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Leviticus 18:15 - Respect marital boundaries strictly.

Leviticus 18:15 - ויקרא 18:15

Hebrew Text

עֶרְוַת כַּלָּתְךָ לֹא תְגַלֵּה אֵשֶׁת בִּנְךָ הִוא לֹא תְגַלֶּה עֶרְוָתָהּ׃

English Translation

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son’s wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

Transliteration

Ervat kalatcha lo tgaley eshet bincha hi lo tgaley ervatah.

Hebrew Leining Text

עֶרְוַ֥ת כַּלָּֽתְךָ֖ לֹ֣א תְגַלֵּ֑ה אֵ֤שֶׁת בִּנְךָ֙ הִ֔וא לֹ֥א תְגַלֶּ֖ה עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
עֶרְוַ֥ת כַּלָּֽתְךָ֖ לֹ֣א תְגַלֵּ֑ה אֵ֤שֶׁת בִּנְךָ֙ הִ֔וא לֹ֥א תְגַלֶּ֖ה עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Relations with a Daughter-in-Law

The verse "עֶרְוַת כַּלָּתְךָ לֹא תְגַלֵּה אֵשֶׁת בִּנְךָ הִוא לֹא תְגַלֶּה עֶרְוָתָהּ" (Vayikra 18:15) explicitly forbids a father from engaging in forbidden relations with his son’s wife, his daughter-in-law. This prohibition is listed among the arayot</em (forbidden relationships) in the Torah and is considered a severe transgression.

Rashi’s Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 18:15) emphasizes that this prohibition applies even if the son has divorced his wife or passed away, as long as she was once married to the son. The phrase "אֵשֶׁת בִּנְךָ הִוא" ("she is your son’s wife") reinforces that the prohibition remains in effect regardless of the son’s current marital status with her.

Rambam’s Legal Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 1:6) categorizes this prohibition as one of the issurei ervah</em (forbidden sexual relations) that are punishable by karet</em (spiritual excision) if violated intentionally and by malkot</em (lashes) if violated unintentionally. He further clarifies that this prohibition applies whether the son is alive or deceased, and whether the marriage was through kiddushin</em (betrothal) or nisu'in</em (full marriage).

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Sifra, Kedoshim 9:15) connects this prohibition to the episode of Yehuda and Tamar (Bereishit 38), where Yehuda unknowingly engaged with his daughter-in-law. Although Tamar’s actions were justified under the circumstances (as she sought to uphold the laws of yibbum), the Torah later formalized this prohibition to prevent such situations.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • This prohibition is absolute and not subject to annulment, even if the son and daughter-in-law divorce.
  • It applies regardless of whether the son is still married to the woman at the time.
  • The severity of the prohibition is underscored by its inclusion in the list of arayot for which one must give up one’s life rather than transgress (Sanhedrin 74a).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 54a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the prohibitions of incest and the specific relationships that are forbidden according to Torah law.
📖 Yevamot 21b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the laws of forbidden relationships and the implications for levirate marriage (yibbum).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 18:15 mean?
A: Leviticus 18:15 prohibits a father-in-law from having intimate relations with his daughter-in-law (his son's wife). This is part of the Torah's laws regarding forbidden relationships (איסורי עריות), which are considered severe transgressions in Jewish law.
Q: Why is this prohibition important in Judaism?
A: This prohibition is important because it establishes proper family boundaries and moral conduct. The Torah emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and family structure, and violating these boundaries is considered a serious sin (עבירה חמורה). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a) discusses the severity of such forbidden relationships.
Q: Does this law apply today?
A: Yes, this law applies today as part of the eternal Torah commandments. The Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Biah 1:1) lists this prohibition among the forbidden relationships that are binding for all times. Jewish law strictly upholds these moral boundaries in family life.
Q: What is the broader lesson from this verse?
A: The broader lesson is about maintaining proper respect and boundaries in family relationships. The Sages teach that these laws help preserve the holiness of the Jewish home. The verse also reminds us that marriage is sacred and must be treated with utmost respect.
Q: How does Rashi explain this verse?
A: Rashi explains that the repetition in the verse ('you shall not uncover her nakedness') serves to emphasize the prohibition. Even though she is already called 'your son's wife,' the Torah adds extra warning to show the severity of this transgression.