share torah logo

Leviticus 18:14 - Respect family boundaries strictly.

Leviticus 18:14 - ויקרא 18:14

Hebrew Text

עֶרְוַת אֲחִי־אָבִיךָ לֹא תְגַלֵּה אֶל־אִשְׁתּוֹ לֹא תִקְרָב דֹּדָתְךָ הִוא׃

English Translation

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thy aunt.

Transliteration

Ervat achi-avicha lo tigale el-ishto lo tikrav dodatecha hi.

Hebrew Leining Text

עֶרְוַ֥ת אֲחִֽי־אָבִ֖יךָ לֹ֣א תְגַלֵּ֑ה אֶל־אִשְׁתּוֹ֙ לֹ֣א תִקְרָ֔ב דֹּדָֽתְךָ֖ הִֽוא׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
עֶרְוַ֥ת אֲחִֽי־אָבִ֖יךָ לֹ֣א תְגַלֵּ֑ה אֶל־אִשְׁתּוֹ֙ לֹ֣א תִקְרָ֔ב דֹּדָֽתְךָ֖ הִֽוא׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Relations with a Father's Brother's Wife

The verse (Vayikra 18:14) prohibits uncovering the nakedness of one's paternal uncle's wife, emphasizing that she is one's dodah (aunt). This is part of the Torah's broader framework of forbidden relationships (arayot), which are detailed in Parshat Acharei Mot.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 18:14) clarifies that this prohibition applies even if the uncle is not one's father's biological brother but a brother through a shared father (i.e., a half-brother). The term "achiv" (his brother) includes both full and half-brothers, as derived from the general principles of Torah law.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 2:7) codifies this prohibition as one of the Biblically forbidden relationships. He explains that this law applies whether the uncle is alive or deceased, and regardless of whether the aunt is married or widowed. The prohibition is absolute and not contingent on the uncle's status.

Talmudic Discussion

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a) derives from this verse that the prohibition includes both the wife of one's father's brother and the wife of one's mother's brother (though the latter is not explicitly mentioned in this verse). The Gemara expands the prohibition through hermeneutic principles (gezeira shava), ensuring a comprehensive scope of forbidden relationships.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 18:14) connects this mitzvah to the broader theme of maintaining family sanctity. It teaches that violating these boundaries leads to moral and societal decay, as seen in the narrative of Nadav and Avihu (who, according to some Midrashic opinions, were punished due to improper conduct related to familial sanctity).

Practical Halachic Implications

  • This prohibition applies even if the uncle and aunt are divorced, as the aunt retains her status as a forbidden relation.
  • According to the Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 15:1), this law is binding at all times and is not subject to rabbinic leniency.
  • The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 209) emphasizes that this mitzvah reinforces the importance of maintaining proper boundaries within family structures.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 54b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding forbidden relationships, specifically addressing the prohibition of uncovering the nakedness of one's father's brother's wife.
📖 Sanhedrin 54a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the severity of incestuous relationships and the biblical prohibitions surrounding them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 18:14 mean?
A: Leviticus 18:14 prohibits intimate relations with one's aunt (the wife of one's father's brother). This is part of the Torah's laws on forbidden relationships (איסורי עריות), which define moral and familial boundaries. Rashi explains that this verse specifically forbids marrying or having relations with one's paternal uncle's wife, as she is considered like a close family member ('דודתך היא'—'she is your aunt').
Q: Why is this prohibition important in Judaism?
A: This prohibition upholds the sanctity of family structure and prevents improper mixing of familial roles. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:1) teaches that these laws preserve moral order and distinguish the Jewish people as a holy nation. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 58a) also discusses how these boundaries protect dignity and prevent chaos in family relationships.
Q: Does this law apply to both paternal and maternal aunts?
A: This verse specifically addresses the wife of one's father's brother (paternal aunt). However, the Torah elsewhere (Leviticus 18:12-13) also prohibits relations with maternal aunts (one's mother's sisters). The Talmud (Yevamot 54b) derives from these verses that all aunts—whether paternal or maternal—are included in the prohibition.
Q: How does this apply to Jewish life today?
A: This law remains binding today as part of halacha (Jewish law). The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 15:1) codifies this prohibition, and Orthodox Jews strictly avoid marriages or relationships with aunts, whether by blood or marriage. It reinforces the Torah's emphasis on maintaining proper family boundaries in all generations.
Q: What is the deeper lesson behind this commandment?
A: The Midrash (Torat Kohanim on Kedoshim) teaches that these laws elevate human relationships beyond physical desire, infusing them with kedushah (holiness). By respecting these boundaries, we emulate Hashem's sanctity ('קדושים תהיו כי קדוש אני'). The Sforno adds that such restraints refine character and direct love appropriately within families.