fatal Onan coitus interruptus snapshot, and Tamar’s incestuous seduction of her father-in-law. Ezekiel cites BOthree times for the sacred sex trade:“And they slept with (BO) her. As men sleep with (BO) a prostitute, so they slept with (BO) those lewd women, Oholah and Oholibah” (Ezekiel 23:44).

Heavy Breathing or Heavy Breathers, ah-GAWV

“Oholah engaged in prostitution (zah-NAH)while she was still mine; and she lusted (ah- GAWV)after her lovers (ah-HAWV), the Assyrians—warriors clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all of them handsome young men, and mounted horsemen. (Ezekiel 23:5)

Ah-GAWV literally means “heavy breathers” when used in the plural and “heavy breathing” in the singular. Ah-GAWV, appears seven times in the Hebrew Old Testament. Ezekiel uses the term, heavy breathing, ah-GAWV six times. Six is often a symbol of evil. Ah-GAWV sounds very similar to ah-HAWV, the word for lovers. (Strong, H157) It seems the prophet-author enjoys homophones as a literary device that is, “heavy breathers” (ah-GAWV) sounds like “lovers” (ah-HAWV). (Ezekiel 23:5)

Idolatry, Locales, and Images for the Sacred Sex Trade

Idols and Idolatry, ghih-LOOL

Canaanites

Lofty Shrines, rah-MAH

Location for the Sacred Sex Trade, bah-MAH

Idols, tse-LEM

Shrines Where The Sacred Sex Trade is Practiced, HAR

Greece, Tubal, Meshek, Sex Trafficking Regions

Ohalah and Oholibah, Sisters Trafficking in the Sacred Sex Trade

Summary of Idolatry, Locales and Images

Idols and Idolatry, ghih-LOOL

“Son of man, these men have set up idols (ghih-LOOL) in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all? (Ezekiel 14:3)

Canaanites

’This is what the Sovereign LORD says to Jerusalem: Your ancestry and birth were in the land of the Canaanites; your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite.  (Ezekiel 16:1-3)

The first unhealthy sexuality term in Ezekiel orbits the sex trade.  The word “idols” appears six times in Ezekiel 14:1-7. Six is often a symbol of evil. Ghih-LOOL, a term of derision or sarcasm, means a log or block. (Strong, H1544). Ghih-LOOL appears 48 times in 45 verses in the Hebrew Old Testament.  37 times or 77 percent of the uses of ghih-LOOL appear in Ezekiel.  Canaan is the incestuous offspring of Ham and his biological mother. This is a direct connection to the Genesis sexual health big picture. (Genesis 9:22)

Lofty Shrines, rah-MAH

Location for the Sacred Sex Trade, bah-MAH

Idols, tse-LEM

 ‘But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a prostitute (zah-NAH). You lavished your favors on anyone who passed by and your beauty became his.

You took some of your garments to make gaudy high places (bah-MAH), where you carried on your prostitution (zah-NAH). You went to him, and he possessed your beauty.

You also took the fine jewelry I gave you, the jewelry made of my gold and silver, and you made for yourself male idols (tse-LEM)and engaged in prostitution (zah-NAH) with them. (Ezekiel 16:15-17)

Shrines Where The Sacred Sex Trade is Practiced, HAR

“Suppose there is a righteous man who does what is just and right. 

He does not eat at the mountain shrines (HAR) or look to the idols (gil-LOOL) of Israel. (Ezekiel 18:6)

Lofty Shrines rah-MAH means a mound, high tower, or elevated place for defense or worship. (Strong, H7413) Bah-MAH is a high place for the practice of sex trafficking. (Strong, H1116) Tse-LEM has the nuance of a shadow or image. (Strong, H6754) HAR is a common term for mountain appearing 547 times in 486 verse of the Hebrew Old Testament. The Greek equivalent is the word, HA-ross, mountain. (Strong’s, H2022)

Greece, Tubal, Meshek, Sex Trafficking Regions

“ ‘Greece, Tubal and Meshek did business with you; they traded (rah- KAWL) human beings (NE-phesh ISH)and articles of bronze for your wares. (Ezekiel 27:13)

Ezekiel seems to enjoy citing place names in his work. He calls out Greece, Tubal/Turkey, and Meshek/western Asia Minor as traffickers for the sex trade. Ezekiel uses the term NEPH-esh ISH, soul of a man, perhaps to make the crime of sex trafficking more personal. This may contrast the sex trade with the intimacy of God in Genesis who shares His own breath with humankind. 

Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man (ISH) became a living being (NE-phesh). (Genesis 2:7)

Oholah and Oholibah, Two Sisters in the Sacred Sex Trade

“Oholah engaged in prostitution (zah-NAH)while she was still mine; and she lusted (ah- GAWV)after her lovers (ah-HAWV), the Assyrians—warriors clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all of them handsome young men, and mounted horsemen.

She gave herself as a prostitute (zah-NAH) to all the elite of the Assyrians and defiled (tah-MAH)herself with all the idols (gih-LOOL) of everyone she lusted (ah-GAWV) after.

She did not give up the prostitution (zah-NAH)she began in Egypt, when during her youth men slept with (shah-CAWB) her, caressed her virgin (buh-tue-LAH) bosom (DAWD) and poured out (shah-PHAWK) their lust (zah-NAH)on her.

“Therefore I delivered her into the hands of her lovers (ah-HAWV), the Assyrians, for whom she lusted (ah-GAWV).

They stripped her naked (gah-LAH ar-VEH), took away her sons and daughters and killed her with the sword. She became a byword among women, and punishment was inflicted on her.

“Her sister Oholibah saw this, yet in her lust (ah-geh-VAH) and prostitution (zah-NAH) she was more depraved (shah-CHAT) than her sister.

She too lusted (ah-GAWV) after the Assyrians—governors and commanders, warriors in full dress, mounted horsemen, all handsome young men.

Oholah means a sacred sex trade worker who brings her own tent to the sex act. (Strong, H170) Used exclusively by Ezekiel 5 times in 4 verses, Oholibah means “my tent by her”. (Strong, H172) Perhaps these terms can be put in modern language? Oholah is a sex trafficker who provides sexual services for paying clientele in a mobile recreational vehicle. Like a tent she can pull up stakes and move where client demand is high and economy profitable. Oholibah, her sister, also participates in the mobile sacred sex trade. Sister number two also meets with clients in her own trailer parked next to or “by” her sister?

The Book of Genesis begins with God “seeing” the creation. Seven times the Maker of heaven and earth “sees” and declares the goodness and health of the creation. Genital sexual intercourse between Adam and Eve first occurs in Genesis 4:1. The Hebrew word is YDA. This premier sexual health term for intercourse has the range of meaning to know spiritually, emotionally, physically, and intimately.  This sexual health positive term appears after six other intimacy images: spiritual intimacy, beauty, rest, pleasure, compassionate presence, and reconciliation. 

Intimacy in the General Epistles

Connection with God, taking pleasure in beauty, emotional regulation, and compassion with forgiveness precede the act of sexual intercourse. Could it be intimacy and sexuality are the intended design for humankind? Is it reasonable the loss of intimacy with God and one another lay at the core of problematic sexuality? What do you think might happen if intimacy restores between Maker and sexual partners? 

The General Epistles like Genesis speak out against sexual violence and the protection of children. The General Epistles also connect to the same seven intimacies of Genesis chapters 1-4. This summary of the General Epistles connects to the seven intimacies found in Genesis. 

Spiritual Intimacy

God sees goodness in humankind, the creation sees the Creator. I see God, benevolent Maker sees into me, intimacy. 

But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. (Hebrews 2:9)

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. (1 John 1:1)

The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. (1 John 1:2)

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:3)

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)

No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. (1 John 3:6)

James sees spiritual purpose in pain. In trauma recovery this is called the meaning making system. After trauma comes the process of organizing what happened, mitigating shame, and then helping others heal.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. (James 1:12-13)

This spiritual intimacy is a knowing of God. 

This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. (Hebrews 8:10-11)

I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. (1 John 2:14)

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1)

We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. (1 John 5:20)

Spiritual intimacy connects us with each other.

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:3)

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:11)

Intimacy of Beauty

…but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. (Hebrews 1:2)

…who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. (1 Peter 1:2)

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. (1 Peter 1:8)

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves.. (1 Peter 3:3-5)

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. (2 Peter 3:13)

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  (1 Peter 4:10)

Compassionate Presence

But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? (Hebrews 2:6)

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

…not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Hebrews 13:1-6)

Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:13)

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17)

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:18)

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8)

You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. (James 5:8)

As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. (James 5:11)

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:10)

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:3)

If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. (1 John 1:6)

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (1 John 1:6-7)

Intimacy of Rest and Emotional Regulation

So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ” (Hebrews 3:11)

And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed?

So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief. (Hebrews 3:18-19)

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

…and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness. (2 Peter 1:6)

Intimacy of Reconciliation

…and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him (Hebrews 5:9)

Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. (Hebrews 7:27)

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12)

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! (Hebrews 9:14)

Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:28)

The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. (Hebrews 10:1)

Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”

And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary. (Hebrews 10:16-18)

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22)

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:14-16)

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. (1 Peter 3:18)

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 Peter 4:10)

Intimacy of Pleasure

…with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. (Hebrews 10:6)

…equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:21)

And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” (Hebrews 10:38)

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (1 Peter 1:17)

Genital Sexual Intercourse

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. (Hebrews 13:4)

Hebrews, James, Peter, John, and Jude Sexual Health Vocabulary

The Book of Hebrews

Covenant, διαθήκη, dee-ah-THEY-kay

But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant (ministry) of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant, (διαθήκη, dee-ah-THEY-kay) is established on better promises. (Hebrews 8:6)

Noah and Sexual Nihilism Imagery

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. (Hebrews 11:7)

Bear children, καταβολὴν σπέρματος, kah-tah-bow-LANE SPER-ma-toss

And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children (καταβολὴν σπέρματος, kah-tah-bow-LANE SPER-ma-toss) because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. (Hebrews 11:11)

Female Sacred Sex Trade Worker, πόρνη, PAR-nay

Rahab

By faith the prostitute (πόρνη, PAR-nay) Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. (Hebrews 11:31)

Male Sacred Sex Trade Worker, πόρνος, PAR-naws

See that no one is sexually immoral (πόρνος, PAR-naws), or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. (Hebrews 12:16)

Honor in Marriage, Τίμιος γάμος, TIH-me-aws GAW-moss

Marriage Bed Kept Pure, κοίτη ἀμίαντος, KOI-tay ah-MEE-awn-toss

Adulterer, μοιχός, moy-KAWS

Male Sacred Sex Trade Workers, πόρνος, PAR-naws

Marriage (γάμος, GAW-moss) should be honored (tίμιος, TIH-me-aws) by all, and the marriage bed kept pure (κοίτη ἀμίαντος, KOI-tay ah-MEE-awn-toss), for God will judge the adulterer (μοιχός, moy-KAWS) and all the sexually immoral (πόρνος, PAR-naws). (Hebrews 13:4)

The Book of James

To Commit Adultery, μοιχεύω, moy-KEU-oh

To Murder, φονεύω, foe-NEW-oh

For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery (μοιχεύω, moy-KEU-oh),” also said, “You shall not murder (φονεύω, foe-NEW-oh).” If you do not commitadultery (μοιχεύω,moy-KEU-oh) but do commit murder(φονεύω, foe-NEW-oh), you have become a lawbreaker. (James 2:11)

The Books of Peter

Tools

New Birth, ἀναγεννάω, aw-naw-ghen-NAW-oh

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth (ἀναγεννάω, aw-naw-ghen-NAW-oh) into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3)

Erotic Rage, ἐπιθυμία, eh-pee-thew-MEE-ah

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires (ἐπιθυμία, eh-pee-thew-MEE-ah) you had when you lived in ignorance. (1 Peter 1:14)

Debauchery-Immorality, ἀσέλγεια, ah-SELL-gay-ah

Erotic Rage, ἐπιθυμία, eh-pee-thew-MEE-ah

Idolatry (Sacred Sex Trade), εἰδωλολατρία, eye-doe-low-la-TREE-ah

Unhealthy Sexuality, ἀσωτία, ah-so-TEE-ah

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery (ἀσέλγεια, ah-SELL-gay-a), lust (ἐπιθυμία, eh-pee-thew-MEE-ah), drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry (εἰδωλολατρία, eye-doe-loh-la- TREE-ah). They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living (ἀσωτία, ah-so-TEE-ah), and they heap abuse on you. (1 Peter 4:3-4)

Sexual Violence Images

Tools

…if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly. (2 Peter 2:6)

Adultery, μοιχαλίs, moy-kah-LIS

Seduce, δελεάζω, deh-lee-AH-dzoh

With eyes full of adultery (μοιχαλίs, moy-kah-LIS), they never stop sinning; they seduce (δελεάζω, deh-lee-AH-dzoh)the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood! (2 Peter 2:14)

Balaam

Tools

They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness. (2 Peter 2:15)

Tool

The Books of John

Idols and the Sacred Sex Trade, εἴδωλον, AI-doe-lawn

Dear children, keep yourselves from idols (εἴδωλον, AI-doe-lawn). (1 John 5:21)

The Book of Jude

Sexual Violence Images, Sodom and Gomorrah

Sacred Sex Trade, ἐκπορνεύω, ek-par-NEW-oh

Other Flesh, ἕτερος σάρξ, HEH-tew-ross SAR-KS

In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality (ἐκπορνεύω, ek-par-NEW-oh) and perversion (HEH-tew-ross SAR- KS). They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. (Jude 1:7)

Tools

Pollute, μιαίνω, mee-EYE-noh

In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute (μιαίνω, mee-EYE-noh);their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. (Jude 1:8)

Sexual Violence Image-Aphrodite, ἐπαφρίζω, eh-paw-FRIH-dzoh (possible)

Shame, αἰσχύνη, ai-SKEW-nay

They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up (ἐπαφρίζω, eh-paw-FRIH-dzoh) their shame (αἰσχύνη, ai-SKEW-nay) wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. (Jude 1:13)

Summary

The Book of Hebrews

Covenant, διαθήκη, dee-ah-THEY-kay

Covenant appears 33 times in 30 verses of the NT. The NIV cites covenant 14 times in the Book of Hebrews. Covenant in Greek is διαθήκης, pronounced dia-THEY-case. (Strong, G1242) Every reference to covenant in the Book of Genesis begins with the sexual health positive phrase, “Be fruitful and multiply”. The writer of Hebrews makes the case the new covenant with Jesus is a better platform than the OT covenant. Could this mean that the New Covenant through Christ is a safer sexual health ethic than the Old Testament? 

Noah and Sexual Nihilism

Noah appears 55 times in 51 verses of the NIV.  The Gospels cite Noah 5 times, Hebrews once, and Peter 3 times. Chapters 6-11 of Genesis teaches families about sexual violence and incest prevention. The outcome for sexual nihilism and abuse was annihilation by tsunami. In Hebrews 11:7 it states that Noah “condemned” the world. Could the condemnation be for sexual nihilism and erotic violence?

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. (Hebrews 11:7)

…to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water. (1 Peter 3:20)

Bear children, καταβολὴν σπέρματος, kah-tah-bow-LANE SPER-ma-toss

The words for childbearing are unique. The literal Greek phrase is laying down or injecting sperm. The Greek terms are καταβολὴν σπέρματος, pronounced ka-ta-bow-LANE SPER-ma-toss, throwing down sperm. (Strong G4690 and G2602)

Female Sacred Sex Trade Worker, πόρνη, PAR-nay

Rahab

Hebrews 11 to 13 form a porn inclusio of sorts. The section begins with Rahab the faithful female sacred sex trade worker, πόρνη, PAR-nay in Greek. The inclusio ends with the male plural form of the term πόρνος, PAR-naws.  (Strong, G4205) Again, translators may have edited the text according to their own sexual politics. The female form of sacred sex trade worker, πόρνη, PAR-nay, always translates as prostitute. The male term for sacred sex trade worker, πόρνος, PAR-naws, never translates accurately. Favored edits for translators are: fornicators, whoremongers, and the sexually immoral instead of male sex trade workers, πόρνος, PAR-naws.  Within the porn inclusio emerges a sexual health piece. The author of Hebrews elevates sexual health in marriage using the term honor. He is also sexual health positive when speaking about sexual intercourse in a long term relationship. He states the marriage bed, κοίτη, KOI-tay, is pure. Koite sounds much like the Latin term, coitus. (Strong, 2845)

By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. (Hebrews 11:31)

See that no one is sexually immoral (πόρνος, PAR-naws), or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. (Hebrews 12:16)

Marriage (γάμος, GAW-moss) should be honored (tίμιος, TIH-me-aws)by all, and the marriage bed (κοίτη, KOI-tay) kept pure (ἀμίαντος, ah-MEE-awn-toss), for God will judge the adulterer (μοιχός, moy-KAWS) and all the sexually immoral (πόρνος, PAR-naws).(Hebrews 13:4)

The Book of James

The Book of James sexual health language orbits sexual violence.

For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery (μοιχεύω, moy-KEU-oh),” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commitadultery (μοιχεύω, moy-KEU-oh) but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. (James 2:11)

In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute (πόρνη, PAR-nay) considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? (James 2:25)

Tools

You desire (ἐπιθυμία, eh-pee-thew-MEE-ah)but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. (James 4:2)

Adultery connects to murder, Rahab touches the sexual violence of trafficking, and epithumia or lust once again appears with killing and fighting. 

The Books of Peter

Like the Genesis author Peter begins his two book series with a sexual health positive phrase, new birth.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth (ἀναγεννάω, aw-naw-ghen-NAW-oh) into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3)

The word Peter uses is ἀναγεννάω, prounounced a-na-gen-NAH-oh. (Strong, G313) This is similar language as the John 3:7 conversation with Nicodemus. John uses the famous phrase γεννάω, gen-NAH-oh, ἄνωθεν, AH-no-then, meaning born again or new birth. (Strong, G1080 and G509)

When Peter speaks about unhealthy sexuality, he uses the familiar erotic rage (ἐπιθυμία, eh-pee-thew-MEE-ah) term linking this violent word with immorality, the coercion of the sacred sex trade, and a word Luke uses in his Gospel. Luke 15 records the snap shot of the Good Father and prodigal son. The lifestyle of the addict son describes as wild living (ἀσωτία, ah-so-TEE-ah). The problematic behavior of the son includes being sexually joined to a Greek citizen for pay.  The “righteous” brother further argues the prodigal engaged in the sacred sex trade using the Good Father’s finances. Peter also uses the Sodom and Gomorrah sexual violence image of Genesis 19. He introduces a new sexual health term in 2 Peter 2:14. Peter combines both adultery (μοιχαλίs, moy-kah-LIS) with the new term sexual seduction, (δελεάζω, deh-lee-AH-dzoh)

Peter’s final image is Balaam. This OT unhealthy sexuality figure coerced the people of Israel to participate in the for profit religious economy of sex trafficking. 

They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness. (2 Peter 2:15)

Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. (Jude 1:11)

Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols (εἰδωλόθυτος, eye-doe-LAH-thew-toss) and committed sexual immorality (πορνεύω, par-NEW-oh). (Revelation 2:14; Strong, G2532 and G4203)

The Books of John

The Books of John feature numerous intimacy terms and images. The one unhealthy sexuality term John uses is idols connecting to the sacred sex trade.

