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Leviticus 18:9 - Half-sister relations forbidden?

Leviticus 18:9 - ויקרא 18:9

Hebrew Text

עֶרְוַת אֲחוֹתְךָ בַת־אָבִיךָ אוֹ בַת־אִמֶּךָ מוֹלֶדֶת בַּיִת אוֹ מוֹלֶדֶת חוּץ לֹא תְגַלֶּה עֶרְוָתָן׃

English Translation

The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.

Transliteration

Ervat achotekh bat-avikha o bat-imekh moledet bayit o moledet khutz lo tegaleh ervatan.

Hebrew Leining Text

עֶרְוַ֨ת אֲחֽוֹתְךָ֤ בַת־אָבִ֙יךָ֙ א֣וֹ בַת־אִמֶּ֔ךָ מוֹלֶ֣דֶת בַּ֔יִת א֖וֹ מוֹלֶ֣דֶת ח֑וּץ לֹ֥א תְגַלֶּ֖ה עֶרְוָתָֽן׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
עֶרְוַ֨ת אֲחֽוֹתְךָ֤ בַת־אָבִ֙יךָ֙ א֣וֹ בַת־אִמֶּ֔ךָ מוֹלֶ֣דֶת בַּ֔יִת א֖וֹ מוֹלֶ֣דֶת ח֑וּץ לֹ֥א תְגַלֶּ֖ה עֶרְוָתָֽן׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Uncovering the Nakedness of a Sister

The verse (Vayikra 18:9) prohibits uncovering the nakedness of one's sister, whether she is the daughter of one's father or mother, born in the household or outside. This is one of the arayot (forbidden sexual relationships) listed in the Torah.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi clarifies that the phrase "whether born at home or abroad" includes both a sister from the same father and mother, as well as a half-sister from either parent. The term "born at home" refers to a sister born from a recognized marriage, while "born abroad" refers to a sister born from an unrecognized or forbidden union (e.g., from an adulterous or incestuous relationship). Even in such cases, the prohibition remains absolute.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Issurei Biah 2:6), Rambam codifies this prohibition as applying to both paternal and maternal sisters, whether legitimate or illegitimate. He emphasizes that this prohibition is among the most severe, as it violates both the sanctity of family and the moral boundaries set by the Torah.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) connects this prohibition to the broader theme of maintaining family purity. It teaches that violating these boundaries leads to moral corruption and societal decay, as seen in the sins of the generation of the Flood and the people of Sodom.

Talmudic Discussion

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 58a) discusses whether this prohibition applies universally (even to non-Jews under the Noahide laws) or specifically to Jews. The conclusion is that while all humanity is forbidden from relations with close relatives, the Torah imposes additional stringencies and punishments specifically on the Jewish people for violating these laws.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • The prohibition includes both biological sisters and half-sisters, regardless of whether they share one or both parents.
  • It applies whether the sister was born from a permitted or forbidden union (e.g., from adultery or incest).
  • This law underscores the Torah's emphasis on maintaining proper familial boundaries and sanctity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 54a
The verse is discussed in the context of defining prohibited relationships, particularly focusing on the prohibition of uncovering the nakedness of one's sister, whether she is the daughter of one's father or mother.
📖 Yevamot 54b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of incest and the specific prohibitions regarding sisters, emphasizing the Torah's strict boundaries on familial relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 18:9 mean?
A: Leviticus 18:9 prohibits intimate relations with one's sister, whether she is a full sister (from both parents), a half-sister (from either the father or mother), or even if she was born outside the immediate family home. This is part of the Torah's laws on forbidden relationships (איסורי עריות) to maintain family purity.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes boundaries for moral and holy conduct within families. The Torah emphasizes kedushah (holiness) in relationships, and these laws prevent immoral behavior that could disrupt family structure. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 58a) and Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 2:6) discuss these prohibitions in detail.
Q: Does this law apply to adopted or stepsisters?
A: According to traditional Jewish law (Halacha), the prohibition applies only to biological sisters, not to stepsisters or adopted sisters unless they are also biologically related (e.g., through a shared parent). Rashi (on Leviticus 18:9) clarifies that the verse specifies 'daughter of your father or mother,' meaning blood relations.
Q: How does this apply in modern times?
A: This law remains fully applicable today as part of Torah observance. Jewish communities uphold these boundaries to maintain family sanctity. The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 15) codifies these laws, and Orthodox Jews follow them strictly, ensuring moral conduct in line with Torah values.
Q: What is the punishment for violating this prohibition?
A: The Torah prescribes karet (spiritual excision) for such violations (Leviticus 18:29). In ancient times, when Jewish courts had full authority, the punishment could also include death (Sanhedrin 54a). Today, while courts do not administer physical punishments, the spiritual severity remains, and repentance (teshuvah) is emphasized.