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Leviticus 18:6 - Boundaries of sacred relationships?

Leviticus 18:6 - ויקרא 18:6

Hebrew Text

אִישׁ אִישׁ אֶל־כָּל־שְׁאֵר בְּשָׂרוֹ לֹא תִקְרְבוּ לְגַלּוֹת עֶרְוָה אֲנִי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover her nakedness: I am the Lord.

Transliteration

Ish ish el kol she'er besaro lo tikrevu legalot ervah ani Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

אִ֥ישׁ אִישׁ֙ אֶל־כׇּל־שְׁאֵ֣ר בְּשָׂר֔וֹ לֹ֥א תִקְרְב֖וּ לְגַלּ֣וֹת עֶרְוָ֑ה אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
אִ֥ישׁ אִישׁ֙ אֶל־כׇּל־שְׁאֵ֣ר בְּשָׂר֔וֹ לֹ֥א תִקְרְב֖וּ לְגַלּ֣וֹת עֶרְוָ֑ה אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָֽה׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Incest in Vayikra 18:6

The verse "אִישׁ אִישׁ אֶל־כָּל־שְׁאֵר בְּשָׂרוֹ לֹא תִקְרְבוּ לְגַלּוֹת עֶרְוָה אֲנִי יְהוָה" (Vayikra 18:6) establishes a foundational prohibition against incestuous relationships. The Torah uses the emphatic repetition of "אִישׁ אִישׁ" ("any man") to underscore that this law applies universally to all individuals, regardless of status (Rashi). The phrase "שְׁאֵר בְּשָׂרוֹ" ("near of kin") refers to close blood relatives, as elaborated in the subsequent verses.

Key Interpretations from Traditional Sources

  • Rashi explains that the term "לֹא תִקְרְבוּ" ("you shall not approach") prohibits not only the act of illicit relations but also any preliminary steps that could lead to such behavior, emphasizing the severity of the sin.
  • Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Biah 1:1) categorizes these prohibitions as "איסורי עריות" (forbidden sexual relationships), which are among the most severe transgressions in Torah law, punishable by כרת (spiritual excision) if violated intentionally.
  • The Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a) derives from the phrase "אֲנִי יְהוָה" ("I am the Lord") that these laws are divine decrees, not subject to human rationale, and must be observed as such.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 23:9) teaches that the prohibition against incest distinguishes the moral sanctity of Bnei Yisrael from the depraved practices of ancient nations. By adhering to these laws, Klal Yisrael affirms its commitment to kedushah (holiness), as commanded by Hashem.

Halachic Implications

This verse introduces the detailed list of forbidden relationships in the following verses (Vayikra 18:7-18). The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 188) explains that these boundaries preserve family purity and societal stability, preventing the moral corruption seen in cultures that permit such unions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 21a
The verse is cited in the discussion of forbidden relationships and the laws of incest, emphasizing the prohibition against uncovering the nakedness of near kin.
📖 Sanhedrin 54a
The verse is referenced in the context of defining the categories of forbidden sexual relationships and the severity of transgressing these laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 18:6 mean?
A: Leviticus 18:6 prohibits intimate relations between close relatives, emphasizing the sanctity of family relationships. The Torah lists specific forbidden relationships later in the chapter. Rashi explains that the phrase 'I am the Lord' reminds us that God, who gave these laws, will hold us accountable for keeping them.
Q: Why is the prohibition against incest important in Judaism?
A: The Torah teaches that maintaining proper boundaries in family relationships preserves holiness and moral order. The Rambam (Maimonides) in Mishneh Torah (Issurei Biah 1:1) states that these laws distinguish the Jewish people and promote a sacred society. The Sages also teach that violating these boundaries damages the family structure and societal purity.
Q: How does Leviticus 18:6 apply today?
A: The prohibition against incest remains a permanent Torah law. The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 15) details the practical application of these laws, including which relationships are forbidden. Orthodox Judaism maintains these boundaries strictly, as they are fundamental to Jewish family life and moral conduct.
Q: What can we learn from 'I am the Lord' at the end of the verse?
A: The phrase 'I am the Lord' reinforces that these laws come from Divine authority, not human reasoning. The Midrash (Sifra Acharei Mot 13:14) explains that it reminds us God sees all actions, and we must follow His commandments even when their reasons aren't fully understood.
Q: Does Leviticus 18:6 only apply to men?
A: While the verse uses masculine language ('ish'), Talmudic interpretation (Sanhedrin 58a) makes clear these laws apply equally to women. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 188) explains that the Torah often uses masculine forms as general terms encompassing all people.