Dear children, keep yourselves from idols (εἴδωλον, AI-doe-lawn). (1 John 5:21)

The Book of Jude

The Book of Jude focuses primarily on sexual violence terms. Jude uses the familiar 

Sodom and Gomorrah, with the word pollute, μιαίνω, mee-EYE-noh. Jude introduces two terms unseen before in the Bible. He adds the preposition ek, to par-NEW-oh, sacred sex trade, ἐκπορνεύω, ek-par-NEW-oh,  and the phrase “other flesh”, ἕτερος σάρξ, HEH-tew-ross SARKS.

In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality (ἐκπορνεύω, ek-par-NEW-oh) and perversion (HEH-tew-ross SARKS). They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute (μιαίνω, mee-EYE-noh);their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. (Jude 1:7-8)

The phrase “other flesh”, ἕτερος σάρξ, HEH-tew-ross SARKS, appears once in the Bible. Other NT sexual health passages using the term σάρξ, SARKS are:

and said, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh”? (Matthew 19:5)

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.( Matthew 19:6)

and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. (Mark 10:8)

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” (Ephesians 5:31)

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires (ἐπιθυμία, eh-pee-thew-MEE-ah) of the flesh. (Romans 13:14)

Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” (1 Corinthians 6:16)

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery. (Galatians 5:19)

The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. (Revelation 17:6)

In the New Testament σάρξ, SARKS appears in sexual health context 9 times. 5 uses of the term connect to sexual health and genital sexual intercourse in marriage. 3 times σάρξ, SARKS connects to the sacred sex trade. Once the term occurs with erotic violence, (ἐπιθυμία, eh-pee-thew-MEE-ah). The majority of uses of σάρξ, SARKS in the New Testament connect to sexual health in marriage. The remainder of the passages relate to the sacred sex trade and erotic violence.

In the Old Testament flesh  (σάρξ, SARKS) is used twice in sexual health contexts. When God speaks to Noah about judgement by tsunami for the violence of sexual nihilism, the term flesh (σάρξ, SARKS) is used. The second passage appears with the incest prohibitions of Leviticus 18. Based on the word usage in the OT and NT flesh  (σάρξ, SARKS) most likely connects to the sexual violence of human trafficking and incest.

So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people (σάρξ, SARKS) for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. (Genesis 6:13)

No one is to approach any close relative (σάρξ, SARKS) to have sexual relations. I am the LORD. (Leviticus 18:6)

Jude finishes his work with a possible image from Greek sexual health narratives, Aphrodite.

They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up (ἐπαφρίζω, eh-paw-FRIH-dzoh) their shame (αἰσχύνη, ai-SKEW-nay) wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. (Jude 1:13)

Aphrodite emerged from the bloody foam of a violent castration snap shot. She is the goddess of love in Greek sexual health narratives. Her name may connect to the Greek word for foam, ἐπαφρίζω, eh-paw-FRIH-dzoh. Jude then connects this image to shame. Perhaps this is the shame of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3?

Pregnancy by Seduction: STA

Unhealthy Sexuality: SCB

Ejaculation: SCBT ZRH

“Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘If a man’s wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him so that another man has sexual relations (SCBT ZRH) with her, and this is hidden from her husband and her impurity is undetected (since there is no witness against her and she has not been caught in the act). (Numbers 5:13)

Womb

Miscarry

May this water that brings a curse enter your body so that your abdomen swells or your womb miscarries.” “ ‘Then the woman is to say, “Amen. So be it.” (Numbers 5:22)

Sacred Sex Trade

Decline in Sexual Health: HLL

You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. (Numbers 15:39)

While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality (ZNH, sacred sex trade) with Moabite women. (Numbers 25:1)

Genital Sexual Intercourse

…every woman who has slept with (YDA) a man, but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with (YDA) a man. (Numbers 31:17)

Adultery

“You shall not commit adultery. (Deuteronomy 5:18)

Covet

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. (Deuteronomy 5:21)

Fall in Love

If you notice among the captives a beautiful woman and are attracted to her, you may take her as your wife. (Deuteronomy 21:11)

Have Sexual Intercourse With

…and put aside the clothes she was wearing when captured. After she has lived in your house and mourned her father and mother for a full month, then you may go to her and be her husband and she shall be your wife. (Deuteronomy 21:13)

Give Birth to

If a man has two wives, and he loves one but not the other, and both bear him sons but the firstborn is the son of the wife he does not love. (Deuteronomy 21:15)

Genital Sexual Intercourse

Virginity

If a man takes a wife and, after sleeping with her, dislikes her

and slanders her and gives her a bad name, saying, “I married this woman, but when I approached her, I did not find proof of her virginity.” (Deuteronomy 22:13-14)

Incest

A man is not to marry his father’s wife; he must not dishonor his father’s bed. (Deuteronomy 22:30)

Nocturnal Emission

If one of your men is unclean because of a nocturnal emission, he is to go outside the camp and stay there.  But as evening approaches he is to wash himself, and at sunset he may return to the camp. (Deuteronomy 23:10-11)

Male and Female Sacred Sex Trade Workers

No Israelite man or woman is to become a shrine prostitute.

You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or of a male prostitute into the house of the LORD your God to pay any vow, because the LORD your God detests them both. (Deuteronomy 23:17-18)

YBM

If brothers are living together and one of them dies without a son, his widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother shall take her and marry her and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to her.

The first son she bears shall carry on the name of the dead brother so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel.

However, if a man does not want to marry his brother’s wife, she shall go to the elders at the town gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to carry on his brother’s name in Israel. He will not fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to me.” (Deuteronomy 25:5-7)

Male Genitals, Private Parts

If two men are fighting and the wife of one of them comes to rescue her husband from his assailant, and she reaches out and seizes him by his private parts. (Deuteronomy 25:11)

Rape

You will be pledged to be married to a woman, but another will take her and rape her. You will build a house, but you will not live in it. You will plant a vineyard, but you will not even begin to enjoy its fruit. (Deuteronomy 28:30)

Afterbirth

…the afterbirth from her womb and the children she bears. (Deuteronomy 28:57)

Summary

The first three sexual health terms in the book of Numbers connect to sexual seduction:

pregnancy by seduction, STA, erotic violence, SCB, and conception in the course of adultery, SCBT ZRH. 

“Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘If a man’s wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him so that another man has sexual relations (SCBT ZRH) with her, and this is hidden from her husband and her impurity is undetected (since there is no witness against her and she has not been caught in the act). (Numbers 5:13)

These terms reflect a seduction narrative. “Goes astray” is the Hebrew term STA with a range of meaning: deviation from duty, decline, go aside, turn. (Strong, H7847) This word has a nuance in the Ethiopic language “to be seduced”. Either the female or the male initiates the seduction and the result of the affair is conception, SCBT ZRH. These two words literally mean unhealthy sexuality and seed. The Greek translates SCBT ZRH as “sperm in bed”. The idea seems to be when the two partners had intercourse the male ejaculated resulting in conception. (Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon) What follows are the only abortion protocols in the Bible. 

The abortion protocol of Numbers 5 involves a questionable pregnancy. In order to determine the fatherhood of a child, the priest administers a “morning after” solution to the female. If it has no effect, then this proves she did not have an affair. However, if her womb, BTN, pronounced be-TEN swells and the child miscarries, YRK NPL, pronounced ya-RAKE naw-PALL, the pregnancy terminates. The Hebrew words imply, “the embryo falls or wastes away”. (Strong, H3409 and H5307) The induced miscarriage then confirms the pregnancy was the result of seduction and adultery.

The term for the sacred sex trade is ZNH appearing in Numbers 15:39. The translators use the words prostitute or sexual immorality. ZNH has little connection to modern prostitution or perceptions of morality. ZNH is the coercive trafficking of humans for profit in a religious setting. ZNH appears six times in Numbers and Deuteronomy. 

With the term for sacred sex trade Numbers 25:1 features the trigger word for decline of conscious awareness or escalation of violence and abuse. The word translated “began” is the Hebrew term, HLL, whose majority of uses signals some kind of decline of culture. The pathogenesis or decline of sexual health often begins with the Hebrew word, HLL (Strong, H2490).  HLL, חָלַל, pronounced ha-LAL, means to profane, defile, pollute, desecrate, to begin, to defile oneself sexually, to wound, to pierce. The majority of uses for the Hebrew word HLL connect to decline of intimacy with God.

You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. (Numbers 15:39)

While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began (HLL) to indulge in sexual immorality (ZNH, sacred sex trade) with Moabite women. (Numbers 25:1)

She shall be brought to the door of her father’s house and there the men of her town shall stone her to death. She has done an outrageous thing in Israel by being promiscuous while still in her father’s house. You must purge the evil from among you. (Deuteronomy 22:21)

You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or of a male prostitute into the house of the LORD your God to pay any vow, because the LORD your God detests them both. (Deuteronomy 23:18)

And the LORD said to Moses: “You are going to rest with your ancestors, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them.” (Deuteronomy 31:16)

Genital Sexual Intercourse: YDA

The premier sexual health positive term for genital intercourse in Genesis 4:1, YDA, repeats in Numbers 31:17. YDA means emotional, spiritual, and physical intimacy.

…every woman who has slept with (YDA) a man, but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with (YDA) a man. (Numbers 31:17)

Adultery and covet appear in the second telling of the Ten Commandments. These sexual health terms connect word for word to the sexual sobriety and teachings of Jesus and New Testament writers.

“You shall not commit adultery. (Deuteronomy 5:18)

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. (Deuteronomy 5:21)

A new sexual health term appears in Deuteronomy 21:11. The word is HSHK, pronounced khaw-SHAWK. (Strong, H2836)  The range of meaning includes to cling, join, love, take pleasure in, set in love.

If you notice among the captives a beautiful woman and are attracted to her, you may take her as your wife. (Deuteronomy 21:11)

Another intercourse term appears, “to go to”. The Hebrew word is BOE, and can mean sexual intercourse.

…and put aside the clothes she was wearing when captured. After she has lived in your house and mourned her father and mother for a full month, then you may go to her and be her husband and she shall be your wife. (Deuteronomy 21:13)

The word draw near, QRB, can also mean sexual intercourse. In this case when a man has intercourse with a new bride and she cannot demonstrate that she is a virgin on the wedding night, then the groom has legal grounds to divorce her.

If a man takes a wife and, after sleeping with her, dislikes her

and slanders her and gives her a bad name, saying, “I married this woman, but when I approached her, I did not find proof of her virginity.” (Deuteronomy 22:13-14)

Genesis 6-11 is the sexual health snap shot laying the foundation for protecting children from sexual violence. Chapter six gives the back story to the judgement of flooding the earth and the rescuing of Noah and his family on the ark.  This translation is based on the Hebrew text and the Book of Enoch, a first century BCE non Biblical source. 

“When (unhealthy sexuality increased, HLL) among human beings on the earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and married any of them they chose.  Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not (fight) with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.  (Sexual predators coerced, BO unhealthy sexuality) the daughters of humans and impregnated them. They were the (infamous tyrants of history).” (Genesis 6:1-4) 

HLL, unhealthy sexuality, of verse one can connect to form an inclusio with verse four, “sexual predators coerced.”This proposed translation not only connects more closely to the version of Enoch but seems to make a coherent transition to the next section.

The Lord saw how great the (violent abuse, RA, רע) of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only (coercive, RA, רע) all the time.  The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.  So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the crea- tures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.”  But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. (Genesis 6:5-8)

The author of Numbers and Deuteronomy uses exact vocabulary from the flood snapshot in Genesis 6-11; HLL, BO, and the phrase for incest, “uncovering” the skirt.   It appears the Genesis 6-11 snapshot influenced the prohibition for incest in Deuteronomy 22:30.

A man is not to marry his father’s wife; he must not dishonor his father’s bed. (Deuteronomy 22:30)

Reproduction reflected the power to create. Ancient man revered reproductive fluids and used numerous hygiene protocols for menstruation and transmission of semen. 

If one of your men is unclean because of a nocturnal emission, he is to go outside the camp and stay there.  But as evening approaches he is to wash himself, and at sunset he may return to the camp. (Deuteronomy 23:10-11)

The sacred sex trade with the coercive sex trafficking of humans for profit is the underlying driver for the exile of the people of Israel. Jesus teaches that one reason for divorce is active participation in the sacred sex trade. Paul and the writer of Revelation both agree that the sexual violence of the sex trade has not place in God’s kingdom. Two specific terms for the sex trade appear in Deuteronomy 23:17-18.

No Israelite man or woman is to become a shrine prostitute.

You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or of a male prostitute into the house of the LORD your God to pay any vow, because the LORD your God detests them both. (Deuteronomy 23:17-18)

The literal Hebrew text states, 

לֹא־תִהְיֶה קְדֵשָׁה מִבְּנוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל וְלֹֽא־יִהְיֶה קָדֵשׁ מִבְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

Let there be no female holy sacred sex trade worker from the sons of Israel. Let there be no male  holy sacred sex trade worker from the sons of Israel.  (Deuteronomy 23:17)

Two new terms appear for the first time in the Old Testament, the payment for intercourse with a sacred sex trade worker, אֶתְנַן, eth-NAWN and profit, מְחִיר, meh-HERE, from the sex trade. (Strong, H868 and H4242)

לֹא־תָבִיא אֶתְנַן זוֹנָה וּמְחִיר כֶּלֶב בֵּית יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לְכָל־נֶדֶר כִּי תוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ גַּם־שְׁנֵיהֶֽם׃

Do not bring payment for intercourse with a female sacred sex trade worker, nor profit from sex with a male sex trade worker (dog) to the house of the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 23:18)

Deuteronomy 25-28 outline “various laws” for the people of Israel. The sexual health terms are the YBM or marriage laws in the event of the death of a husband. Marriage codes permit a surviving brother to marry the widowed sister in law for protection and inheritance. This is kind of a life insurance policy for ancient Near Eastern women. (Deuteronomy 25:5-7) So, if two guys fist fight, and the wife intervenes by grabbing the opponent’s private parts or genitals, then she is to be punished. (Deuteronomy 25:11) Protection from sexual violence is an ongoing theme from Genesis 6-11 with incest prevention, the Sodom and Gomorrah snap shot, Christ’s mandate against child abuse in Matthew 18, Paul’s zero tolerance for condemnation, and the Book of Revelation’s concern for sex trafficking. The final two sexual health terms predict sexual violence when Israel loses intimacy with God. The word for rape is SGL, pronounced sha-GAWL. ( Strong, H7693) SGL appears four times in the Hebrew OT and always means sexual violence. The last term is afterbirth, שִׁלְיָה, pronounced shill-YAH. (Strong, H7953) The author predicts the violence of the Assyrian invasion of 722 BCE, and the Babylonian sacking of Jerusalem in 586 BCE. With prolonged siege and starvation, the writer predicts mothers will consume the placenta of their children. (Strong, H7988)

You will be pledged to be married to a woman, but another will take her and rape her. You will build a house, but you will not live in it. You will plant a vineyard, but you will not even begin to enjoy its fruit. (Deuteronomy 28:30)

…the afterbirth from her womb and the children she bears. (Deuteronomy 28:57)

.

Sexual Health Vocabulary in order of appearance:

Porneia, participation in the sacred sex trade

Incestuous Sexual Intercourse

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality (porneia) among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. (1 Corinthians 5:1)

Pornoi, male sex trade workers

Malakoi, finely dressed

Arsenkoitai, men in bed

Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral (male sex trade workers) nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men (malakoi, men in fine apparel) who have sex with men (arsenkoitai), men in bed). (1 Corinthians 6:9)

Revelry, group sex (possible) 

Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” (1 Corinthians 10:7)

Sexual Touch

Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” (1 Corinthians 7:1)

Come together for sexual intimacy

Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1 Corinthians 7:5)

Summary

Paul the Apostle wrote 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament. The first sexual health term he uses in Corinthians is porneia, the sacred sex trade. 

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality (porneia) among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. (1 Corinthians 5:1)

The next term translates, “sleeping with his father’s wife.” The literal translation is:

It is heard that sex trafficking is practiced among you, and this kind of the sex trade  is not practiced among the gentiles, a certain man has the wife of his father.

The phrase “has the wife” is similarly used in Matthew 14:4 and Mark 6:18.

John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” (Matthew 14:4)

For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” (Mark 6:18)

The exact words in the Greek of 1 Corinthians 5:1 for “have” or sexual intercourse are used in the Gospel accounts of Matthew 14:4 and Mark 6:18. Matthew and Mark reflect on the motive for John the Baptizer’s execution. John challenged Herod’s incestuous relationship with his brother’s wife. For this reason, John was arrested and eventually executed. To have a wife in the Gospel accounts means incest.  Paul uses the same phrase in 1 Corinthians 7:2. Some Corinthians appear to be advocating abstinence to counter the proliferation of sex trafficking in their community. Paul responds,

Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”

But since sexual immorality (porneia, sex trafficking) is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.

The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.

The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.

Do not deprive each other (from sexual intimacy) except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1 Corinthians 7:1-5)

Respectfully, the majority of translations mistakenly edited the word porneia, sex trafficking, to read a generalized sexual immorality. The King James Version and Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition use the word “fornication.” Fornication may not be accurate because this specific sexual behavior occurs between two people who are not married. It seems reasonable the female was married to the certain man’s father.  Paul and the Greek language are much more specific. The term is porneia, the trafficking of humans in the sacred sex trade for profit. Apparently, Paul heard a convert was engaged in the sacred sex trade. This “certain man” was perhaps having intercourse with his step mother or he may have been trafficking her for financial gain? The pagans did not have clear incest boundaries as did Judaism and Christianity, but the idea someone might traffic a family member like a step mother for economic gain is noteworthy to Paul.

Malakoi has a wide range of meaning in classic literature from finely dressed, effeminate, to the partner of a same sex relation which might be called the bottom. The bottom is a term used in a same sex relationship for the one receiving penetration.  The “top” is the one who does the penile penetrating.  In the New Testament malakos is the singular of the plural malakoi, meaning finely dressed. Malakoi appears three times in the Bible.

Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral (male sacred sex trade workers) nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men (malakoi, men in fine apparel). (1 Corinthians 6:9)

If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes (malakoi)? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. (Matthew 11:8)

If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes (malakoi)? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. (Luke 7:25)

The simplest translation is usually the most accurate. Since two thirds of the references are “fine clothes” it makes sense to translate malakoi as finely dressed males. In context of the list in 1 Corinthians 5:1 Paul places malakoi in a word group which may relate to those engaged in the sacred sex trade (porneia), idol worship of the sex trade, intercourse with married people within the sacred sex trade, and finally the term arsenkoitai, literally, “men in bed.” The Matthew and Luke references to malakoi connect to John the Baptist. Most likely Jesus did not mean John the Baptist participated in the sex trade but meant, “finely dressed” like those who wear expensive palace attire as opposed to John who dressed in humble clothing. If malakoi relates to the sex trade, then it seems appropriate to translate it in context. This may mean Paul references the fine apparel of those in the sex trade, perhaps the “bottom” of a same sex relationship who is penetrated by the “top” sex trafficker.

Arsenkoitai pronounced ar-sen-KOY-tai is composed of two Greek words, arsen meaning male, and koites meaning bed.  When Paul uses this term in 1 Corinthians 6:9, he cites arsenkoitai at the end of a list of unhealthy sexual behaviors not permitted in the kingdom of God. 

Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral (pornoi, male sex trade workers) nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men (arsenkoitai). (1 Corinthians 6:9) 

Arsenkoitai  connects word for word to the sexual health terms of Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13.

καὶ μετὰ ἄρσενος (arsen, male) οὐ κοιμηθήσῃ κοίτην (koite, bed)γυναικός βδέλυγμα γάρ ἐστιν. (Leviticus 18:22)

Do not have sexual relations (κοίτην, koite, bed) with a man (arsen, male) as one does with a woman; that is detestable. (Leviticus 18:22)

 καὶ ὃς ἂν κοιμηθῇ μετὰ ἄρσενος (arsen, male) κοίτην (koite, bed) γυναικός βδέλυγμα ἐποίησαν ἀμφότεροι θανατούσθωσαν ἔνοχοί εἰσιν. (Leviticus 20:13)

If a man  has sexual relations (κοίτην, koite, bed) with a man (ἄρσενοςarsen, male) as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads. (Leviticus 20:13)

Some scholars suggest Paul invents a new word, arsenkoitai. This is not the case. Paul uses exact wording from Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13. In addition, an entry in Liddel and Scott reads arsenokoites, pronounced ar-sen-ko-EE-tase, meaning unnatural sexual offenses. Same sex relationships were not unnatural offenses in Greek culture in fact male on male intercourse was normalized.  Most likely this refers to pederasty or the Greek custom of sexual intercourse with children. (Liddel and Scott, p. 104)  

Paul makes direct connection word for word with the Leviticus passages to the 1 Corinthians 6:9 citation of arsenkoitai. The understanding of these passages in Leviticus can be assisted by looking at the Hebrew text.  

Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable. (Leviticus 18:22)

If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads. (Leviticus 20:13)

With Biblical Hebrew terms:

Do not have SCB (unhealthy sexual relations)with a ZCR (male child) as one does with an ISSHAH (woman); that is detestable. (Leviticus 18:22)

If an ISH (adult male) has SCB (unhealthy sexual relations) with a ZCR (male child) as one does with an ISSHAH (woman), both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads. (Leviticus 20:13)

ZCR, pronounced zaw-CAR,can mean prepubescent XY male child as well as an adult male. ZCR appears 82 times in 80 verses of OT. Within the Pentateuch 18 times ZCR means prepubescent child. 16 times in the Pentateuch ZCR means sexually mature male. The majority use of ZCR connects to prepubescent male children. The direct context of Leviticus 18 and 20 mandates against incest. The term arsenkoitai most likely means sex with children as the Hebrew of Leviticus 18 and 20 suggest. If incest is the stream of thinking, then the concern of the apostle may be to protect children from sexual violence and trafficking perpetrated by family members. 

Revelry is the Greek term παίζω, pronounced pie-ID-zo, to make sport like a child at play. (Strong, G3816)

Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” (1 Corinthians 10:7)

Revelry is included in sexual health vocabulary because of its connection to Exodus 32:6.

So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry. 

The LXX Greek Old Testament uses the term paizo exactly as 1 Corinthians 10:7. The Hebrew word is the root for Issac meaning “to laugh”. In Genesis 26:8; and 39:14, 17 the term clearly connects to sexual foreplay, or adultery. Each of the bold italic terms is the root word for Isaac, or laugh. In this case, most likely meaning foreplay for intercourse or adultery.

When Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelek king of the Philistines looked down from a window and saw Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah. (Genesis 26:8)

She called her household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us! He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed. (Genesis 39:14)

Then she told him this story: “That Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me. (Genesis 39:17)

So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry. (Exodus 32:6)

In 1 Corinthians chapter 7 Paul responds to a query about sexual touch and abstinence from genital sexual intercourse in marriage.

Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to (touch) have sexual ` relations with a woman.” (1 Corinthians 7:1)

The Greek word is literally “to touch”, pronounced HOP-toe. (Strong, G681) To touch appears 40 times in 38 verses of the Greek New Testament. The range of meaning includes 14 times for Jesus appropriately touching the sick and blessing children, the diseased touching Christ for healing, and once for sexual touch in 1 Corinthians 7:1.  Paul then gives the Corinthians sexual health positive encouragement “to be” sexual intimate after short periods of abstinence from intercourse. Finally he admonishes the Corinthians to re-connect after a focus on spirituality with genital sexual intimacy.

Do not deprive each other (from sexual intimacy) except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1 Corinthians 7:1-5)

The phrase, come together sexually, uses the word “to be”, εἰμί, pronounced ey as in they, ey-ME. (Strong, G1510) This term may connect to the Greek word geneithen, “to become”, first appearing in Romans. (Strong, G1096)

So then, if she has sexual relations (geneithen)with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man. (Romans 7:3)

Translation Concerns

The word for male sex trade workers is never translated accurately in the New Testament. The term pornoi, pronounced PAR-noy, means plural male sex trade workers. The word for female sex trade workers, pornai, pronounced PAR-nai, is always translated as prostitute.  The term for male sacred sex trade worker appears 10 times and is never translated accurately. The edit reads sexually immoral, or immoral. This glaring error cannot be an accident. Clearly the translators edited pornoi to be the sexually immoral rather than male sex trafficker and at the same time translated the feminine pornai as prostitutes.

The 7 Intimacies of Genesis 1-4

Genesis pictures seven kinds of intimacy in chapters 1-4.  The Spirit hovers over the waters like a mother bird nurtures her young. (Genesis 1:2) Nature reflects the stunning beauty of God’s creative mind. (Genesis 1:3-25) After six days of creation, God sets the stage for humankind to regulate neural pathways with rest. (Genesis 2:3) The creation forms in a framework of pleasure, the phrase Garden of Eden means “pleasure paradise”. (Genesis 2:8) Humankind is not intended to live isolated, but rather in community of compassionate presence. (Genesis 2:18) Reconciliation precedes the final intimacy of genital sexual intercourse with the word, YDA, to know spirituality, emotionally, and physically. (Genesis 3:21-4:1)

Since the Genesis 1-4  sexual health positive big picture connects spiritual intimacy with sexual intercourse, so do the writings of Paul. After Paul’s prohibitions for trafficking humans for profit and sexual violence, he connects to the seven intimacies of Genesis. 

Spiritual Intimacy

But whoever loves God is known by God. (1 Corinthians 8:3)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part,

but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:4-13)

Do everything in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14)

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. (2 Corinthians 5:14)

…to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. (Ephesians 1:6)

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,

made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:4-10)

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children

and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2)

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. (Ephesians 5:33)

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”(Galatians 5:13-14)

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.

God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. (Philippians 1:7-10)

In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. (Colossians 1:6-9)

Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8)

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,

because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus.

I pray that your partnership (intimacy) with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.

Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. (Philemon 1:4-12)

Intimacy of Beauty

Grace (beauty) and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

I always thank my God for you because of his grace (beauty) given you in Christ Jesus. (1 Corinthians 1:3-4)

By the grace (beauty) God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. (1 Corinthians 3:10)

But by the grace (beauty) of God I am what I am, and his grace (beauty) to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace (beauty) of God that was with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10)

The grace (beauty) of the Lord Jesus be with you. (1 Corinthians 16:23)

Grace (beauty) and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.(2 Corinthians 1:2)

Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace (beauty). (2 Corinthians 1:12)

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace (beauty) that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 4:15)

As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace (beauty) in vain. (2 Corinthians 6:1)

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace (beauty) that God has given the Macedonian churches. (2 Corinthians 8:1)

I have fought the good (beautiful) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

In everything set them an example by doing what is good (beautiful). In your teaching show integrity, seriousness. (Titus 2:7)

…who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good (beautiful). (Titus 2:14)

This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good (beautiful). These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. (Titus 3:8)

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good (beautiful), in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. (Titus 3:14)

Regulation of Neural Pathways through Rest

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;

idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:18-24)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. (Titus 1:8)

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. (Titus 2:2)

…to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. (Titus 2:5-6)

It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. (Titus 2:12)

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:16-17)

May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. (1 Thessalonians 3:13)

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5)

…who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:4)

Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach. (1 Timothy 3:2)

But godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Timothy 6:6)

Intimacy of Pleasure

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,

he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ. (Ephesians 1:7-9)

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,

and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength. (Ephesians 1:18-19)

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:9-10)

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him. (Colossians 1:19)

But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. (1 Thessalonians 3:6)

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? (1 Thessalonians 3:9)

Compassionate Presence

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:16-20)

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. (Philippians 2:1-2)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

Reconciliation

Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake. ((2 Corinthians 2:10)

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesians 1:7-8)

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,

and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.  For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household. (Ephesians 2:14-19)

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.

Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else. (Galatians 6:1-4)

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:1-3)

…and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:12-14)

…and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1:20)

But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. (Colossians 1:22)

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:13-15)

Physical Intimacy of Genital Sexual Intercourse

Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”

But since sexual immorality (porneia, sacred sex trafficking) is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.

The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.

The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.

Do not deprive each other (from sexual intimacy) except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1 Corinthians 7:1-5)

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.

For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.

Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word

and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church-for we are members of his body.

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”

This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. (Ephesians 5:21-33)

Romans and Sexual Health

Intimacy with God and sexual health have been foundational in the Book of Genesis for 3500 years. The Gospels and Jesus mirror exact terminology and ethics as Genesis. Paul too mirrors the Genesis sexual health positive big picture as Christ did.  Seven times in Genesis chapters 1-4, a number often symbolizing completeness or perfection, the Genesis Creator “sees” the creation and the masterwork “sees” God. This intimate knowing is spiritual, beautiful, regulates neural pathways with rest, is pleasurable, present in compassion, and reconciles broken relationships. The last of the Genesis intimacies of “seeing or knowing” is sexual intercourse between Adam and Eve.  This premier sexual health positive term for sexual intercourse is the Hebrew word YDA, to know intimately experientially, spiritually, and physically. 

The Gospels, assembled from approximately 50-90 CE, also begin with intimacy and sexual health. After 400 years of silence between the Old Testament and the New, the Gospel platform for humankind is the intimacy of, “God is with you”, Immanuel.  Mary the mother of Jesus conceived the Christ child as recorded by Matthew and Luke without sexual violence. In nearly all ancient Near East origin stories, deities perpetrate brutal acts of sexual violence against other gods and humans.  In contrast the God of Genesis and the Gospels crafts sexual health boundaries with blessing, healing, and protection for victims of trauma and their children.

The Book of Romans written perhaps in the mid first century CE too begins with intimacy and sexual health. Paul the Apostle lays the foundation of intimacy with God through knowing Christ. Apostolic words use familiar terms like, descendent, Father and Son. (Romans 1:1-7) Paul longs to visit the Roman Christians he cares for who are “loved by God and called to be holy.…” (Romans 1:7-11)  Paul seeks emotional and spiritual connection with both the God of his understanding and the people he loves. He does so with a view toward sexual safety and health.

October 28, 312 CE Flavius Valerius Constantinus advanced his army southward just outside of Rome. Hours before the bloody conflict he “saw” a vision of Christ. Constantine the Great “sees” the cross of Jesus in a profound spiritual experience. He immediately ordered the symbol of Christ to be painted on military standards and shields of his soldiers. The result? Constantine annihilated enemy forces at the Milvian Bridge setting the stage for one of the great revolutions in history. In 313 Constantine, now undisputed ruler of Rome, issued the Edict of Milan granting Christians favored status. This law protected Christians not only from the precedence of 200 years of military violence but allowed conversion of pagan assets to serve Christians and their clergy. The October 28, 312 transformation of an Emperor began in part with the sexual health words of Paul the Apostle to “The Romans”.

How did the message of the Book of Romans endure two centuries of holocaust before the Edict of Milan? What might Constantine and typical Romans citizens find relevant in the message of Paul to the Romans? The first chapter of Romans explicitly addressed sexual health. After opening remarks, Paul speaks to the wrath of God against sexual violence. 

Could it be Christ’s sexual sobriety and passion to protect children made inroads into one of the most sexualized cultures in history? How did Christianity gain traction in the first century Mediterranean culture of violent sexual exploitation? Is it possible Christ’s non judgement moved fear filled people to seek the sexual safety of Jesus?  Might it be the Gospels accomplished what the Graeco-Roman pantheon of cults could not, that is to address serial sexual abuse of children and the economic exploitation of trafficking humans?  It seems reasonable these healthy pieces of New Testament Christianity touched not only the average Roman but may have compelled a king to become a follower of Christ and change human history. Could the silencing of this beautifully spiritual, pleasurable, compassionate, and reconciling message of sexual health lay at the heart of organized religion’s decline now?

The Book of Romans features 14 distinct sexual health terms. Nine of the words and images specifically address sexual exploitation. Four terms are not used previous to Romans. These four are: natural sexual relations, sex offending against children (possible), intimacy, and coitus (koy-TAY). In order of appearance all the sexual health terms of Romans are:

Sinful (Sexual) Desire, Lust, Covet: epithumeo

Sexual Impurity: akatharsia, pronounced ah-ka-thar-SEE-ah 

Natural Sexual Relations: phusis chreisin

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. (Romans 1:24)

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. (Romans 1:26)

(Possible) Sexual Violence Against Children: arsen

In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men (possibly boys), and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. (Romans 1:27)

Adultery: moicheuo

You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? (Romans 2:22)

Circumcision: peritemno

Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. (Romans 2:25)

Womb

Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead— since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. (Romans 4:19)

Intimacy of Sexual Relations: geneithen

So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man. (Romans 7:3)

Childbirth

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. (Romans 8:22)

Coitus, Koite

Not only that but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. (Romans 9:10)

Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality (koite) and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. (Romans 13:13)

Sodom and Gomorrah

It is just as Isaiah said previously: “Unless the Lord Almighty had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah. (Romans 9:29)

Covenant: diatheykay

And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” (Romans 11:27)

Lewdness, immorality: aselgeia

Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery (aselgeia), not in dissension and jealousy. (Romans 13:13)

Abuse: oneidizo

The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. (Romans 15:3)

Summary of Romans Sexual Health Vocabulary

The summary centers on the sexual health terms yet unseen in the New Testament. The words are: natural sexual relations, sex offending against children (possible), intimacy, and coitus (koy-TAY). Sinful sexual desire and sexual impurity appear first in the Gospels then again in Paul’s writings. These terms are included in this summary as possible links to sexual violence and the sacred sex trade among Pauls’s concerns for the Romans.

Sinful (Sexual) Desire, Lust, Covet

Epithumeo, pronounced epi-thu-ME-oh, the Greek term for sinful desire, lust or covet, builds on two words, epi and thumeo. Epi pronounced e-PEE is a preposition often added to the beginning of words to increase the intensity of emotion. Thumeo pronounced thoo-ME-oh has a range of meaning to be fierce, be in a heat, breathe violently, rage, and alcohol intoxication driving the drinker insane or to commit homicide. The root of the word thumeo is the term thuo meaning to slaughter. (Strong, G2372) Add the preposition epi to the term thumeo and the intensity of violence or rage escalates in meaning. Thumos, the noun meaning anger has no material difference to the term rage in the New Testament. Anger and rage often appear together. (Kittle Vol 3., p. 168) 

Unhealthy Sexuality or Violence Passages Connected to Epithumeo, Lust

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully (epithumeo, lust)  has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:28)

He longed (epithumeo, lust)  to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. (Luke 15:16)

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. (Romans 1:24)

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. (Romans 1:26)

What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting (epithumeo, lust) really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet (epithumeo, lust).” (Romans 7:7)

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” (epithumeo, lust) and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Romans 13:9)

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on (epithumeo, lust) evil things as they did. (1Corinthians 10:6)

For the flesh desires (epithumeo, lust) what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. (Galatians 5:17)

You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet (epithumeo, lust) but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. (James 4:2)

During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long (epithumeo, lust)  to die, but death will elude them. (Revelation 9:6)

Non Sexual Longing or Desire Using the Word Epithumeo, Lust

For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed  (epithumeo, lust) to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. (Matthew 13:17)

…and longing (epithumeo, lust) to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. (Luke 16:21)

Then he said to his disciples, “The time is coming when you will long (epithumeo,lust) to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. (Luke 17:22)

And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired (epithumeo, lust) to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. (Luke 22:15)

I have not coveted (epithumeo, lust)  anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. (Acts 20:33)

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires (epithumeo, lust) a noble task. (1Timothy 3:1)

We want (epithumeo, lust) each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. (Hebrews 6:11)

It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long (epithumeo, lust) look into these things. (1 Peter 1:12)

This study highlights the anger and rage facets of epithumeo or lust. When Jesus states that epithumeo (lust) of another human, is the same as adultery, does he mean all sexual desire or attraction are taboo? Or is the case made that conspiring for angry, rage-filled exploitive-sex equals adultery?  The Hebrew word for lust or covet is HMD. (Strong, H2530) An Arabic equivalent lends the meaning, “to loathe”. (https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2530/niv/wlc/0-1/) Can a nuance of loathing add support for the ban on malevolent sexual rage rather than mandating against all sexual desire or attraction?

Sexual Impurity, (pronounced ah-kar-thar-SEE-ah)

Paul next perhaps speaks to a motive for sexual health. Sexual impurity pronounced in the Greek, ah-ka-thar-SEE-ah, occurs 10 times in 10 verses of the Greek New Testament. (Strong, G167) The term impurity appears 49 times in 43 verses of the Greek Septuagint (LXX) Old Testament.  18 times the word occurs in Leviticus for hygiene protocols like: ritual contamination through contact with body fluids, the aftermath of rebellion against God (Leviticus 16:16), harvesting protocols (Leviticus 19:3), incest, non kosher foods, and direct contact with skin disease or a corpse. The Prophets add idolatrous practices to the Leviticus hygiene protocols. Hosea 2:10 perhaps is the backdrop of the Romans 1:24 passage.

So now I will expose her lewdness before the eyes of her lovers; no one will take her out of my hands. (Hosea 2:10) 

Hosea uses the word lewdness or in the Greek (LXX) akatharsia in the context of the sacred sex trade. 10 times Ezra and the Prophets connect akatharsia to the exploitation of the sex trade. The data seems to point to akatharsia connecting to the coercion of trafficking humans for sex. 

The New Testament uses the word akatharsia for hygiene protocols, as righteousness leading to holiness, 5 times appearing in context with sacred sex trade, and 3 times with aselgeia.

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean (akatharsia). (Matthew 23:27)

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity (akatharsia) for the degrading of their bodies with one another. (Romans 1:24)

I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity (akatharsia) and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. (Romans 6:19)

I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity (akatharsia), sexual sin (porneia, sacred sex trade) and debauchery (aselgeia)  in which they have indulged. (2 Corinthians 12:21)

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality (porneia, sacred sex trade), impurity  (akatharsia) and debauchery (aselgeia). (Galatians 5:19)

Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality (aselgeia) so as to indulge in every kind of impurity (akatharsia), and they are full of greed. (Ephesians 4:19)

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality (porneia, sacred sex trade), or of any kind of impurity (akatharsia) or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. (Ephesians 5:3)

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality (porneia, sacred sex trade), impurity (akatharsia), lust (epithumeo), evil and greed, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5)

For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure (akatharsia) motives, nor are we trying to trick you. (1 Thessalonians 2:3)

For God did not call us to be impure (akatharsia) but to live a holy life. (1 Thessalonians 4:7)

Natural Sexual Relations, (pronounced phew-si-KANE CHRAY-sin)

After establishing the motive for sexual health, Paul addresses the nature of human sexuality with the phrase, “natural sexual relations” made by two Greek words, phusikane chreisin. Natural sexual relations, φυσικὴν, is pronounced phew-si-KANE.  CHRAY-sin is pronounced with a hard ch sound as in “chorus”.  Phusikein appears 3 times in the NT and means inborn nature or corresponding to nature as opposed to contrary to nature. (Strong, G5446) 

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations (τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν) for unnatural ones.

