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Leviticus 18:11 - Forbidden sisterly relations.

Leviticus 18:11 - ויקרא 18:11

Hebrew Text

עֶרְוַת בַּת־אֵשֶׁת אָבִיךָ מוֹלֶדֶת אָבִיךָ אֲחוֹתְךָ הִוא לֹא תְגַלֶּה עֶרְוָתָהּ׃

English Translation

The nakedness of thy father’s wife’s daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

Transliteration

Ervat bat-eshet avicha moledet avicha achotecha hi lo tgaley ervatah.

Hebrew Leining Text

עֶרְוַ֨ת בַּת־אֵ֤שֶׁת אָבִ֙יךָ֙ מוֹלֶ֣דֶת אָבִ֔יךָ אֲחוֹתְךָ֖ הִ֑וא לֹ֥א תְגַלֶּ֖ה עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
עֶרְוַ֨ת בַּת־אֵ֤שֶׁת אָבִ֙יךָ֙ מוֹלֶ֣דֶת אָבִ֔יךָ אֲחוֹתְךָ֖ הִ֑וא לֹ֥א תְגַלֶּ֖ה עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Context in Leviticus

The verse (Vayikra 18:11) appears in the section of the Torah detailing forbidden relationships (איסורי עריות). It specifically prohibits relations with a half-sister from one's father, emphasizing the sanctity of family boundaries established by Halacha.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi clarifies that this prohibition applies even if the sister is from a wife whom the father did not legally marry (e.g., a concubine or non-Jewish wife), as long as she is biologically his daughter. The phrase "מוֹלֶדֶת אָבִיךָ" ("begotten of thy father") includes any daughter fathered by him, regardless of the mother's status.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Issurei Biah 2:6), Rambam codifies this prohibition as one of the 365 negative commandments. He emphasizes that this applies whether the sister was born from a permitted or forbidden union (e.g., from an incestuous or adulterous relationship), as the paternal lineage defines the prohibition.

Talmudic Discussion

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 58a) debates whether this prohibition applies to Noahides (non-Jews), concluding that while Jews are forbidden from relations with any half-sister, Noahides are only prohibited if the sister shares both parents (full sister). This highlights the stricter sanctity demanded of Bnei Yisrael.

Midrashic Insight

The Sifra (Kedoshim 9:11) connects this verse to the broader theme of kedushah (holiness), teaching that avoiding such relationships distinguishes Am Yisrael as a holy nation. The repetition of "אֲחוֹתְךָ הִוא" ("she is your sister") underscores the unnaturalness of violating this familial bond.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • This prohibition includes both marital relations and lesser intimate contact (חיבוק ונישוק).
  • It applies even if the father is no longer married to the woman (e.g., after divorce or death).
  • The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 188) explains that such boundaries prevent moral corruption and preserve family structure.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 54b
The verse is discussed in the context of defining prohibited relationships, particularly focusing on the prohibition of uncovering the nakedness of one's half-sister from the same father.
📖 Sanhedrin 58a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of incest and the specific prohibitions regarding relationships with close family members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 18:11 mean?
A: Leviticus 18:11 prohibits uncovering the nakedness (i.e., engaging in forbidden relationships) with a half-sister who shares the same father. This is part of the Torah's laws on forbidden relationships (איסורי עריות) to maintain family purity and holiness.
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 the sanctity of family relationships, and violating these laws is considered a severe transgression (עבירה חמורה). The Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Biah 1:1) lists these prohibitions as foundational to Jewish law.
Q: Does this prohibition apply to a half-sister from the mother's side?
A: No, this verse specifically addresses a half-sister from the father's side (מוֹלֶדֶת אָבִיךָ). However, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 58a) and Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Biah 2:7) explain that a half-sister from the mother's side is also forbidden, based on other Torah verses (Leviticus 18:9).
Q: How does this law apply today?
A: This prohibition remains binding today, as all Torah laws of forbidden relationships apply in all times. Jewish law (Halacha) strictly forbids marriage or intimate relations with a half-sister, whether from the father’s or mother’s side, as codified in the Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 15:1).
Q: What is the deeper lesson from this verse?
A: Beyond the legal prohibition, this verse teaches the importance of maintaining proper boundaries and respect within family relationships. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 23:9) connects these laws to the idea of kedushah (holiness), emphasizing that holiness is achieved by restraining physical desires in accordance with Torah guidelines.