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Leviticus 18:17 - Forbidden family relations' boundaries?

Leviticus 18:17 - ויקרא 18:17

Hebrew Text

עֶרְוַת אִשָּׁה וּבִתָּהּ לֹא תְגַלֵּה אֶת־בַּת־בְּנָהּ וְאֶת־בַּת־בִּתָּהּ לֹא תִקַּח לְגַלּוֹת עֶרְוָתָהּ שַׁאֲרָה הֵנָּה זִמָּה הִוא

English Translation

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is foulness.

Transliteration

Ervat isha u-vitah lo tigale et bat-b'nah v'et bat-bitah lo tikach l'galot ervatah sha'ara hena zima hi

Hebrew Leining Text

עֶרְוַ֥ת אִשָּׁ֛ה וּבִתָּ֖הּ לֹ֣א תְגַלֵּ֑ה אֶֽת־בַּת־בְּנָ֞הּ וְאֶת־בַּת־בִּתָּ֗הּ לֹ֤א תִקַּח֙ לְגַלּ֣וֹת עֶרְוָתָ֔הּ שַׁאֲרָ֥ה הֵ֖נָּה זִמָּ֥ה הִֽוא׃
עֶרְוַ֥ת אִשָּׁ֛ה וּבִתָּ֖הּ לֹ֣א תְגַלֵּ֑ה אֶֽת־בַּת־בְּנָ֞הּ וְאֶת־בַּת־בִּתָּ֗הּ לֹ֤א תִקַּח֙ לְגַלּ֣וֹת עֶרְוָתָ֔הּ שַׁאֲרָ֥ה הֵ֖נָּה זִמָּ֥ה הִֽוא׃

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Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Incestuous Relationships

The verse from Vayikra (Leviticus) 18:17 prohibits intimate relations with a woman and her daughter, as well as with a granddaughter (whether from a son or daughter). This is part of the broader Torah laws concerning forbidden relationships (איסורי עריות), which are considered severe transgressions. The term "עֶרְוַת" (nakedness) here refers to illicit sexual relations, as explained by Rashi and other commentators.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 18:17) clarifies that this prohibition extends to a mother and daughter, as well as to granddaughters, emphasizing that one may not marry or engage in relations with both a woman and her descendants in a direct line. He notes that the phrase "שַׁאֲרָה הֵנָּה" ("they are her near kinswomen") indicates that these relationships are considered close family ties, making such unions morally and legally forbidden.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Issurei Biah 1:6), the Rambam codifies this prohibition as part of the Torah's laws on forbidden relationships. He explains that the severity of this sin is underscored by the term "זִמָּה" ("foulness" or "lewdness"), indicating that such acts are abhorrent and corrupt the moral fabric of society.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Talmud (Sanhedrin 76a) discusses the severity of this prohibition, linking it to the broader category of גילוי עריות (forbidden sexual relations), which are punishable by karet (spiritual excision) if committed intentionally.
  • Midrash Torat Kohanim (Sifra, Kedoshim 9:12) elaborates that these laws are meant to distinguish the Jewish people from the immoral practices of the surrounding nations, particularly the Canaanites, whose behaviors the Torah explicitly condemns.

Moral and Social Implications

Beyond the legal prohibition, Orthodox Jewish thought emphasizes the ethical dimension of these laws. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 188) explains that such relationships undermine family structure and societal harmony, leading to jealousy, strife, and moral degradation. The Torah's emphasis on "זִמָּה" highlights the unnatural and corrupting nature of these acts.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 21b
The verse is cited in the discussion of forbidden relationships, particularly regarding the prohibition of uncovering the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, emphasizing the severity of these prohibitions.
📖 Sanhedrin 76a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the laws of incest and the moral implications of such actions, highlighting the Torah's strict prohibitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 18:17 mean?
A: Leviticus 18:17 prohibits intimate relations with a woman and her daughter, as well as with a granddaughter (whether from a son or daughter). The Torah considers these relationships forbidden due to their close familial ties, calling it 'foulness' (zimah). This is part of the Torah's laws on forbidden relationships (arayot) meant to uphold moral boundaries in family life.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes clear moral and familial boundaries, which are foundational to Jewish law (halacha). The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 1:1) lists these prohibitions among the severe sins that one must avoid. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a) also discusses the severity of these prohibitions, emphasizing the Torah's commitment to maintaining purity in family relationships.
Q: How does this apply today according to Orthodox Judaism?
A: Orthodox Judaism maintains that these prohibitions are eternally binding. The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 15) codifies these laws, and they remain strictly observed. This means that such relationships are forbidden under any circumstances, reinforcing the Torah's timeless values of family sanctity.
Q: What can we learn from this verse?
A: This verse teaches the importance of respecting family boundaries and maintaining moral integrity. Rashi explains that the term 'zimah' (foulness) implies these acts are morally corrupt. The Torah's emphasis on these laws highlights the value of dignified and holy relationships within the family structure.
Q: Does this verse only apply to biological relationships?
A: According to traditional Jewish sources, this prohibition includes both biological and non-biological relationships (e.g., stepdaughters or adopted daughters), as derived from Talmudic interpretation (Yevamot 21a). The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 1:7) clarifies that the prohibition extends to any daughter figure under one's guardianship, emphasizing the broader ethical principle.