In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations (τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν)with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. (Romans 1:26-27)

But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct (φυσικὰ, phusika) born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish. (2 Peter 2:12)

The snapshots of women in the Genesis sexual health big picture who exchanged natural relations for coercive violent sex are: the intoxication with incest between Noah’s wife and her son Ham of Genesis 9:21-25, the Sodom and Gomorrah account of violent sex offenders in Genesis 19:1-29, the deliberate doping of Lot by his daughters to rape their father on two occasions in Genesis 19:30-38, and the attempted seduction and rape of Joseph by Potiphar’s wife in Genesis 39:6-19.   Sodom and Gomorrah, the image of sexual violence and rage is specifically mentioned in Romans 9:29:

It is just as Isaiah said previously: “Unless the Lord Almighty had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah. (Romans 9:29)

This Sodom and Gomorrah passage cited by Paul from Isaiah 1:9 falls in the direct context of the violence of the sacred sex trade and murder. Gesenius’ Hebrew lexicon defines the Hebrew word murder (RSH) as serial homicide. (BLB Gesenius, Strong, H2573)

See how the faithful city has become a prostitute! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her— but now murderers! (Isaiah 1:21)

The Genesis sexual health positive big pictures links to three snap shots in the life of Christ touching unnatural sexual relations. During the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:29 Jesus addresses the erotic rage of fantasy sex. He compares mental violent sex to be as culpable as adultery. At Jacob’s well, a symbol of sexual coercion, Christ converts a Samaritan woman with history of unethical non monogamy in John 4. Finally, Jesus pronounces non judgement for a female victimized and seduced by religious leaders in John 7:53-8:11. All images of female unnatural sexual relations connect to the violence of incest with intoxicants, sexual offending, the coercion of the sacred sex trade, attempted sexual seduction of Jospeh by a female authority figure, erotic-rage fantasy, unethical non monogamy, and sexual abuse by religious leaders.

Both Paul (50 CE) and the great philosopher Plato (428-347 BCE) use the word “phusis” when condemning sexual assault of male children by older men.  (TDNT, Vol. 9, p. 262) Plato reasoned that intercourse with children is contrary to nature, “phusis”. No ancient author before Plato took a stand against sex with children. Other philosophers of Plato’s era justified pederasty because sex with children was according to the “phusis” or nature of Aphrodite. As backstory, the Greek goddess of love and beauty was conceived in a violent genitalia dismemberment scene. In Hesiod‘s Theogony, Aphrodite emerges from the blood spatter and foam (ἀφρός, pronounced awf-ROSS) produced by Uranus‘ severed genitals.  On the coast of Cythera Cronus amputated his father Uranus’ genitals with a sickle throwing them into the sea. As red foamy waves roll onto shore, a sex goddess is born.  Aphrodite is the Greek deity of beauty and sexuality. On the island of Cyprus, Zeus, overcome by his daughter’s beauty, attempted to rape Aphrodite. When the goddess pulled out from the violent rape of her father, Zeus’ semen ejaculated on the earth goddess Gaia who then gave birth to bizarre offspring. Later Aphrodite herself repeats “unnatural sexual relations”by having a sexual affair with her own father. As punishment, Hera cursed Aphrodite with hideous mutant offspring. Incest, rape, and brutality connect to these terms. The Aphrodite violent sexual health narrative very well may be the backdrop of Paul’s use of “phusis” or unnatural sexual relations in Romans. One aspect of this work adds credible ancient witnesses to the understanding of sexual health texts. Specifically, Plato and Paul the Apostle  use exact terminology with the word, “phusis”. Unnatural sexual relations or “phusis”  appears to connect to sexual violence against children.

Chreisin appears once in the New Testament and once in the Old Testament LXX at 1 Samuel 1:28. Liddel and Scott Classic Greek lexicon cites numerous ancient authors use chreisin for sexual intercourse.

The data from the Genesis sexual health big picture, the life and sexual ethic of Christ, Greek sexual health origin stories, and Plato appear to point to the content of unnatural sexual relations to be sexual violence and specifically sexual abuse of children. At no place in the Bible does unnatural sexual relations equate with same sex attraction between consenting adults.

Sexual Violence Against Children; 

The culturally accepted grooming and sexual assault of prepubescent boys by older men, called pederasty, may be the common ground for the relevance of the Gospel with the average citizen of Paul’s era.  Could this be the motive for the widespread acceptance of Christianity by 318 CE? Sexual violence against children may be an appropriate translation by examining the Greek term arsen, XY male; the phrase natural relations, lust, and the word, penalty. These terms will be compared to Old Testament LXX Greek usage, Greek sexual health images, Old Testament Hebrew, and the Old Testament sexual health image of Belial. 

The text in question is:

In the same way the men (arsen) also abandoned natural relations (phusis chraysin) with women and were inflamed with lust (orexei) for one another. Men (arsen) committed shameful acts with other men (arsen, possibly boys), and received in themselves the due penalty (antimisthian) for their error. (Romans 1:27)

The Greek word order may be helpful. 

ὁμοίως τε καὶ οἱ ἄρσενες ἀφέντες τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν τῆς θηλείας ἐξεκαύθησαν ἐν τῇ ὀρέξει αὐτῶν εἰς ἀλλήλους ἄρσενες ἐν ἄρσεσιν τὴν ἀσχημοσύνην κατεργαζόμενοι καὶ τὴν ἀντιμισθίαν ἣν ἔδει τῆς πλάνης αὐτῶν ἐν ἑαυτοῖς ἀπολαμβάνοντες. (Romans 1:27)

The literal translation is, “Likewise also men abandoned the natural way of intercourse with a woman consumed with their violent desire for one another, men in men (possibly boys), achieving the shame and reward which received the payback for their error.”

Male adult, or male prepubescent child, arsen, occurs 9 times in 7 verses of the NT. 3 times arsen designates male gender, XY.  4 times the term clearly means prepubescent male.  Arsen appears 49 times in 47 verses of the LXX OT. 13 times the OT meaning of arsen connects to the gender of animals.  16 times arsen designates male gender, XY.  10 times arsen distinguishes a prepubescent male child from an adult, XY. Exodus 1:16,18,22; Leviticus 12:2,7; 18:22; 20:13; Numbers 3:40; Isaiah 66:7; Jeremiah 20:15. (Strong, G730)

The word for lust in this passage is not the expected epithumia. The Greek term for lust in Romans 1:27 is ὀρέξει, (orexei pronounced OH-rex-ei) appearing once in the NT and not at all in the LXX OT.  Liddel and Scott Lexicon states this word can mean violent assault with a weapon or hand. (Liddel and Scott, p. 496)

The term for “reward” or “payback” (antimisthian) is used one other time by Paul at 2 Corinthians 6:13-16 in direct context of idolatry with the trafficking of humans for sex. 

As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

What harmony is there between Christ and Belial or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (2 Corinthians 6:13-16).

The term Belial in 2 Corinthians 6:15 also connects to sexual violence, idolatry, and the sacred sex trade.

…troublemakers (Belial) have arisen among you and have led the people of their town astray, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (gods you have not known). (Deuteronomy 13:13)

Eli’s sons were scoundrels (Belial); they had no regard for the LORD. (1 Samuel 1:12)

Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel  and how they slept (coerced sex with, SCB) with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. (1 Samuel 2:22)

Now turn those wicked men (Belial) of Gibeah over to us so that we may put them to death and purge the evil from Israel.” But the Benjamites would not listen to their fellow Israelites. (Judges 20:13)

Arsen meaning a prepubescent XY male parallels the Hebrew meaning of the word ZCR in Leviticus 18:22 and Leviticus 20:13.  the following translation may be the simplest in from the LXX Greek Old Testament.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with a man (arsen) as one does with a woman; that is detestable.’” (Leviticus 18:22)

“ ‘If a man has sexual relations with a man (arsen) as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.’” (Leviticus 20:13)

With Biblical Hebrew terms:

“ ‘Do not have SCB (coercive sex)with a ZCR (male prepubescent child) as one does with a ISSHAH (woman); that is detestable.’” (Leviticus 18:22)

“ ‘If an ISH (adult male) has SCB (unhealthy sexual relations) with a ZCR (male prepubescent child) as one does with an ISSHAH (woman), both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.’” (Leviticus 20:13)

If prepubescent boy connects to arsen in these passages, the translation may look like this:

Do not have sexual relations with a prepubescent boy (arsen) as one does with a woman. (Leviticus 18:22)  

If a man has intercourse with a prepubescent  boy (arsen) as he does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. (Leviticus 20:13)

In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Adult males had intercourse with prepubescent boys (arsen), and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. (Romans 1:27)

There are 13 directives regarding incest in Leviticus 18.  5 times chapter 18 speaks to non incestuous unhealthy sexuality. The context of chapter 18 favors Leviticus 18:22 to be a prohibition about unhealthy sexual intercourse with close relationships. In this case, perhaps mandating against child abuse.

Sexual Intimacy; Geneithen, (pronounced ge-NAY-then)

Paul then connects human sexuality to emotional and spiritual intimacy.  This word geneithen is most likely understood, “to be intimate with, or being with”. Paul uses this same language to speak about intimacy with Christ in Romans 7:4. Clearly he is talking about an intimate spiritual union. The use of geneithen seems to touch sexual intimacy on the one hand and spiritual intimacy with Christ on the other. This may connect to the Genesis sexual health big picture. Chapters 1-4 of Genesis reflect 7 intimacies. Spiritual, beauty, rest, pleasure, compassionate pleasure, reconciliation, and sexual intimacy. 

Coitus, Koite, (pronounced koi-TAY)

As Paul wraps up this great book in chapter 13, he outlines sexual health boundaries. The word he uses for intercourse, koite. (Strong, G2845)

The root word for “coitus”, sexual intercourse, is the Greek term koite,  pronounced koi-TAY. Used 4 times in the New Testament koite has the range of meaning: a non sexual reference to a bed, conception, and the validity of sexual intercourse in marriage. Koite, a positive value in Hebrews 13:4 contrasts vividly with adultery and the sacred sex trade.

Koite in the Pentateuch has range of meaning: rape, a literal bed, nocturnal  emission or  literally “ejaculate in bed”, ejaculate during intercourse, intercourse with a woman, and intercourse with an animal.  The Prophets and Writings feature koite as intercourse, a literal bed, rape, and an animals den.

And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ (Luke 11:7)

Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. (Romans 9:10)

Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery (impurity, a-sel-gay-a), not in dissension and jealousy. (Romans 13:13)

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral (porneia, sacred sex trade). (Hebrews 13:4)

It may be that koite does not mean a generalized sexual immorality since it is never used in this way at any other place in the Bible.  It may be connected to impurity from a-sel-gay-a. Note the three groupings of two words: carousing with drunkenness, koite with impurity, and dissension with jealousy. (Romans 13:13)

Aselgeia; Lewdness, Debauchery, Sensuality, etc.

…adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness (aselgeia), envy, slander, arrogance and folly. (Mark 7:22)

Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery (aselgeia), not in dissension and jealousy. (Romans 13:13)

I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity , sexual sin and debauchery (aselgeia)in which they have indulged. (2 Corinthians 12:21)

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery (aselgeia). (Galatians 5:19)

Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality (aselgeia)so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. (Ephesians 4:19)

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery (aselgeia), lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. (1 Peter 4:3)

Many will follow their depraved conduct (aselgeia) and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. (2 Peter 2:2)

and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct (aselgeia) of the lawless. (2 Peter 2:7)

For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice (aselgeia)people who are just escaping from those who live in error. (2 Peter 2:18)

For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality (aselgeia)and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. (Jude 1:4)

Liddel and Scott’s Lexicon attaches the word “brutal” to aselgeia. (Liddel and Scott, p. 107)

If he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly, and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct (aselgeia) of the lawless. (2 Peter 2:6-7)

If aselgeia connects to the sexual violence of Sodom and Gomorrah, then this may have merit for the Romans 13:13 citation. Let’s add Liddel and Scott’s “brutal” nuance. Could Romans 13:13 then mean the brutality of trafficking humans for sex?

Concluding Reflexions

During the 50 years I have followed Christian sexual ethics the evangelical political platform interprets “unnatural sexual relations” to be same sex attraction. The theme of this work supports non judgement and non condemnation of sexuality as Jesus and Paul mandate. In place of judging or condemning sexual practices the vision orbits the personal responsibility of intimacy with God and sexual health with partner, community, and self. 

Historical data demonstrates evangelical homes have similar rates of sexual violence as non Bible believing families. Could it be the sin of condemnation of others results in a paradox? Jesus states in Matthew 7:29 that God uses the same standard of judgement for those who appraise the sexuality of others. Paul in Romans 2:1 mirrors Christ’s words stating that the one who condemns the sexuality of others in fact projects his own sexual sins.  Has evangelical judgement actually contributed to abuse in faith based homes? Could this be what Jesus suggests, that God permits similar outcomes for the one who judges others? Paul states that the one who condemns projects his own unhealthy sexuality. In Romans 2:22 the apostle illustrates this more clearly when he says,

You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? (Romans 2:22)

In this piece Paul addresses first century Christians whose sexual politics project distaste for adultery but yet commit the same offense. He challenges the Roman who degrades idol worship, yet frequents the same temples and rips them off. Can the same dots connect to sexual politics which abhor same sex relationships, but at the same time permit sexual violence and incest in one’s own family?

Is silence about sexual health and abuse in Bible believing homes the unintended outcome of judging others? What if caregivers focus on sexual health and abuse prevention rather than condemnation of specific populations? Does it seem Christlike for people of faith to focus on prevention of sexual violence in their own homes rather than the private world of others? Is it possible to bring sexual health and abuse prevention to Bible believing families and at the same time honor Scripture by not condemning others? Perhaps these truths may work together resulting in healthy outcomes for all as Jesus and Paul suggest?

Leviticus Sexual Health Vocabulary and Images In Order of Appearance

Leviticus features 11 different sexual health terms. Two of the terms do not appear in the Genesis sexual health big picture. These words are NDH, menstrual cycle and ZUB discharge of possible sexually transmitted infection. I have include a possible phrase for sexual offending against children and bestiality in the word count.

Becomes Pregnant ZRH

Gives Birth, YLD

Monthly Menstrual Cycle, NDH

“Say to the Israelites: ‘A woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son will be ceremonially unclean for seven days, just as she is unclean during her monthly period. (Leviticus 12:2)

Circumcision, MOOL

On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised. (Leviticus 12:3)

Infectious Discharge, zoob,  τοῦ γονορρυοῦς

Ejaculate, emission of semen

These are the regulations for a man with a discharge (Zoob, Gonoroos), for anyone made unclean by an emission of semen. (Leviticus 15:32)

Sexual Intercourse, SCB

…for a woman in her monthly period, for a man or a woman with a discharge, and for a man who has sexual relations with a woman who is ceremonially unclean. (Leviticus 15:33)

Sacred Sex Trade,  ZNH

They must no longer offer any of their sacrifices to the goat idols to whom they prostitute themselves. This is to be a lasting ordinance for them and for the generations to come. (Leviticus 17:7)

Incest, Uncovering the nakedness of 

No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations (uncover the nakedness of). I am the LORD. (Leviticus 18:6)

Possible Sexual Offending Against Male Children

Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable. (Leviticus 18:22)

Intercourse with Animals

Do not have sexual relations with an animal and defile yourself with it. A woman must not present herself to an animal to have sexual relations with it; that is a perversion. (Leviticus 18:23)

Sexual Health Vocabulary of Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13

This analysis of Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 examines the Biblical Hebrew vocabulary as compared to the entire Hebrew Old Testament. Specifically this work looks at these passages and then compares the word use in the first 5 books of the Bible called the Pentateuch. Then the terms are analyzed in the Prophets and the Writings.

The Texts in Question

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.’” (Leviticus 18:22)

With Biblical Hebrew terms:

“ ‘Do not have SCB (sexual relations)with a ZCR (male) as one does with a ISSHAH (woman); that is detestable.’” (Leviticus 18:22)

“ ‘If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.’” (Leviticus 20:13)

“ ‘If an ISH (man) has SCB (unhealthy sexual relations) with a ZCR (male) as one does with an ISSHAH (woman), both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.’” (Leviticus 20:13)

Leviticus Sexual Health Vocabulary

SCB meaning sexual relations or lie down with appears 213 times in 194 verses of the OT.  SCB, שָׁכַב, pronounced shaw-KAB, means to lie down as in sexual relations, death or any other reason: to cause to lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, take rest, sleep, stay.

In the Pentateuch 18 times SCB means unhealthy sexuality. SCB appears as incestuous rape 5x’s, coercing sex with money 1x, rape of a non family member 6x’s, attempted rape by an authority figure 5x’s, seduction 1x, sex with animals 2x’s, intercourse with hygiene protocols 5x’s, incest with family members 6x’s, abortion protocols 2x’s,  and adultery 2x’s in the Pentateuch. In sexual health contexts SCB is never used for relational intimacy as the word for genital sexual intercourse, YDA. SCB only means coercive or unhealthy sexual hygiene.

SCB as Rape 16 x’s

SCB as Coercion 2x’s

ISH means male, XY chromosome

ISSHAH translates as female, XX chromosome

ZCR can mean prepubescent XY male child as well as an adult male. ZCR appears 82 times in 80 verses of OT. Within the Pentateuch 18 times ZCR means prepubescent child. 16 times in the Pentateuch ZCR may mean sexually mature male. 

