Exposing the Thigh is Nakedness

by Stephanie A. Mayberry

The Bible is very clear on where we should draw lines regarding how we dress. In 1 Timothy 2:9 and 1 Corinthians 12:23, we are given strong instruction to dress modestly.

But what does that even mean?

There’s a lot of confusion out there. I would venture to say that the majority of women aren’t really sure just what is considered biblically modest and what isn’t. This is leading many of them to turn to other women (who are often just as confused or unknowing as they are) to get their opinions.

Problem is, opinions vary and if you aren’t seeking good, Godly counsel that sends you to scripture, then the chances are very good that you will be led down an ungodly path.

If you want the answer, the first place to turn in your Bible. There are two reasons for this:

• The Bible tells us to (2 Timothy 3:16)
• When we stand in judgment, the ONLY measure by which we will be judged is scripture (Revelation 20:12)

God won’t be asking you what your Facebook friends told you to do. He will ask you how closely you adhered to His word. He will look at how closely you modeled your life after scripture.

With that said, if you want to know how modest is modest, then you need to open the Book and find out what God has to say on the subject.

Scripture says exposing the thigh is nakedness. There are two important verses that make this very clear:

• Exodus 28:42 “And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach”
• Isaiah 47:2-3 “Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.”

However, there’s more to it than just exposure. As we seek the mind of Christ in our actions or behaviors, we search the scriptures and learn how God views it – how He feels about it. When it comes to nakedness, scripture is very clear. God’s pretty serious about it.

Leviticus 18:6-17 discusses uncovering or exposing the nakedness of various family members with the intention of having intimate relations. It ends by stating that it is wickedness. While this is dealing with incest and prohibited intimate relations, you can’t help but notice how scripture ties nakedness to sexuality or sensuality. Exposing nakedness is exposing sexuality or sensuality and that is considered to be wickedness in the eyes of God.

It is the opposite of modesty.

So, when you wear those short shorts or skirts above the knee, according to the Bible you are exposing your nakedness – you are flaunting your sexuality.

And that is wickedness in God’s eyes.

And for those who think that the Old Testament is irrelevant or that we are “no longer under the law” (which is a lie from hell by the way) remember what 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us.

In John 21:7 we see Peter out in the boat fishing with the other disciples. He was in his undergarments which was acceptable since he was working on the boat and only in the company of other men. The boat was out in the water and it was not likely that a woman or anyone else would see him.

However, when he saw Jesus standing on the shore, he wanted to go to him. The first thing that he did was put on his tunic, or outer garments. He covered his nakedness because he was going to shore, and he did not want to be naked in public. Even though he was wearing his undergarments and would be fine by the world’s standards, he knew that scripture required more of him.

So, he covered his nakedness.

By God’s standards, Peter was naked because he was bare above the knee.

God does not stutter or stammer on this, He does not hem or haw. He is very clear.

Yes, you still have the choice to follow the advice of your worldly friends and expose whatever you want. But if you are trying to live as God commanded, then you must remember the He called you out of the world.

You aren’t supposed to look like the world. You have been set apart.

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

Finally, remember Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Modesty is beautiful. Always.