Q.

The charge has been made that the Bible contradicts itself in that it sanctions incest (the children of Adam and Eve must have intermarried) and yet, the Scriptures condemn such relationships in Leviticus 18:6-18. And does Paul give a father permission to marry his own daughter in 1 Corinthians 7:36-38?

A.

In those early days of Earth’s history, when the first human family was given the responsibility to multiply and fill the Earth (Genesis 1:28), and when mankind obviously was much more physically robust than it is now (cf. Genesis 5:3ff.), it is clear that marriages between those of close kin were not unusual. Abraham and Sarah were half-brother and sister (Genesis 20:12). [NOTE: The physical vigor of the patriarchs is attested by the fact that King Abimelech wanted Sarah for his harem—this beautiful lady of ninety years! (Genesis 20:2; 17:17).] Moreover, Isaac and Rebekah were second cousins (Genesis 22:20ff.; 24:4), and Jacob was wed to the daughters of Laban, his mother’s brother (Genesis 27:43), hence, to his first cousins. Observe, however, that even in patriarchal times such incestuous acts as that engaged in by Lot and his daughters were strongly condemned (Genesis 19:30ff.).

It must be emphasized, though, that the Mosaic law forbidding family marriages came centuries later. And no one is accountable to a law enacted centuries after he is dead! Our own Constitution prohibits the passage of ex post facto legislation.

Many scholars believe that the Mosaic law was enacted: (a) to separate Israel from the immoral practices of the Egyptians and the Canaanites—the incestuous, immoral relationships among these people were renowned; and (b) as a physical/mental health measure for the progressively weakening human family.

No, Paul is not granting permission for a father/daughter marriage in 1 Corinthians 7. He is discussing the marriage relationship in a period of impending persecution (see 7:26ff.), and in an age when, according to both Jewish and Greek practice, the marital disposal of daughters was in the hands of the father. Verse 38 reveals that the apostle is dealing with the propriety of a father “giving” his daughter in marriage. Accordingly, we may paraphrase verses 36-37 as follows.

But if any man [father] thinketh that he behaveth unseemly [by withholding permission to marry] toward his virgin [daughter], if she be past the flower of her age [marital maturity], and if need so requireth [her happiness is jeopardized], let him do what he will [grant her permission to marry in spite of apostolic advice to remain single]; he sinneth not [in allowing her to marry]. But he that standeth steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power as touching his own will, and hath determined this in his own heart, to keep [to maintain her single status] his own virgin [daughter], shall do well [it is his privilege to so do and such may insure her greater happiness in view of the threatened danger of persecution—cf. vs. 40].