The Pentateuch Uses of SCB

The Pentateuch comprises the first five books of the Old Testament, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.  Conservative scholars believe the Pentateuch was written most likely by Moses. The uses of SCB can be outlined as follows:

5x’s Incestuous Rape

Let’s get our father to drink wine and then sleep (SCB) with him and preserve our family line through our father.” (Genesis 19:32)

That night they got their father to drink wine, and the older daughter went in and slept (SCB) with him. He was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up. (Genesis 19:33)

The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Last night I slept (SCB) with my father. Let’s get him to drink wine again tonight, and you go in and sleep (SCB) with him so we can preserve our family line through our father.” (Genesis 19:34)

So they got their father to drink wine that night also, and the younger daughter went in and slept (SCB) with him. Again he was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up. (Genesis 19:35)

3 x’s Coercive Sex for Money

But she said to her, “Wasn’t it enough that you took away my husband? Will you take my son’s mandrakes too?” “Very well,” Rachel said, “he can sleep (SCB) with you tonight in return for your son’s mandrakes.” (Genesis 30:15)

So when Jacob came in from the fields that evening, Leah went out to meet him. “You must sleep (SCB) with me,” she said. “I have hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” So he slept (SCB) with her that night. (Genesis 30:16)

6x Rape

When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of that area, saw her, he took her and raped (SCB) her. (Genesis 34:2)

Meanwhile, Jacob’s sons had come in from the fields as soon as they heard what had happened. They were shocked and furious, because Shechem had done an outrageous thing in Israel by sleeping (SCB as rape) with Jacob’s daughter—a thing that should not be done. (Genesis 34:7)

But if out in the country a man happens to meet a young woman pledged to be married and rapes (SCB) her, only the man who has done this shall die. (Genesis 22:25)

If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pledged to be married and rapes (SCB) her and they are discovered…. (Deuteronomy 22:28)

He shall pay her father fifty shekels of silver. He must marry the young woman, for he has violated (SCB) her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives. (Deuteronomy 22:29)

You will be pledged to be married to a woman, but another will take her and rape (SCB) her. You will build a house, but you will not live in it. You will plant a vineyard, but you will not even begin to enjoy its fruit. (Deuteronomy 28:30)

1x Possible Rape of Father’s Concubine

While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept (SCB as rape) with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard of it. Jacob had twelve sons: (Genesis 35:22)

5x Authority Rape

…and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed (SCB) with me!” (Genesis 39:7)

And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed (SCB) with her or even be with her. (Genesis 39:10)

She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed (SCB) with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. (Genesis 39:12)

She called her household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us! He came in here to sleep (SCB) with me, but I screamed. (Genesis 39:14)

“ ‘If a man sleeps (SCB) with a female slave who is promised to another man but who has not been ransomed or given her freedom, there must be due punishment. Yet they are not to be put to death, because she had not been freed. (Leviticus 19:20)

1 x Seduction Narrative

“If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps (SCB) with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife. (Exodus 22:16)

2 x’s Intercourse with Animals

“Anyone who has sexual relations (SCB) with an animal is to be put to death. (Exodus 22:19)

“Cursed is anyone who has sexual relations (SCB) with any animal.” (Deuteronomy 27:21)

5 x’s Hygiene Protocols

When a man has sexual relations (SCB) with a woman and there is an emission of semen, both of them must bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening. (Leviticus 15:18)

“ ‘Anything she lies (SCB) on during her period will be unclean, and anything she sits on will be unclean.’” (Leviticus 15:20)

“ ‘If a man has sexual relations (SCB) with her and her monthly flow touches him, he will be unclean for seven days; any bed he lies on will be unclean. (Leviticus 15:24)

Any bed she lies on (SCB) while her discharge continues will be unclean, as is her bed during her monthly period, and anything she sits on will be unclean, as during her period. (Leviticus 15:26)

for a woman in her monthly period, for a man or a woman with a discharge, and for a man who has sexual relations (SCB) with a woman who is ceremonially unclean. (Leviticus 15:33)

6x Incest

“ ‘If a man has sexual relations (SCB) with his father’s wife, he has dishonored his father. Both the man and the woman are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads. (Leviticus 20:11)

“ ‘If a man has sexual relations (SCB) with his daughter-in-law, both of them are to be put to death. What they have done is a perversion; their blood will be on their own heads. (Leviticus 20:12)

“ ‘If a man has sexual relations (SCB) with his aunt, he has dishonored his uncle. They will be held responsible; they will die childless. (Deuteronomy 20:20)

“Cursed is anyone who sleeps (SCB) with his father’s wife, for he dishonors his father’s bed.” (Deuteronomy 27:20)

“Cursed is anyone who sleeps (SCB) with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.” (Deuteronomy 27:22)

“Cursed is anyone who sleeps (SCB) with his mother-in-law.” (Deuteronomy 27:23)

2 x’s Abortion Protocols

…so that another man has sexual relations (SCB) with her, and this is hidden from her husband and her impurity is undetected (since there is no witness against her and she has not been caught in the act). (Numbers 5:13)

Then the priest shall put the woman under oath and say to her, “If no other man has had sexual relations (SCB) with you and you have not gone astray and become impure while married to your husband, may this bitter water that brings a curse not harm you. (Numbers 5:19)

2 x’s Adultery

If a man is found sleeping (SCB) with another man’s wife, both the man who slept (SCB) with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel. (Deuteronomy 22:22)

If a man happens to meet in a town a virgin pledged to be married and he sleeps (SCB) with her….(Deuteronomy 22:23)

38 times Genesis through Deuteronomy the term SCB is used in unhealthy sexuality contexts. SCB is never positioned as a sexual health term between consenting adults in the Pentateuch.

The Prophets and Writings Use of SCB

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel feature SCB 27 times. SCB in sexual health contexts appears 7 times. Eli’s sons used their position of authority to seduce women for sex who serve at religious worship services (1 Samuel 2:22). The term SCB, meaning rape, appears three more times in King David’s seduction of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:4), and twice for Amnon’s rape of his sister Tamar (2 Samuel 13:11-14). SCB has one reference to the future sexual assault of King David’s concubines by his son Absalom (2 Samuel 12:11). SCB as genital sexual intercourse occurs twice in reference to Uriah’s resistance to having intercourse with Bathsheba for the purpose of covering up King David’s impregnation of his wife, and David and Bathsheba’s conception of Solomon (2 Samuel 11:11; 2 Samuel 12:24) 

SCBappears 4 times in Isaiah. Isaiah and Zechariah use SCB for rape (Isaiah 13:16; Zechariah 14:2). Ezekiel speaks of the sacred sex trade using SCB, and Micah uses the word in a sense of lack of trust within a romantic relationship (Ezekiel 23:8; Micah 7:5).

The Book of Ruth uses SCB5 times.  Ruth appears in the family narrative of Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew1:5). The author uses SCB skillfully, weaving SCB through the account of Boaz and Ruth becoming sexually intimate and ultimately married. The euphemism “uncovering the feet” may be used for genital sexual intercourse in the narrative of Ruth (Ruth 3:7). All 5 citations refer to sexual contact rather than simple sleeping or lying down.

SCB is used 16 times in sexual health contexts within the Prophets and the Writings. The Prophets never use SCB for healthy sexuality. The context is always seduction, rape, or coercive sexuality.  Book of Ruth uses SCB in a romantic narrative adding the term to uncover the feet. This can be a euphemism for sexual intercourse. Scholars are divided in terms of  “is Ruth an example of healthy sexuality or unhealthy?”

Context of Leviticus 18 and 20

Leviticus 18

Chapter 18 begins with a contextual statement, “You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.” (Leviticus 18:3) The concern appears to orbit incest as was the context of Egyptian sexual health narratives.  Then, Leviticus18:6-17 outlines incest boundaries with immediate family members. 

“ ‘No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD.

“ ‘Do not dishonor your father by having sexual relations with your mother. She is your mother; do not have relations with her.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; that would dishonor your father.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter; that would dishonor you.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with the daughter of your father’s wife, born to your father; she is your sister.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your father’s sister; she is your father’s close relative.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your mother’s sister, because she is your mother’s close relative.

“ ‘Do not dishonor your father’s brother by approaching his wife to have sexual relations; she is your aunt.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your daughter-in-law. She is your son’s wife; do not have relations with her.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would dishonor your brother.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter. Do not have sexual relations with either her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter; they are her close relatives. That is wickedness. (Leviticus 18:6-17)

The term incest is a Hebrew phrase literally, “uncovering the nakedness of.” This phrase connects to the Noah and Ham incest snapshot of Genesis 9 with exact wording.

Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent.  Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father naked and told his two brothers outside.  But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father’s naked body. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father naked. (Genesis 9:20-23)

Leviticus 18:18-23 speaks to a variety of sexual health topics.

“ ‘Do not take your wife’s sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is living.

“ ‘Do not approach a woman to have sexual relations during the uncleanness of her monthly period.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your neighbor’s wife and defile yourself with her.

“ ‘Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molek, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with an animal and defile yourself with it. A woman must not present herself to an animal to have sexual relations with it; that is a perversion. (Leviticus 18:18-23)

There are 13 directives regarding incest in Leviticus 18.  5 times chapter 18 speaks to non incestuous unhealthy sexuality. The context of chapter 18 favors Leviticus 18:22 to be a prohibition about unhealthy sexual intercourse with close relationships. In this case, perhaps mandating against child abuse.

Leviticus 20

Chapter 20 begins with mandate against sacrificing children to Molek. With this prohibition against infanticide is a statement about spiritists, those who call upon the dead. The same concern appears at the end of the chapter forming an inclusio tying this section together thematically. Chapter 20 repeats the Leviticus 18 mandates adding detail about abusing family members through infanticide and incest. The writer also addresses cursing parents, adultery with close community relationships, sexual activity during menstruation, and sex with animals. 9 of the commandments address non incestuous sexual health issues. 8 mandates connect to incest. The Leviticus 20:13 statement, 

“ ‘If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads. (Leviticus 20:13)  appears between incest prohibitions. The Leviticus 18 passage appears in the context of incest and unhealthy sexuality within close relationships specifically children.

Leviticus 15:33 may shed some light on the use of ISH as man, and ZQR translated prepubescent male. 

…for a woman in her monthly period, for a ZQR (boy) or a girl with a discharge, and for a man who has sexual relations (SCB) with a woman who is ceremonially unclean. (Leviticus 15:33)

The use of the term ZQR as prepubescent male fits both the chapter 18 and 20 passages showing a distinction between a man who can have intercourse, ISH, and a male prepubescent child, ZQR.

Another Leviticus passage affirms that ZQR can mean prepubescent male. 

He shall offer them before the LORD to make atonement for her, and then she will be ceremonially clean from her flow of blood. These are the regulations for the woman who gives birth to a male child (ZQR) or a girl. (Leviticus 12:7)

Summary

The two passages in question have been translated with the unintended result of violence against same sex communities. The vocabulary appears however to protect male prepubescent children from sexual assault by adult males.

The Gospels with Acts and Sexual Health

Sexual Health Vocabulary in Order of Appearance

Conceived, begotten or having become, geneithen (pronounced ge-nay-THEN)

Abraham was the father (geneithen)of Isaac….(Matthew 1:2)

Children born not of natural descent nor of human decision or a husband’s will but born (geneithen) of God. (John 1:13)

Pregnant, in the abdomen, en gastri (pronounced en gas-TREE)

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant (en gastri)through the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:18)

You will conceive (en gastri)and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. (Luke 1:31)

Give birth to, tikto (pronounced TICK-toe)

She will give birth (tikto) to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”(Matthew 1:21)

A woman giving birth (tikto)to a child has pain because her time has come. (John 16:21)

Virgin, parthene (pronounced par-THEN-ay)

“The virgin (parthenay) will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). (Matthew 1:23)

…to a virgin (parthenon)pledged to be married to a man named Joseph….(Luke 1:27)

Sterile: (pronounced STAY-ra)

But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive (steira), and they were both very old. (Luke 1:7)

Circumcision: (pronounced pair-ee-TEM-no)

On the eighth day they came to circumcise (peritemno) the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah. (Luke 1:59)

Penile/Vaginal Sexual Intercourse: γινώσκω, pronounced with a hard “g” sound as in gi-NO-skoe, the Greek equivalent of the premier Hebrew term YDA for penile/vaginal intercourse found in the sexual health vocabulary of Genesis 4:1.

But he did not consummate (ginosko, have penile/vaginal intercourse) their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. (Matthew 1:25)

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin (ginosko, have not had penile/vaginal intercourse with a man). (Luke 1:34)

Womb: (pronounced koi-LI-a)

For there are eunuchs who were born (koilia) that way…. (Matthew 19:12)

…the baby leaped in her womb (koilia) and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1:41)

Abuse: (pronounced ah-nay-DI-dzo)

“Blessed are you when people insult (oneidizo) you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (Matthew 5:11)

Blessed are you when men hate you and when they exclude you and insult (oneidizo) you….(Luke 6:22)

Lust: (pronounced epi-thu-ME-o, Adultery: (pronounced moi-KEU-oh), Sacred Sex Trade: (pronounced por-NAY-ah)

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully (epithumeo)has already committed adultery (moikeuo) with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:28)

But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality (porneia sacred sex trade), makes her (the victim) of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Matthew 5:32)

He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery (moikeuo) against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery (moikeuo).” (Mark 10:11-12)

“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery (moikeuo), and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery (moikeuo).” (Luke 16:18)

Bridal Chamber: (pronounced noom-PHONE), Bride: (pronounced noom-FAY), Bridegroom (noom-FEE-os

How can the guests of the bridal chamber (noomphone) mourn…? (Matthew 9:15)

The bride (noomfay)belongs to the bridegroom (noomfeeos). (John 3:29)

 Vaginal Bleeding: (pronounced hai-ma-ROO-sa) and (roo-SAY hai-ma-TOSS)

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding (haimaroosa)for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. (Matthew 9:20)

And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding (rusei haimatoss) for twelve years. (Mark 5:25)

Sodom and Gomorrah

Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on  the day of Judgement than for that town. (Matthew 10:15)

I tell you it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. (Luke 10:12)

Beelzebul: (pronounced be-el-za-BOOL)

But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” (Matthew 12:24)

And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul!” (Mark 3:22)

I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. (Luke 11:18)

Sexual Intercourse: (pronounced kah-LA-oh)

…and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united (kollao) to his wife, and the two will becomeone flesh? (Matthew 19:5)

‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife (kollao) and the two will become one flesh.’So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Mark 10:7-9)

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons.

The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.

After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.

So he went and hired himself out (kollao)to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.

He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything….

But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes (pornone, sacred sex trade workers) comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

“ ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.

But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ” (Luke 15:11-32)

One flesh

…and said, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, (kallao) and the two will become one flesh?” (Matthew 19:5)

‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife (kah- LAH-oh, sexual intercourse) and the two will become one flesh.’So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Mark 10:7-9)

Eunuchism, Intersexuality: (pronounced eu-NUCK-os)

For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” (Matthew 19:12)

So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Queen Candace of the Ethiopians. (Acts 8:27)

YBM/Life Insurance: (pronounced yah-BEEM)

“Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. (Matthew 22:24)

Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. (Mark 12:19)

“Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. (Luke 20:28)

Immorality, Lewdness/Aselgeia: (pronounced ah-SELL-gay-ah)

For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality(porneia, sacred sex trade), theft, murder, adultery (moikeuo), greed, malice, deceit, lewdness (aselgeia), envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23)

 Zeus, Hermes, and Artemis

Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. (Acts 14:12-13)

When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19:28)

Samaritan Woman with History of Problematic Sexuality and Non Judgement Theology

Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John—although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples.

So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Now he had to go through Samaria.

So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph.

Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”

(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?

Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,

but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

“I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband.

The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet.” (John 4:1-19)

Sexual Misconduct By Religious Leaders with Non Judgment Theology

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them.

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.

In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”

They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.

When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John :1-11)

Summary of Sexual Health Vocabulary

The Gospels with Acts cite 28 different sexual health vocabulary terms or images. Nine of the terms do not appear in the Genesis sexual-health big picture. These new terms in order of appearance are: abuse, vaginal bleeding, sexual intercourse (kah-LA-oh), lewdness (ah-SELL-gay-ah), and the Greek deity names, Zeus, Hermes, and Artemis.

Matthew and Luke give very specific detail on the birth of Jesus with the word group: pregnant, conceive, give birth to, and virgin. Matthew uses the term “having in the belly” for the idea of pregnancy. (Matthew 1:18; Luke 2:5) Luke uses the word “swollen in the belly” with the Greek, ἔγκυος, pronounced ENG-ku-os. (Strong, G1722 and G2949)  Give birth to is the Greek term pronounced TICK-toe: τίκτω,to produce from seeds, birth of a newborn, vegetation, the earth, etc. (Strong, G5088) Matthew cites Isaiah 7:14 to proof text messianic prophecy fulfillment using the word, virgin, pronounced par-THEN-os in Greek. (Strong, G3933)

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”). (Matthew 1:23)

“Having in the belly” is another way Greeks understand pregnancy. The Hebrew text uses the word HRH which appears in the sexual health vocabulary of Genesis. (Strong, H2029) Luke 2:5 uses “swollen in the belly”. This is the only occurrence for this word in the entire Bible. Perhaps Luke relies on medical terminology from his training as a physician? (Strong, G1471) In Luke’s birth snap shot the word for sterile or infertile appears with the term circumcise. The Greek term for infertility is στεῖρα, pronounced STAY-rah appearing 5 times in 5 verses of the Greek New Testament. (Strong, G4723)

But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive (steira), and they were both very old. (Luke 1:7)

Circumcise is the Greek word περιτέμνω, pronounced pairee-TEM-no. (Strong, G4059) It appears 17 times in 15 verses of the Greek New Testament. The Hebrew equivalent term is מוּל, pronounced mool, first appearing in Genesis 17:10  with the covenant of Abraham meaning cut short, curtail, blunt, destroy, cut down. (Strong, H4135)

On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah. (Luke 1:59)

The premier sexual health term for penile/vaginal sexual intercourse appears next using the word “to know” mirroring the Genesis 4.1 use of YDA, penile/vaginal sexual intimacy. The Greek word is ginosko pronounced gi-NO-skoe.

But he did not consummate (ginosko) their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. (Matthew 1:25)

The Greek language features numerous words for knowledge. The range of use in classic Greek spans intellectual knowledge, impression, experiential knowing, to see with the mind’s eye, intuitive insight, and acquaintance with an idea by: organizing the idea’s content, understanding the scope, and finally applying the knowledge of the idea with meaning to life. Greek uses numerous words to convey these subtle yet powerful nuances. Two of the interchangeable “knowing” words in the New Testament are ginosko and oida, from YDA, meaning penile/vaginal sexual intercourse. (Thayer, Strong, G1097) Luke 1:34 uses this same term when Mary argues with the messenger that she has never had penile/vaginal intercourse. English translators inaccurately edited the word, ginosko, to “virgin”.

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34) 

The Sermon on the Mount of Matthew 5-7 forms the premier teaching content of Jesus.  Within this great sermon an articulate sexual health thread appears. Beginning with the Beatitudes, Jesus counsels survivors of abuse, defines problematic sexuality, erotic rage, human sex trafficking, and climaxes the sermon with the famous “non judgement” mandate of Matthew 7. The non judgement command connects to the entire content of the Sermon on the Mount including zero tolerance for condemning the sexuality of others.

Survivors of abuse may also be on the mind of Christ as he preaches.

“Blessed are you when people insult (oneidizo) you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (Matthew 5:11)

The word insult is the Greek term ὀνειδίζω, pronounced on-ei-DI-dzo. (Strong, G3679)  Appearing 9 times in 9 verses of the Greek New Testament this word can mean verbal insult on one end of the continuum to violent abuse on the other.  The daughters of Oedipus in classic Greek mythology are described with the same root word and called, “these women of abuse”. (Botterwick Vol. 5, p. 238) In Greek mythology Oedipus murdered his father and married his mother unaware. Freud borrowed the popular term, Oedipus Complex, for his theory on human sexuality. (https://www.britannica.com/science/Oedipus-complex) The mythological sons of Oedipus, Eteocles and Polynices, kill each other in a power battle over the throne. The daughters of Oedipus’ incestuous union were Antigones and Ismene. Antigone hung herself before she was sentenced to be buried alive. Murder, divine threat, incest, and violence connect to this term abuse, oneidizo. The context of Matthew 5 and the Beatitudes may lend more support for this word meaning violent abuse. Several of the Beatitudes may speak to trauma survivors of violence.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:3-5)

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult (oneidizo, violently abuse) you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)

Part of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount speaks directly to sexual health issues with the terms adultery, lust, and the sacred sex trade.

