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Originally Posted by bookslover  "Thighs" and "nakedness" are probably meant to refer to the genitals. Somewhere in the Law there is a reference to making sure one is covered so that one's "nakedness" is not exposed while climbing steps.
Also in the Law, there are many references to the effect that having sex with the wrong person (as in sister, wife, mother-in-law, etc.) is to expose the "nakedness" of the other party in the proper relationship. For example, to have sex with one's mother-in-law is to expose the father-in-law's "nakedness" - that is, by having sex with one's mother-in-law, one is seeing (and using) the genitals of a person that only the father-in-law has the right to see (and use). |
This is correct. The term used for nakedness ("erwah") speaks exclusively of the genitalia when its reference is to a person. Isaiah 47:3 is not implying that the uncovered calf of v.2 is a shameful nakedness, it is saying that Babylon will be ashamed because her "nakedness" (wink, wink...) is about to be exposed for all to see.
The word used for leg ("shoq") is primarily a reference to the calf, although other parts of the leg may be referenced, esp. in relation to sacrificial animals. The commentators are agreed that this imagery in v.2 is describing the dress of a humbled servant, and of one going into exile. It is a reference to their social status, not necessarily to the degree of their modesty/immodesty.
I do believe that we should be modest in our dress, as becomes representatives of Christ Jesus, but I also believe that it is more a matter of Christian conscience and applied wisdom than of proof-texting, which is not to show any disrespect whatsoever to those who cover the leg fully.