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Leviticus 18:10 - Grandchild intimacy forbidden—why?

Leviticus 18:10 - ויקרא 18:10

Hebrew Text

עֶרְוַת בַּת־בִּנְךָ אוֹ בַת־בִּתְּךָ לֹא תְגַלֶּה עֶרְוָתָן כִּי עֶרְוָתְךָ הֵנָּה׃

English Translation

The nakedness of thy son’s daughter, or of thy daughter’s daughter, their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thy own nakedness.

Transliteration

Ervat bat-binkha o bat-bitkha lo tgalye ervatan ki ervatkha hena.

Hebrew Leining Text

עֶרְוַ֤ת בַּת־בִּנְךָ֙ א֣וֹ בַֽת־בִּתְּךָ֔ לֹ֥א תְגַלֶּ֖ה עֶרְוָתָ֑ן כִּ֥י עֶרְוָתְךָ֖ הֵֽנָּה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
עֶרְוַ֤ת בַּת־בִּנְךָ֙ א֣וֹ בַֽת־בִּתְּךָ֔ לֹ֥א תְגַלֶּ֖ה עֶרְוָתָ֑ן כִּ֥י עֶרְוָתְךָ֖ הֵֽנָּה׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Context and Prohibition

The verse (Vayikra 18:10) prohibits uncovering the nakedness of one's granddaughter, whether from a son or a daughter. This is part of the Torah's broader framework of forbidden relationships (איסורי עריות) outlined in Parshat Acharei Mot. The phrase "כי ערותך הנה" ("for theirs is thy own nakedness") emphasizes the severity of the prohibition, equating it with a direct violation of one's own dignity.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 18:10) clarifies that the prohibition applies to both a son's daughter and a daughter's daughter, stressing that the Torah explicitly mentions both to remove any ambiguity. He explains that the phrase "כי ערותך הנה" means that such a relationship is akin to uncovering one's own nakedness, as the granddaughter is a direct extension of oneself.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:6) codifies this prohibition as one of the biblical forbidden relationships (איסורי כרת). He emphasizes that this applies regardless of whether the granddaughter is from a son or daughter, and whether the relationship is through marriage (e.g., a step-granddaughter) or blood relation.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 18:10) elaborates that the repetition of "ערותך" ("your nakedness") teaches that this sin carries a unique severity, as it corrupts the sanctity of family lineage. The Sages compare it to the sin of incest with one's own daughter, as the granddaughter is considered an extension of oneself.

Halachic Implications

  • The prohibition applies to both biological and adopted grandchildren (Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer 15:10).
  • It includes not only physical relations but also any inappropriate intimacy (Rambam, Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 21:1).
  • The punishment for violating this prohibition is כרת (spiritual excision) if done intentionally, and a sin offering if done unintentionally (Makkot 13a).

Moral and Ethical Lessons

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 188) explains that this prohibition reinforces the sanctity of family boundaries, ensuring that familial relationships remain pure and dignified. By forbidding such unions, the Torah safeguards the moral fabric of society and prevents the blurring of generational roles.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 54a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the prohibitions of incestuous relationships, specifically regarding the prohibition of uncovering the nakedness of one's granddaughter.
📖 Yevamot 21b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the degrees of forbidden relationships and the application of these laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 18:10 mean?
A: Leviticus 18:10 prohibits intimate relations with one's granddaughter (whether from a son or daughter). The Torah considers this a severe violation because the granddaughter is considered an extension of one's own 'nakedness' (a term referring to forbidden familial relationships). This is part of the Torah's laws on forbidden relationships (איסורי עריות) meant to uphold moral boundaries in family life.
Q: Why is this prohibition important in Judaism?
A: This prohibition is fundamental to maintaining proper family structure and holiness (kedusha) in Jewish life. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:1) explains that these laws distinguish the Jewish people as a holy nation. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 58a) also teaches that these laws apply to all humanity as part of the Noahide laws.
Q: How does this verse apply today?
A: This prohibition remains binding today as part of Torah law. The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 15:1) codifies this as a permanent prohibition. Modern halachic authorities emphasize that these boundaries protect family purity and prevent emotional harm that comes from inappropriate relationships.
Q: Why does the verse say 'their nakedness is your own nakedness'?
A: Rashi explains that since grandchildren come from you, they are considered like your own flesh. The Sforno adds that violating this boundary is akin to violating yourself, as the family connection makes it a particularly grievous sin. This language emphasizes how closely connected generations are in Jewish thought.
Q: Are there any exceptions to this prohibition?
A: No, there are no exceptions. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 2:6) states this prohibition applies whether the granddaughter is from a son or daughter, and whether the relationship is through marriage (step-granddaughter) or blood. The prohibition remains even if the intermediate generation (the parent) has passed away.