You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery (moikeuo)”

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully (epithumeo)has already committed adultery (moikeuo) with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28)

But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality (porneia), makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Matthew 5:32)

Adultery is the Greek word μοιχεύω, pronounced moi-KEU-oh, appearing 15 times in 12 verses in the Greek New Testament. (Strong, G3431) Adultery means consensual intercourse between two people who are married to other partners.  The word lust is the Greek word ἐπιθυμέω pronounced epi-thu-ME-oh. (Strong, G1937) 17 times lust appears in the Greek New Testament. The meaning of epithumeo as rage or sexual violence occurrs 8x’s. Epithumeo, lust, appears 9x’s for non sexual longing or desire. (Strong, G1937) 

Epithumeo, the Greek term for lust, builds on two words, epi and thumeo. Epi pronounced e-PEE is a preposition often added to words to increase the intensity of the meaning. Thumeo pronounced thoo-ME-o has a range of meaning to be fierce, be in a heat, breathe violently, rage, and the intoxicating wine of passion driving the drinker to be insane or to commit homicide. The root of the word thumeo is the term thuo meaning to slaughter. (Strong, G2372) Add the preposition epi to the term thumeo and the intensity of violence or rage escalates in meaning. Thumos, the noun meaning anger has no material difference to the term rage, orge, in the New Testament. Anger and rage often appear together. (Kittle Vol 3., p. 168) 

Unhealthy Sexuality or Violence Passages Connected to Epithumeo, Lust

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully (epithumeo, lust)  has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:28)

He longed (epithumeo, lust)  to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. (Luke 15:16)

What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting (epithumeo, lust) really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet (epithumeo, lust).” (Romans 7:7)

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” (epithumeo, lust) and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Romans 13:9)

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on (epithumeo, lust) evil things as they did. (1Corinthians 10:6)

For the flesh desires (epithumeo, lust) what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. (Galatians 5:17)

You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet (epithumeo, lust) but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. (James 4:2)

During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long (epithumeo, lust)  to die, but death will elude them. (Revelation 9:6)

Non Sexual Longing or Desire Using the Word Epithumeo, Lust

For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed  (epithumeo, lust) to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. (Matthew 13:17)

…and longing (epithumeo, lust) to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. (Luke 16:21)

Then he said to his disciples, “The time is coming when you will long (epithumeo,lust) to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. (Luke 17:22)

And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired (epithumeo, lust) to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. (Luke 22:15)

I have not coveted (epithumeo, lust)  anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. (Acts 20:33)

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires (epithumeo, lust) a noble task. (1Timothy 3:1)

We want (epithumeo, lust) each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. (Hebrews 6:11)

It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long (epithumeo, lust) look into these things. (1 Peter 1:12)

The point of this study highlights the anger and rage facets of epithumeo or lust. When Jesus states that epithumeo (lust) of another human, is the same as adultery, does he mean that all sexual desire or attraction are taboo? Or is the case made that conspiring for angry, rage-filled sexual exploitation is equal to adultery?  The Hebrew word for lust or covet is HMD. (Strong, H2530) An Arabic equivalent lends the meaning, “to loathe”. (https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2530/niv/wlc/0-1/) This seems to support the idea of  malevolent sexual rage rather than the ban on all sexual desire or attraction.

The direct context of Matthew 5:27-28 connects several points of anger and rage. Matthew 5:21-26 immediately preceding connects murder and rage using the term orge. (Strong, G3709) The following piece after the lust passage covers the conflict of divorce.  The context and use of the term epithumeo or lust can carry with it the nuance of sexual rage or erotic violence. Erotic rage and sexual violence are not new ideas in the Bible. Sexual violence frames the Noah snap shot of Genesis 6-11 and the Sodom narratives of Genesis 19, King David’s affair with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11,  and the entire Book of Judges among many examples.

The first time sacred sex trade appears in Matthew occurs in the Sermon on the Mount in a sexual health section. 

But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality (porneia, sacred sex trade), makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Matthew 5:32)

Translators erroneously edited the word sacred sex trade as sexual immorality. The term in this passage is the Greek πορνεία, pronounced por-NAY-A appearing 25 times in 24 verses of the Greek New Testament. (Strong, G4202) One of the consistent translation errors in the Bible is the editing of porneia, to mean a generalized sexual immorality rather than its specific origin in the sacred sex trade. Please see the study on the word group for porn in the Book of Revelation. Porneia is the trafficking of humans for sex. This term in Hebrew is ZNH, found 93 times in 81 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. (Strong, H2181) ZNH reflects the normalization of sex trafficking humans for profit in the ancient Near East. All Old Testament citations fall within the context of either sex trafficking or metaphor for Israel’s unfaithfulness. 

Vaginal bleeding is made of two words in Greek, haima, blood, and reo, flow. 

Vaginal bleeding originates in the genital tract, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, and uterus. When vaginal bleeding begins in the uterus, it is called abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).  (clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17899-vaginal-bleeding)

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. (Matthew 9:20)

This is the only use of this Greek word for blood flow in the Bible. (Strong, G131) Mark and Luke cite this same snap shot using the term “hemorrhage of blood.”  (Mark 5:25-26; Luke 8:43)

Sodom, Gomorrah and Beelzebul connect to images of sexual violence.

And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. (Matthew 11:23)

Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. (Mark 10:15)

But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” (Matthew 12:24)

Sodom and Gomorrah image the violent snap shot of the heterosexual mob threatening to gang rape messengers from God in Genesis 19. The result for the sexual offenders? Sulfuric volcanic eruption decimating the villages of Sodom and Gomorrah. This holocaust picks up the theme of Genesis 6-11 with judgement for global sexual nihilism and abuse. In the Genesis 6-11 snap shot punishment for sexual abuse executed with tsunamis and flooding. The Sodom and Gomorrah sentence for erotic violence is consummation by fire. 

Beelzebul is the Palestinian-Ekron deity first mentioned in 2 Kings 1:2-4. Elijah the Prophet condemns Ahaziah because the king rejected the God of Israel and consulted the “Lord of the Flies”, Beelzebul. The name is composed of the Semitic term Baal, Lord, and ZBB, zebub, fly. Pronouncing the word ZBB quickly sounds like a buzzing fly. Ancient texts described Beelzebul with flies exiting his rectum. (Strong, H1176) (van der Toorn, Karel; Becking, Bob; van der Horst, Pieter W., eds. (1999). “Baal Zebub”. Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible (2nd extensively rev. (154) ed.). Boston, Massachusetts; Grand Rapids, Michigan: Brill; Eerdmans. ISBN 978-0-8028-2491-2)

Now Ahaziah fell through the lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and he became ill; and he sent messengers and said to them, “Go inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I will recover from this illness.” (2 Kings 1:2)

The cult of Baal included ritual participation in the sacred sex trade. Pubescent children were required to provide sexual services for pay at local temple shrines. Baal and the cult of Baalzebub image the coercive trafficking of children to fuel the economy of religious clerics.

Matthew 15:19 and Mark 7:21 speak to three sexual health issues: evil dialogues, adultery, and the sacred sex trade. Adultery and the sacred sex trade have been treated already, but evil dialogues is a new concept. Evil is the Greek term, κακός, pronounced kaw-KOS appearing 50 times in 45 verses of the Greek New Testament (Strong, G2556). The Hebrew equivalent is רַע, pronounced RAW, occurring 666 times in 623 verses in the Hebrew Old Testament (Strong, H7451). Six is often a number symbolizing evil in Hebrew numerology. Three means completion. 666 may mean complete evil as in the mark of the beast, 666 (Revelation 13:18) and Solomon’s extravagant income during his idolatrous addictive reign (1 Kings 10:14-15). The early use of RA, in the Book of Genesis connects to sexual assault. This may mean that Mark’s trifecta of unhealthy sexuality in 7:21 touches sexual violence, adultery, and the coercive economy of trafficking humans for sex.

For out of the heart come evil (kakos) thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. (Matthew 15:19)

For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil (kakos)thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder. (Mark 7:21)

“One flesh” and “eunuchism/intersexuality” appear in the same sexual health conversation of Matthew 19. Jesus answers questions about divorce. In his reply he states the purpose of marriage is two humans becoming “one flesh”.  Mark 10:10-12 uses this same snap shot to teach marriage and divorce content. The grounds for divorce in Matthew 19 is participation in the sacred sex trade with the word, porneia. (Strong, G4202) This term, porneia, is wrongly edited by translators as sexual immorality. In the Mark passage divorce with remarriage equates adultery. In Mark 10:10-12 the grounds for divorce is adultery, moi-KEU-o,  a different word than porneia, the sacred sex trade. 

Eunuchism and intersexuality are different concepts. Eunuchs are harem guards protecting the offspring of kings from non royal sperm donors. Intersexuality is the science of non typical sex chromosomes in humans. Intersexual chromosomes are neither XX nor XY.  Eunuchs achieved privileged position by being born without the ability for sexual intercourse or having surgery to remove male genitalia. Intersexuality effects approximately 2% of the population, about the number of humans with red hair. Jesus cites the word eunuchs in Matthew 19:12 where eunuchism and intersexuality connect. Jesus infers that eunuchs are born with non typical sex chromosomes, eunuchs are surgically made, and some, like Jesus, identify as “eunuch” for the sake of the Kingdom of God. 

One Flesh Eunuchism/Intersexuality

…and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh? (Matthew 19:5)

Eunuchism/Intersexuality

For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” (Matthew 19:12)

YBM, Ancient Near Eastern Life Insurance

“Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him.” (Matthew 22:24)

“Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.” (Luke 20:28)

The YBM is an ancient legal practice protecting widows. Perhaps the YBM can be compared to modern day life insurance? As laid out in Genesis 38, ancient Near Eastern sexual health codes permitted a surviving male family member to marry a brother’s widow. This marriage practice, called a YBM, or Levirate marriage, has occurred in many cultures for thousands of years until the present. The purpose of this form of marriage insured financial stability for the widow with tribal protection (Oxford Biblical Studies Encyclopedia, 2021). Please see the full treatment of the YBM in Genesis 38.

Deuteronomy 25:5–10 permits the brother of a man who dies childless to marry the widow in a Levirate marriage, which allows either party to refuse the union.

If brothers are living together and one of them dies without a son, his widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother shall take her and marry her and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to her. The first son she bears shall carry on the name of the dead brother so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel.

However, if a man does not want to marry his brother’s wife, she shall go to the elders at the town gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to carry on his brother’s name in Israel. He will not fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to me.” Then the elders of his town shall summon him and talk to him. If he persists in saying, “I do not want to marry her,” his brother’s widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, take off one of his sandals, spit in his face and say, “This is what is done to the man who will not build up his brother’s family line.” That man’s line shall be known in Israel as The Family of the Unsandaled. (Deuteronomy 25:5–10)

The purpose of the consensual Jewish YBM protected the widow by ensuring provision with tribal protection. Offspring created inheritance rights, status, and security. The YBM sexual health tradition required mutual consent for the marriage of the widow to the brother-in-law.

Greek Gods and Sexual Health 

The foundation of the Bible’s message to families on human sexuality builds on the sexual health positive big picture of Genesis. The specific occasion of New Testament teachings touches Greek and Roman sexual health practices based in the stories of the pantheon. Zeus is the primary sexual health image in Graeco Roman culture mentioned three times in Biblical literature (Acts 14:8-13; Acts 28:11; 2 Maccabees 6:1). In the Book of Acts the references are:

Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker.The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. (Acts 14:12-13)

The sky god, Zeus, in Greek mythology fathered half the Greek gods and humankind. Hermes seduced Aphrodite, the goddess of love, with the help of  Zeus and a stolen sandal.  The offspring of Aphrodite and Hermes was Hermaphroditos. 

If  Zeus were presented as a case study to sex addiction therapists, his sexual history might look like this.

Zeus’ wife, Hera, complained about partner infidelity. Zeus seduced Hera’s priestess, Lo, for sex. As Hera tracked down her promiscuous husband, Zeus turned Lo into a white cow to cover the affair. When Hera took the paramour prisoner,  Zeus sent Hermes to rescue Lo from his betrayed wife. Hera inflicted a gadfly to chase and torture Lo without rest. 

Zeus impregnated Semele, a mortal princess. When Hera discovered this infidelity, the enraged wife disguised herself to coerce the princess to believe that the father  may not in fact be the lightning god, Zeus. Semele, feeling threat of a possible deception, asked Zeus to appear in the fullness of his glory to prove his divinity. When Zeus appeared, Semele, the mortal, burst into flames at the sight of a deity. He then sewed the fetus Dionysus into his thigh until birth.

In Homer’s version, Zeus and Dione produced Aphrodite, the goddess of love. On the island of Cyprus Zeus attempted to rape his daughter Aphrodite.  When Aphrodite pulled out from the violent rape of her father, Zeus’ semen fertilized the earth goddess Gaia who then gave birth to mutant offspring. Later Aphrodite herself repeats the seduction by having intercourse with her own father. As punishment, Hera caused Aphrodite’s children to have hideous mutations.

Zeus coerced Leda the queen of Sparta for sex by posing as a swan. After his seduction, the Spartan queen returned to her homeland to make love to her royal husband, King Tyndareus. The result of the seduction produced royal confusion. Leda gave birth to quadruplets. The Greek sexual health narrative explains that two offspring belonged to Zeus, and the other two children belonged to Tyndareus.

Zeus attempted to seduce his sister, Demeter, for sex. Rejected Zeus then raped Demeter by turning into a bull or snake depending on the version. The offspring from this assault produced Persephone. Later, Zeus appearing in the form of a serpent seduced his virgin daughter Persephone. Their incestuous son, Zagreus, was murdered and dismembered by the Titans. Persephone was then forced to marry Zeus’ brother, the underworld god, Hades. After the coerced marriage to his brother, Zeus preyed on his daughter once again for sex. Becoming enraged at the incestuous relationship, Demeter threatened to destroy all humankind if Zeus did not return Persephone to her mother.

When Zeus impregnated Leto, a Titan goddess, enraged Hera exiled Leto who wandered the earth searching for a safe place to give birth to her offspring gods, Artemis and Apollo (Putri, 2020).

The Greek sexual health narratives disclose coercion, incest, and erotic violence by their deities. The Genesis sexual health-positive big picture differs. Sexuality forms one piece of spiritual intimacy with God and humankind reflecting beauty, pleasure, balance, and reconciliation. Zeus coerced sexual intercourse with other gods and humans. The Creator of Genesis compassionately connects with rather than sexually offends against humankind. The spiritual connection of the Creator seems to reflect in the sexual intimacy of humankind rather than deity participating sexually with humans. The Genesis narrative promotes both the goodness and excellence of human sexuality and at the same time maintains sexually safe boundaries between the Creator and creation.  

When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19:28)

One of Zeus’s serial affairs produced Artemis. The Ephesians took great pride in believing that Leto, the mother of Artemis, fled to their city. After Leto gave birth to Artemis, one day later Leto delivered Artemis’ twin brother Apollo. Artemis served as midwife for her mother throughout Apollo’s birth giving her title as the goddess of childbirth. The trauma of Apollo’s birth however compelled Artemis to ask Zeus, to give her invincibility to Cupid’s arrows. Impervious to romantic love would keep her an eternal virgin thus avoiding the pain of childbirth she had witnessed when Leto gave birth to her brother, Apollo (https://study.com/academy/lesson/artemis-of-the-ephesians.html).

The story of the Good Father and Prodigal Son of Luke 15 features a sexual health piece. The entitled son pays for sex workers with an early inheritance coerced from the Good Father.

So he went and hired (κολλάω, Kah-LA-oh) himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed (epithumeo, lust) to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

….But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes (porne, sacred sex trade workers) comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

The prodigal son “hires himself out to a citizen”. The word for “hires out” is κολλάω, pronounced kah-LAH-oh appearing 11 times in the Greek New Testament. Kah-La-oh never means hire in the New Testament. Three of the references directly connect to sexual contact.

…and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united (κολλάω, Kah-LA-oh) to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? (Matthew 19:5)

Do you not know that he who unites (κολλάω, Kah-LAH-oh) himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” (1 Corinthians 6:16)

…for her sins are piled (κολλάω, Kah-LAH-oh) up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes. (Revelation 18:5)

The Revelation 18:5 reference is in context of the Sex Worker of Babylon whose adulteries and unhealthy sexuality are piled as high as (joined in sexual connection to) the heavens. 

The sexual health images of the Gospel of John follow the Genesis sexual-health positive big picture. John 1 features wording reflecting Genesis 1. 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He was with God in the beginning.

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5)

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. (Genesis 1:1-4)

The premier New Testament image of relationship with God and salvation is found in John 3. Nicodemus, the teaching sage of Israel, seeks Jesus under cover of night. He asks what must be done for salvation. Jesus responds with sexual health images. Jesus states, “You must be born again.” Nicodemus seems to understand the imagery. Perhaps his response is an example of Near Eastern humor? The grand teacher of the Jewish people states, “Do I climb back into the birth canal of my  mother to be born again?” The big picture of sexual-health positive images beginning in  Genesis connects once again. This is no accident. Central to the entire Bible lay the foundation of sexual health imagery. Conversation about covenant, promise, messianic fulfillment, and salvation connect directly to the sexual health positive vocabulary and snap shots of Genesis. Old Testament authors also use unhealthy sexuality images for idolatry and addiction recovery, and the trafficking of humans for sex. 

Two main sexual health snap shots appear in John chapters 4 and 8. Jesus and his leadership team travel through Samaria in John 4. Jesus waits by a water well allegedly dug by the Genesis patriarch Jacob while his disciples seek provisions in a nearby town. Jacob’s name in Hebrew means deceiver, the guy unable to be intimate, the master mind of manipulation.  A woman with history of affairs approaches Jesus at the well to draw water. Typically women might travel together for protection from both heat and assault in the cool of the morning or evening. Could it be this Samarian woman carries not only empty water jars but also loneliness and isolation from her community? Why work alone during the heat of the day with possible threat of violence unless motivated by possible shame?  Jesus asks her for a drink of water. I am a story teller, I love narratives like this. Bear with me. Her response may be a seduction narrative for an anonymous hook up. Perhaps speaking in a sultry whiskey voice, “Why are you a Jew talking to me, a Samaritan?” Awkward. He asks about her partner. I do this in counseling sessions if a client seems to transfer feelings of affection.  Mentioning my wife typically resets the thermostat. The female responds, “I don’t have a husband.” Jesus agrees with her and discloses the reason perhaps for her solitary journey to the well in the heat of the day. She has a long history of problematic relationships. With tender compassion Jesus nails the truth behind her seduction. The partner she is living with is one among many traumatic relationships. She breaks into a defense strategy of theological argument. Jesus does not take the bait of her debate. She and many in her village become followers of Christ. Truth with compassion touches this woman. Loss of intimacy finds connection with spirit and compassionate truth.  

The second sexual health image in John orbits sexual abuse of a woman. Conservative Bible believing religious-leaders conspire against Jesus. The academics seduce a female to have intercourse with one of their cohort. The term “adultery” is used meaning at least the male volunteer in the seduction conspiracy was in a marriage covenant to another.  During the staged sexual act institutional elite arrest her for sexual crimes. The sentence guidelines for sexual misconduct?  A humiliating death by public execution. The traumatized woman is brought before Jesus for a second round of public victimization. The Bible believing religious-leaders demand execution for this sexual sin. The trap seems to be set so that the perpetrators might accuse Jesus of heresy and himself be executed.  Christ stoops to the earth writing in the earth with his finger. Perhaps he regulates rage at the violent conspirators with a kind of sand therapy? He responds with compassion and reason. The violent leaders disappear. Jesus and the violated woman only remain. He asks her about condemnation and accusers.  He responds, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” 

These two sexual health snap shots reflect a central value of the first century church. “Do not judge” the sexual health of others. When we prosecute sexual sin in another, we project our own problematic sexuality to the world according to Jesus and Paul the Apostle. The first century church prevailed in a culture of violence and sexual abuse against children and women. They did so without condemnation of the sexuality of others. Perhaps personal responsibility for sexual health prevailed over judgement of others?  Could it be  the example of Jesus’ sexual sobriety with the presence of the Holy Spirit transformed the early church to conceive of sexual health from the prefrontal cortex of compassion, awareness, and self regulation? Does it seem clear the  religious who violently conspired to abuse a woman caught in adultery, and the community which ostracized a woman with serial affairs operated from the limbic system of fear, violence, and greed?

Throughout the Gospels with Acts the 7 intimacies of Genesis 1-4  appear.

Spiritual Intimacy

Blessed are the pure in heart, they will see God. (Matthew 5:8)

No one has ever seen God but the one and only Son  who is himself God and is in the closest relationship with the Father has made him known. (John 1:18)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Beauty

Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me.” (Matthew 23:27)

She has done a beautiful thing to me. (Matthew 26:10)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He was with God in the beginning.

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5)

He was the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful because they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. (Acts 3:10)

Anxiety Regulation (Rest)

Come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)

The Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath (Rest). Man was not made for the Sabbath (Rest), the Sabbath (Rest) was made for man. (Mark 2:27)

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:16)

Pleasure

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)

I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)

Compassionate Presence

Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” (Mark 1:40)

Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” (Mark 1:41)

All the believers were together and had everything in common.

TOOL

They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

TOOLS

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts. (Acts 2:44-46)

Reconciliation

In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:14)

If your  brother sins or sister sins, go and point out their fault just between the two of you. (Matthew 18:15)

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5)

Rejoice with me I have found my lost sheep. (Luke 15:1-6)

Intimacy of Genital Sexual Intercourse

But he did not consummate (ginosko) their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. (Matthew 1:25)

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34)

The seven intimacies of Genesis 1-4 also appear in the four Gospels with Acts. The references are many and I don’t want to distract from the main work we do. However, I feel moved to connect the dots of the Gospels to the Genesis sexual-health big-picture and intimacy. There are beautiful conversations of spiritual intimacy within the Gospels. Jesus in the Sermon of the Mount speaks about the pure in heart seeing God. Seven times  in Genesis 1-2 the Creator “saw” that the creation was good and sexuality healthy. I had a theology professor once say, “All theology flows from the love of God.” Can we say that spiritual intimacy with God underlies all orthodox doctrine?  

Some of the most anxious clients I treat are people of faith in God who believe in the Bible.  Is the intimacy we teachers have most neglected the connection of rest to exhausted people? At the core of belief in Christ is the ability of the God of our understanding to “rest” his followers bringing homeostasis to stressed systems. God ceased labor on day seven. Seasons and years are outlined for the people of Israel to take a break and rest from work, debt, and slavery. The writer of Hebrews exhorts us to be careful we do not miss the “rest”.  The final chapters of Revelation paint a beautiful scene of restored world and rest. 

Pleasure finds Jesus at the Baptism of John. God the Father speaks, “You are the beloved son in whom I take pleasure.” When Christ hangs on the cross, he exhorts the thief next to him, that pleasure of paradise awaits new converts.  Pleasure reflecting the image of God cannot be error for believing people. This kind of pleasure down regulates the shame of sin. 

The intimacy of compassionate presence weaves throughout the life of Christ. Divine empathy touches the merciful, Jesus embraces the untouchable, the dying thief receives sympathy in suffering, and the early church cared for the needs of all in their community.

The cross of Christ symbolizes the atoning or “making at one” humankind with benevolent God. The modality is the payment of sin by Jesus on the cross. Humans can be reconciled to God and can rebuild broken relationships. A higher power can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves by forgiving and making amends.

The final intimacy is genital sexual intercourse which is spiritual, beautiful, regulates both partners, pleases, reconciles, and expresses touch without shame.  Critics of the Bible take pleasure in pointing out textual or historical inconsistencies. There are legitimate questions of editing, transmission of texts, variant readings, and exactly “who” made the decision on which books made the final cut into the Bible. But on the other hand, what if the answers are not deficient,  but rather the original questions misguided? What if in fact the purpose of the Bible is not to appease post modern appetites, but the reality is to see into God and permit the God of their understanding to see into the human heart?  What if this intimacy touches human sexuality so that our children are safe from abuse, partners find mutuality, and families sense wholeness? Perhaps then we can agree with the Creator that we too can see human sexuality is excellent, healthy, and good in every way?

Exodus and Sexual Health

23 distinct sexual health words and images appear in the Book of Exodus. 7 are unique to Exodus when compared to Genesis. The new sexual health terms are: midwives, sexual abstinence, adultery, sexual desire with a sense of malice, premature birth, to seduce, and to miscarry. The total sexual health terms in Genesis and Exodus combined equal 27. 

Exodus Sexual Health Vocabulary in Order of Appearance

Be Fruitful and multiply, PRH RBH:

…but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them. (Exodus 1:7)

Midwives, YLD: A participle meaning to cause to bring forth.

The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and 

Puah…. (Exodus 1:15)

Conceive and give birth to: HRH and YLD

…and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine 

child, she hid him for three months. (Exodus 2:2)

Foreskin, ORLH:

Bridegroom, HTHN:

Circumcision, MULAH: Exodus 4:26 Appears one time in the OT in this form.

At a lodging place on the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him.

But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet 

with it.“Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said.

So the LORD let him alone. (At that time she said “bridegroom of blood,” referring to 

circumcision.) (Exodus 4:24-26)

Covenant, BRT:

I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they resided as foreigners. (Exodus 6:40)

Womb, RHM: 

Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal. (Exodus 13:2)

Sexual Abstinence, NGS: First appearance of this word used for “abstain from intercourse.”

Then he said to the people, “Prepare yourselves for the third day. Abstain from sexual relations.” (Exodus 19:15)

Adultery, NAF:

You shall not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14)  This is the first occurrence of adultery used in the Bible. Adultery is intercourse between consenting partners who are married to other people.

Sexual Desire with Malice, HMD: Twice the term means inappropriate desire, and once for appropriate pleasure. 

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. (Exodus 20:17)  

The LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 2:9)

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. (Genesis 3:6)

Private Parts, ARWAH:

And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private parts may be exposed. (Exodus 20:26)

Premature Birth, YTSA:

If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. (Exodus 21:22)

Seduce, PTHAW: Exodus 22:16 

Virgin, BTULAH: Exodus 22:16

Bride Price, MHR: Exodus 22:17

If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife. If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride-price for virgins. (Exodus 22:16-17)

Miscarry, SCL: Exodus 23:26

…and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span. 

(Exodus 23:26)

Group Sex?, TSACH: Exodus 32:6 The root word for Isaac, laugh, sport, foreplay

So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry. (Exodus 32:6)

Corrupt, SHAHAT:

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you 

brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. (Exodus 32:7)

Plague, NGPH: Exodus 32:35 Possible sexually transmitted infections

And the LORD struck the people with a plague because of what they did with the calf Aaron had made. (Exodus 32:35)

Sacred Sex Trade, ZNH:

Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land; for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you and you will eat their sacrifices.

And when you choose some of their daughters as wives for your sons and those daughters prostitute themselves to their gods, they will lead your sons to do the same. (Exodus 34:15-16)

Exodus continues the sexual health positive big picture with the familiar phrase, “the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly….” (Exodus 1:7)  This is the preamble to every covenant in the Book of Genesis. Exodus repeats this exact statement making a sexual health connection with Genesis. 7 times this preamble repeats in Genesis to introduce intimacy between the Creator and humankind. (Genesis 1:28, 8:17, 9:1,7; 17:20, 35:11)

The next two sexual health terms relate to the prolific reproduction of the Israeli people in Egypt.  Midwives is the first use of this word based on the root word found in Genesis meaning to give birth to, YLD. 

Genesis has gone to great lengths to show that sexual health is created by a benevolent God intended to be safe, without coercion, and non violent.  Enter Exodus 4. With regret, this violent piece connects to sexual health vocabulary.

The direct context is the strategy God gives Moses to free the people of Israel from the oppression of Pharaoh.  Exodus 4:22-23 states, “Then say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the LORD says: Israel is my firstborn son, and I told you, “Let my son go, so he may worship me.” But you refused to let him go; so I will kill your firstborn son.’ ”

The intervention technology used with Pharaoh matches the violence of Pharaoh and his predecessors who committed acts of genocide against the Israeli’s.  The atrocities in Egypt do not begin with the Creator, Egypt’s holocaust against the Jews returns to find Pharoah’s own first born. Newton’s third law of motion may explain this best, “For every act of violence an equal act of aggression results.” Pharaoh’s genocide against the Israelis results in the extermination of the first born, including the heir to Egypt’s throne. (https://www.britannica.com/science/Newtons-laws-of-motion/Newtons-second-law-F-ma)

God sends Moses on the mission of his life to save the people of Israel from a murderous tyrant.  The English translation of one single verse appears to mock the context and may send the reader to paint the Genesis Creator as a violent-psychopath incapable of reason. While Moses journeys on his mission, English translators edit the text to read, “At a lodging place on the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it. ‘Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,’ she said. So the LORD let him alone. (At that time she said “bridegroom of blood,” referring to circumcision.)” (Exodus 4:24-26) 

So immediately after commissioning Moses to fulfill the most meaningful event in Israeli history, the Creator lays an ambush to assassinate his quarterback, Moses. His wife, Zipporah, meaning Little Bird, with intent to save her husband from divine contract killing, slices off the foreskin of their son hurling the amputated skin at her husband’s genitals, while screaming, “You are the bridegroom of blood!”. Then the Lord terminates the contract on Moses and aborts the execution. Without intermission, God sends Aaron to Moses and the two brothers kiss. The final verse in 4:31 shows the beautiful scene of compassionate presence with the Elders of Israel worshipping God and embracing Moses’ leadership. Really.

Let’s look at the Hebrew text for some clarity on this bizarre editing by translators.

The Hebrew word order is very plain. In translation the simplest explanation is usually the most accurate. “While on the road at a place of rest, The Lord met with Moses to strengthen him (for the liberation of Israel and the death of Egypt’s firstborn).”

The following verses show Aaron connecting with Moses and the brothers kiss in a fond greeting. The chapter closes with the Elders of Israel accepting Moses as their leader and worshiping The Lord.

Let’s unpack this piece and see if it can make some sense while at the same time being true to both storyline and text.

Exodus 4:26 begins with, At a lodging place on the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him.” The word for “to meet”, as in meet to kill, PGS, appears 14 times in Old Testament. Only one use of the term PGS, meet, has an aggressive context found in Hosea 13:8.

“Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and rip them open; like a lion I will devour them— a wild animal will tear them apart.” (Hosea 13:8) 

All other uses of PGS, to meet, in the Old Testament connect to tears of compassion, resting, commonality of the rich and poor, metaphorically meeting a bear, love and fidelity, darkness transitioning to dawn, gathering at a pool, meeting with a king’s cohort, brothers kissing, and two references to Esau reconciling with his brother Jacob.

The Hosea 13:8 violence citation dates to approximately 800 BCE.  The Exodus 4:24 passage dates 700 years earlier in approximately 1500 BCE. 7 centuries separate these two uses of the same word.  All citations in Genesis and Exodus simply mean a gracious meeting to reconcile family or giving strength in the work of redeeming Israel from Egypt. All references to PGS, meet, in the 16th century BCE do not carry the meaning of attack or violence of any kind. Exactly the opposite the term, PGS, is one of reunion, strength, and beauty. Hosea 13:8 is the only reference to aggression. It seems the plain rendering of PGS is simply to connect with and give strength to Moses for the greatest event of his life.

The  term “to seek”, BQS, occurs 225 times in the Old Testament. This is the word mistakenly edited as “to kill”. Nearly 90% of the citations mean “to seek” without harm. 29 times the word BQS means “to seek to kill”.  214 times BQS simply means “to seek or search for”.  Exodus uses this phrase once in a seek to kill context. Genesis never uses this word combination for seek to kill.  PGS BQS, “to seek to kill” appears nowhere in Genesis and once in Exodus.

When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well. (Exodus 2:15)

…and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. (1 Samuel 19:2)

Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape. (1 Samuel 19:10)

Then David fled from Naioth at Ramah and went to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my crime? How have I wronged your father, that he is trying to kill me?” (1 Samuel 20:1)

Stay with me; don’t be afraid. The man who wants to kill you is trying to kill me too. You will be safe with me.” (1 Samuel 22:23)

David said, “LORD, God of Israel, your servant has heard definitely that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the town on account of me. (1 Samuel 23:10)

While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. (1 Samuel 23:15)

Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the LORD your God, but the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. (1 Samuel 25:29)

David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. (2 Samuel 16:11)

and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed.” (2 Samuel 17:3)

Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam, but Jeroboam fled to Egypt, to Shishak the king, and stayed there until Solomon’s death. (1 Kings 11:40)

The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, intent on putting them to death. (Psalms 37:32)

Those who want to kill me set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they scheme and lie. (Psalm 38:12)

May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. (Psalm 40:14)

Arrogant foes are attacking me; ruthless people are trying to kill me— people without regard for God. (Psalm 54:3)

Those who want to kill me will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth. (Psalm 63:9)

May those who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. (Psalm 70:2)

The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright. (Proverbs 29:10)

What are you doing, you devastated one? Why dress yourself in scarlet and put on jewels of gold? Why highlight your eyes with makeup? You adorn yourself in vain. Your lovers despise you; they want to kill you. (Jeremiah 4:30)

“ ‘In this place I will ruin the plans of Judah and Jerusalem. I will make them fall by the sword before their enemies, at the hands of those who want to kill them, and I will give their carcasses as food to the birds and the wild animals. (Jeremiah 19:7)

After that, declares the LORD, I will give Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials and the people in this city who survive the plague, sword and famine, into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to their enemies who want to kill them. He will put them to the sword; he will show them no mercy or pity or compassion.’ (Jeremiah 21:7)

I will deliver you into the hands of those who want to kill you, those you fear—Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and the Babylonians. (Jeremiah 22:25)

When King Jehoiakim and all his officers and officials heard his words, the king was determined to put him to death. But Uriah heard of it and fled in fear to Egypt. (Jeremiah 26:21)

I will deliver into the hands of their enemies who want to kill them. Their dead bodies will become food for the birds and the wild animals. (Jeremiah 34:20)

“I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah and his officials into the hands of their enemies who want to kill them, to the army of the king of Babylon, which has withdrawn from you. (Jeremiah 34:21)

But King Zedekiah swore this oath secretly to Jeremiah: “As surely as the LORD lives, who has given us breath, I will neither kill you nor hand you over to those who want to kill you.” (Jeremiah 38:16)

This is what the LORD says: ‘I am going to deliver Pharaoh Hophra king of Egypt into the hands of his enemies who want to kill him, just as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the enemy who wanted to kill him.’ ” (Jeremiah 44:30)

I will give them into the hands of those who want to kill them—Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. Later, however, Egypt will be inhabited as in times past,” declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 46:26)

I will shatter Elam before their foes, before those who want to kill them; I will bring disaster on them, even my fierce anger,” declares the LORD.“I will pursue them with the sword until I have made an end of them. (Jeremiah 49:37)

BQS “to meet” has numerous compassionate presence translations.  Please see below. BQS can also be used in an intimacy context such as the lovers in the Song of Solomon, and the existential seeking of righteousness in compassion and humility. 

All night long on my bed I looked for the one my heart loves; I looked for him but did not find him. I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves. So I looked for him but did not find him. (Song of Solomon 3:1-2)

I opened for my beloved, but my beloved had left; he was gone. My heart sank at his departure. I looked for him but did not find him. I called him but he did not answer. (Song of Solomon 5:6)

Friends: Where has your beloved gone, most beautiful of women? Which way did your beloved turn, that we may look for him with you? (Song of Solomon 6:1)

Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn. (Isaiah 51:1)

“I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’ (Isaiah 65:1)

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)

“In those days, at that time,” declares the LORD, “the people of Israel and the people of Judah together will go in tears to seek the LORD their God. (Jeremiah 50:4)

Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to his blessings in the last days. (Hosea 3:5)

Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger. (Zephaniah 2:3)

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. (Malachi 3:1)

The most accurate translation honoring the character of God and the context of the narrative may be, “While on the road at a place of rest, The Lord met with Moses to strengthen him (for the liberation of Israel and the death of Egypt’s firstborn).” (Exodus 4:25-26) What follows is the circumcision of their son. This act of obedience seems appropriate before Moses undertakes confronting Pharaoh. The most simple rendering of the circumcision scene may be, “Zipporah took a knife and she cut the foreskin of her son, as she held her son’s genitals and said, “You are a bridegroom of blood to me.”

At no time does the Old Testament place the name of God as the subject in “seek to kill” passages except in the questionable narrative of Exodus 4:26. 

BRT, covenant is one of the primary intimacy terms used to describe the relationship between Creator and humankind. BRT means to cut, as in cut animals symbolizing an agreement, to share a meal, or enter into a relationship of emotional intimacy.

I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they resided as foreigners. (Exodus 6:40)

BRT occurs 284 times in 264 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament.  13 times Exodus cites BRT. Genesis uses the term 24 times. (Strong, H1285)

The gynecological term RHM, womb, occurs in Exodus 13:5 appearing
26 times in 25 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. RHM is also the root for the term, compassion. (Strong, H7355, H7358)

Sexual Abstinence, NGS, appears for the first time translated as “abstain from intercourse.”  

Then he said to the people, “Prepare yourselves for the third day. Abstain from sexual relations.” (Exodus 19:15)

NGS occurs 125 times in the Hebrew Old Testament appearing in 112 verses. This is the only place NGS translates as abstain from intercourse. All other citations simply mean an approaching, withdrawing, or connection of some kind. (Strong, H5066)

Exodus 20:14 connects directly to the Sermon on the Mount sexual health teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5. 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. (Matthew 5 :27-30)

Looking at a woman lustfully carries the same weight as committing adultery in the heart.   This is a sobering reflection on the adultery and covet commands of Exodus 20:14. The Greek New Testament term for lust is a combination of a preposition, epi, meaning upon, and the word thuo, to kill, slay, sacrifice. The root thuo, for kill, expands to form the word group thumos, meaning wrath, fierceness, indignation, boiling up with rage, wine with high alcohol content driving the addict mad or death by toxic alcohol poisoning, and violent breathing. (Strong, G2372) This is important as an Arabic root meaning loathsome connects to the Hebrew word for covet, HMD. Covet in Hebrew and Greek can mean pleasure or desire in a good sense to another extreme meaning a desire which is loathsome or filled with malice. (Strong, H2530) HMD connects to the New Testament meaning of lust or covet in Matthew 5:27-30. It appears that Jesus is not stating that all sexual arousal is the same as committing adultery. The emphasis seems to be sexual arousal which touches erotic rage, desire combined with malice, and intent to do harm. The context of Matthew 5:27-30 is preceded by Jesus’ teaching on anger and murder. The erotic rage of Matthew 5:27-30 is followed immediately by divorce and victimization. This lends support to the covet command to be translated with anger, rage, or at minimum malaise. James confirms this connection to coveting and malevolence.

You desire (covet, epithemeo) but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. (James 4:2)

Enter modesty legislation to protect innocent worshipers from viewing priestly private parts.  ARWAH translated for genitals, nakedness, exposure, or private parts appears 54 times in 40 verses in the Hebrew Old Testament. (Strong, H6172) The term ARWAH appears in Genesis four times. Twice ARWAH connects to the incest snapshot of Ham with his mother in Genesis 9:22-23 with the phrase “uncovering the nakedness of” meaning incest. Two more times ARWAH appears as a picture of spying out the land in terms of exposing military weakness. (Genesis 42:9,12) 

The mandate of Exodus 20:26 seems a bit random as it prohibits building steep steps leading up to an altar of sacrifice. 

And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private parts may be exposed. (Exodus 20:26) 

Apparently, near eastern religions made elaborate altars requiring its priesthood to ascend steep inclines to make sacrifice to deities. As clergy ascended the altar with sacrifice in hands, they were unable to control exposure of their genitals during inadvertent billowing of robes. Below this spectacle stood gaping worshipers unable “not to see” the private parts of their local priests. Exodus 28:42 gives this piece some additional clarity by adding modesty underpants for priests to protect innocent gawkers.

Make linen undergarments as a covering for the body, reaching from the waist to the thigh. (Exodus 28:42)

The term for sexual seduction in Exodus 22:16, PTHAH, appears 28 times in 26 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. (Strong, H6601)  5 of the 28 uses connect to the romantic seduction of Delilah for Samson, and Job’s sexual sobriety reflection in the midst of his grief. (Judges 14:15; 16:5, Job 31:19) The final use of the term seduction connects God’s plan to redeem Israel from idolatry when He states, “Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her.” (Hosea 2:14) 

Virgin, BTULAH, appears 50 times in 50 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. (Strong, H1330) The range of meaning includes both male and female XX and XY who have not have intercourse, to newly married women, and as metaphor for the people of Israel in a state of purity.

Bride Price, MHR: Exodus 22:17

If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife. If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride-price for virgins. (Exodus 22:16-17)

Bride price, MHR, simply means the amount of money a male would pay the parents of a potential bride. MHR appears two times in one verse at Exodus 22:16-17. MHR also occurs in Genesis 34:12 and the infamous bride price set by King Saul for David of 100 Philistine foreskins. (1 Samuel 18:25)

Sexual education is not complete without conversation on miscarriage. The word SCL, in this verse meaning miscarry appears 24 times in 22 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. (H7921) Four of the uses of SCL mean miscarry, the other 20 occurrences touch childlessness and trauma over the loss of children.

…and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span. 

(Exodus 23:26)

Exodus 32:7 Moses is directed by God to return to the Israeli’s because they are corrupt, SHAHAT. In Genesis this term is used 6 times in the Noah incest prevention narrative. Humankind will experience global judgement due to the normalization of sexual abuse. The snapshot will end with intercourse and impregnation of Noah’s wife by Ham her biological son. The incestuous offspring, Canaan, will be a symbol of conflict blending into modern day politics. (Genesis 6:11,12,13,17; 9:11,17)  Six is often a symbol of evil in Hebrew numerology. So SHAHAT six times may indicate a comprehensive corruption.

The balance of the word uses for SHAHAT in Genesis appear in the Sodom and Onan snapshots. SHAHAT appears seven times in the Sodom account. Seven is often a number representing completion. So in this case, complete corruption of sexual violence may be intended. (Genesis 13:10, 18: 28, 31, 32, 19:13,14,29)  The final use of SHAHAT in Genesis occurs in the Onan snapshot. Er commits an act of possible sexual abuse and God terminates him. Onan withdraws his penis at ejaculatory inevitability as a means of birth control. The terms used mean “spilling or corrupting” his seed onto the ground.  Every use of the word SHAHAT in Genesis connects to sexual violence or coercive sex. 

The  meaning of Exodus 32:7 and the direction for Moses to return to the people who are now “corrupt” most likely relates to coercive or violent sexuality.

The word for the sacred sex trade appears in Exodus twice at 36:14-15. ZNH, sacred sex trade, occurs 93 times in 81 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. (Strong, H2181) One chief complaint of the prophets against the people of Israel orbited participation in the sacred sex trade.

I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery (participated in the sacred sex trade). (Jeremiah 3:8)

This translation however is incorrect. The term for adultery is NAF, this word in Jeremiah 3:8 is ZNH, sacred sex trade. Editors also added the word adulteries in the first part of verse 8, …because of all her adulteries. The term does not appear in the Hebrew manuscript.  

Leviticus Sexual Health Vocabulary and Images In Order of Appearance

Leviticus features 11 different sexual health terms. Two of the terms do not appear in the Genesis sexual health big picture. These words are NDH, menstrual cycle and ZUB discharge of possible sexually transmitted infection. I have include a possible phrase for sexual offending against children and bestiality in the word count.

Becomes Pregnant ZRH

Gives Birth, YLD

Monthly Menstrual Cycle, NDH

“Say to the Israelites: ‘A woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son will be ceremonially unclean for seven days, just as she is unclean during her monthly period. (Leviticus 12:2)

Circumcision, MOOL

On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised. (Leviticus 12:3)

Infectious Discharge, zoob,  τοῦ γονορρυοῦς

Ejaculate, emission of semen

These are the regulations for a man with a discharge (Zoob, Gonoroos), for anyone made unclean by an emission of semen. (Leviticus 15:32)

Sexual Intercourse, SCB

…for a woman in her monthly period, for a man or a woman with a discharge, and for a man who has sexual relations with a woman who is ceremonially unclean. (Leviticus 15:33)

Sacred Sex Trade,  ZNH

They must no longer offer any of their sacrifices to the goat idols to whom they prostitute themselves. This is to be a lasting ordinance for them and for the generations to come. (Leviticus 17:7)

Incest, Uncovering the nakedness of 

No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations (uncover the nakedness of). I am the LORD. (Leviticus 18:6)

Possible Sexual Offending Against Male Children

Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable. (Leviticus 18:22)

Intercourse with Animals

Do not have sexual relations with an animal and defile yourself with it. A woman must not present herself to an animal to have sexual relations with it; that is a perversion. (Leviticus 18:23)

Sexual Health Vocabulary of Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13

This analysis of Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 examines the Biblical Hebrew vocabulary as compared to the entire Hebrew Old Testament. Specifically this work looks at these passages and then compares the word use in the first 5 books of the Bible called the Pentateuch. Then the terms are analyzed in the Prophets and the Writings.

The Texts in Question

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.’” (Leviticus 18:22)

With Biblical Hebrew terms:

“ ‘Do not have SCB (sexual relations)with a ZCR (male) as one does with a ISSHAH (woman); that is detestable.’” (Leviticus 18:22)

“ ‘If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.’” (Leviticus 20:13)

“ ‘If an ISH (man) has SCB (unhealthy sexual relations) with a ZCR (male) as one does with an ISSHAH (woman), both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.’” (Leviticus 20:13)

Leviticus Sexual Health Vocabulary

SCB meaning sexual relations or lie down with appears 213 times in 194 verses of the OT.  SCB, שָׁכַב, pronounced shaw-KAB, means to lie down as in sexual relations, death or any other reason: to cause to lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, take rest, sleep, stay.

In the Pentateuch 18 times SCB means unhealthy sexuality. SCB appears as incestuous rape 5x’s, coercing sex with money 1x, rape of a non family member 6x’s, attempted rape by an authority figure 5x’s, seduction 1x, sex with animals 2x’s, intercourse with hygiene protocols 5x’s, incest with family members 6x’s, abortion protocols 2x’s,  and adultery 2x’s in the Pentateuch. In sexual health contexts SCB is never used for relational intimacy as the word for genital sexual intercourse, YDA. SCB only means coercive or unhealthy sexual hygiene.

SCB as Rape 16 x’s

SCB as Coercion 2x’s

ISH means male, XY chromosome

ISSHAH translates as female, XX chromosome

ZCR can mean prepubescent XY male child as well as an adult male. ZCR appears 82 times in 80 verses of OT. Within the Pentateuch 18 times ZCR means prepubescent child. 16 times in the Pentateuch ZCR may mean sexually mature male. 

The Pentateuch Uses of SCB

The Pentateuch comprises the first five books of the Old Testament, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.  Conservative scholars believe the Pentateuch was written most likely by Moses. The uses of SCB can be outlined as follows:

5x’s Incestuous Rape

Let’s get our father to drink wine and then sleep (SCB) with him and preserve our family line through our father.” (Genesis 19:32)

That night they got their father to drink wine, and the older daughter went in and slept (SCB) with him. He was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up. (Genesis 19:33)

The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Last night I slept (SCB) with my father. Let’s get him to drink wine again tonight, and you go in and sleep (SCB) with him so we can preserve our family line through our father.” (Genesis 19:34)

So they got their father to drink wine that night also, and the younger daughter went in and slept (SCB) with him. Again he was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up. (Genesis 19:35)

3 x’s Coercive Sex for Money

But she said to her, “Wasn’t it enough that you took away my husband? Will you take my son’s mandrakes too?” “Very well,” Rachel said, “he can sleep (SCB) with you tonight in return for your son’s mandrakes.” (Genesis 30:15)

So when Jacob came in from the fields that evening, Leah went out to meet him. “You must sleep (SCB) with me,” she said. “I have hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” So he slept (SCB) with her that night. (Genesis 30:16)

6x Rape

When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of that area, saw her, he took her and raped (SCB) her. (Genesis 34:2)

Meanwhile, Jacob’s sons had come in from the fields as soon as they heard what had happened. They were shocked and furious, because Shechem had done an outrageous thing in Israel by sleeping (SCB as rape) with Jacob’s daughter—a thing that should not be done. (Genesis 34:7)

But if out in the country a man happens to meet a young woman pledged to be married and rapes (SCB) her, only the man who has done this shall die. (Genesis 22:25)

If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pledged to be married and rapes (SCB) her and they are discovered…. (Deuteronomy 22:28)

He shall pay her father fifty shekels of silver. He must marry the young woman, for he has violated (SCB) her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives. (Deuteronomy 22:29)

You will be pledged to be married to a woman, but another will take her and rape (SCB) her. You will build a house, but you will not live in it. You will plant a vineyard, but you will not even begin to enjoy its fruit. (Deuteronomy 28:30)

1x Possible Rape of Father’s Concubine

While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept (SCB as rape) with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard of it. Jacob had twelve sons: (Genesis 35:22)

5x Authority Rape

…and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed (SCB) with me!” (Genesis 39:7)

And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed (SCB) with her or even be with her. (Genesis 39:10)

She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed (SCB) with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. (Genesis 39:12)

She called her household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us! He came in here to sleep (SCB) with me, but I screamed. (Genesis 39:14)

“ ‘If a man sleeps (SCB) with a female slave who is promised to another man but who has not been ransomed or given her freedom, there must be due punishment. Yet they are not to be put to death, because she had not been freed. (Leviticus 19:20)

1 x Seduction Narrative

“If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps (SCB) with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife. (Exodus 22:16)

2 x’s Intercourse with Animals

“Anyone who has sexual relations (SCB) with an animal is to be put to death. (Exodus 22:19)

“Cursed is anyone who has sexual relations (SCB) with any animal.” (Deuteronomy 27:21)

5 x’s Hygiene Protocols

When a man has sexual relations (SCB) with a woman and there is an emission of semen, both of them must bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening. (Leviticus 15:18)

“ ‘Anything she lies (SCB) on during her period will be unclean, and anything she sits on will be unclean.’” (Leviticus 15:20)

“ ‘If a man has sexual relations (SCB) with her and her monthly flow touches him, he will be unclean for seven days; any bed he lies on will be unclean. (Leviticus 15:24)

Any bed she lies on (SCB) while her discharge continues will be unclean, as is her bed during her monthly period, and anything she sits on will be unclean, as during her period. (Leviticus 15:26)

for a woman in her monthly period, for a man or a woman with a discharge, and for a man who has sexual relations (SCB) with a woman who is ceremonially unclean. (Leviticus 15:33)

6x Incest

“ ‘If a man has sexual relations (SCB) with his father’s wife, he has dishonored his father. Both the man and the woman are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads. (Leviticus 20:11)

“ ‘If a man has sexual relations (SCB) with his daughter-in-law, both of them are to be put to death. What they have done is a perversion; their blood will be on their own heads. (Leviticus 20:12)

“ ‘If a man has sexual relations (SCB) with his aunt, he has dishonored his uncle. They will be held responsible; they will die childless. (Deuteronomy 20:20)

“Cursed is anyone who sleeps (SCB) with his father’s wife, for he dishonors his father’s bed.” (Deuteronomy 27:20)

“Cursed is anyone who sleeps (SCB) with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.” (Deuteronomy 27:22)

“Cursed is anyone who sleeps (SCB) with his mother-in-law.” (Deuteronomy 27:23)

2 x’s Abortion Protocols

…so that another man has sexual relations (SCB) with her, and this is hidden from her husband and her impurity is undetected (since there is no witness against her and she has not been caught in the act). (Numbers 5:13)

Then the priest shall put the woman under oath and say to her, “If no other man has had sexual relations (SCB) with you and you have not gone astray and become impure while married to your husband, may this bitter water that brings a curse not harm you. (Numbers 5:19)

2 x’s Adultery

If a man is found sleeping (SCB) with another man’s wife, both the man who slept (SCB) with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel. (Deuteronomy 22:22)

If a man happens to meet in a town a virgin pledged to be married and he sleeps (SCB) with her….(Deuteronomy 22:23)

38 times Genesis through Deuteronomy the term SCB is used in unhealthy sexuality contexts. SCB is never positioned as a sexual health term between consenting adults in the Pentateuch.

The Prophets and Writings Use of SCB

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel feature SCB 27 times. SCB in sexual health contexts appears 7 times. Eli’s sons used their position of authority to seduce women for sex who serve at religious worship services (1 Samuel 2:22). The term SCB, meaning rape, appears three more times in King David’s seduction of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:4), and twice for Amnon’s rape of his sister Tamar (2 Samuel 13:11-14). SCB has one reference to the future sexual assault of King David’s concubines by his son Absalom (2 Samuel 12:11). SCB as genital sexual intercourse occurs twice in reference to Uriah’s resistance to having intercourse with Bathsheba for the purpose of covering up King David’s impregnation of his wife, and David and Bathsheba’s conception of Solomon (2 Samuel 11:11; 2 Samuel 12:24) 

SCBappears 4 times in Isaiah. Isaiah and Zechariah use SCB for rape (Isaiah 13:16; Zechariah 14:2). Ezekiel speaks of the sacred sex trade using SCB, and Micah uses the word in a sense of lack of trust within a romantic relationship (Ezekiel 23:8; Micah 7:5).

The Book of Ruth uses SCB5 times.  Ruth appears in the family narrative of Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew1:5). The author uses SCB skillfully, weaving SCB through the account of Boaz and Ruth becoming sexually intimate and ultimately married. The euphemism “uncovering the feet” may be used for genital sexual intercourse in the narrative of Ruth (Ruth 3:7). All 5 citations refer to sexual contact rather than simple sleeping or lying down.

SCB is used 16 times in sexual health contexts within the Prophets and the Writings. The Prophets never use SCB for healthy sexuality. The context is always seduction, rape, or coercive sexuality.  Book of Ruth uses SCB in a romantic narrative adding the term to uncover the feet. This can be a euphemism for sexual intercourse. Scholars are divided in terms of  “is Ruth an example of healthy sexuality or unhealthy?”

Context of Leviticus 18 and 20

Leviticus 18

Chapter 18 begins with a contextual statement, “You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.” (Leviticus 18:3) The concern appears to orbit incest as was the context of Egyptian sexual health narratives.  Then, Leviticus18:6-17 outlines incest boundaries with immediate family members. 

“ ‘No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD.

“ ‘Do not dishonor your father by having sexual relations with your mother. She is your mother; do not have relations with her.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; that would dishonor your father.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter; that would dishonor you.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with the daughter of your father’s wife, born to your father; she is your sister.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your father’s sister; she is your father’s close relative.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your mother’s sister, because she is your mother’s close relative.

“ ‘Do not dishonor your father’s brother by approaching his wife to have sexual relations; she is your aunt.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your daughter-in-law. She is your son’s wife; do not have relations with her.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would dishonor your brother.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter. Do not have sexual relations with either her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter; they are her close relatives. That is wickedness. (Leviticus 18:6-17)

The term incest is a Hebrew phrase literally, “uncovering the nakedness of.” This phrase connects to the Noah and Ham incest snapshot of Genesis 9 with exact wording.

Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent.  Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father naked and told his two brothers outside.  But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father’s naked body. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father naked. (Genesis 9:20-23)

Leviticus 18:18-23 speaks to a variety of sexual health topics.

“ ‘Do not take your wife’s sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is living.

“ ‘Do not approach a woman to have sexual relations during the uncleanness of her monthly period.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with your neighbor’s wife and defile yourself with her.

“ ‘Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molek, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.

“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with an animal and defile yourself with it. A woman must not present herself to an animal to have sexual relations with it; that is a perversion. (Leviticus 18:18-23)

There are 13 directives regarding incest in Leviticus 18.  5 times chapter 18 speaks to non incestuous unhealthy sexuality. The context of chapter 18 favors Leviticus 18:22 to be a prohibition about unhealthy sexual intercourse with close relationships. In this case, perhaps mandating against child abuse.

Leviticus 20

Chapter 20 begins with mandate against sacrificing children to Molek. With this prohibition against infanticide is a statement about spiritists, those who call upon the dead. The same concern appears at the end of the chapter forming an inclusio tying this section together thematically. Chapter 20 repeats the Leviticus 18 mandates adding detail about abusing family members through infanticide and incest. The writer also addresses cursing parents, adultery with close community relationships, sexual activity during menstruation, and sex with animals. 9 of the commandments address non incestuous sexual health issues. 8 mandates connect to incest. The Leviticus 20:13 statement, 

“ ‘If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads. (Leviticus 20:13)  appears between incest prohibitions. The Leviticus 18 passage appears in the context of incest and unhealthy sexuality within close relationships specifically children.

Leviticus 15:33 may shed some light on the use of ISH as man, and ZQR translated prepubescent male. 

…for a woman in her monthly period, for a ZQR (boy) or a girl with a discharge, and for a man who has sexual relations (SCB) with a woman who is ceremonially unclean. (Leviticus 15:33)

The use of the term ZQR as prepubescent male fits both the chapter 18 and 20 passages showing a distinction between a man who can have intercourse, ISH, and a male prepubescent child, ZQR.

Another Leviticus passage affirms that ZQR can mean prepubescent male. 

He shall offer them before the LORD to make atonement for her, and then she will be ceremonially clean from her flow of blood. These are the regulations for the woman who gives birth to a male child (ZQR) or a girl. (Leviticus 12:7)

Summary

The two passages in question have been translated with the unintended result of violence against same sex communities. The vocabulary appears however to protect male prepubescent children from sexual assault by adult males.