Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 20:11 mean?
A: Leviticus 20:11 prohibits a man from having intimate relations with his father's wife (excluding his own mother, as that is addressed separately). This is considered a severe sin because it violates family boundaries and dishonors the father. The Torah states that both parties involved are subject to the death penalty, emphasizing the gravity of this transgression.
Q: Why is this prohibition important in Judaism?
A: This prohibition is important because it safeguards the sanctity of family relationships. The Torah places great emphasis on maintaining proper boundaries within the family to prevent moral corruption and societal breakdown. Rashi explains that this act is particularly severe because it 'uncovers the father’s nakedness,' meaning it violates the respect and sanctity owed to one’s father.
Q: Does this law apply only to a man's biological mother?
A: No, this verse refers to any woman who is or was married to the man’s father, even if she is not his biological mother. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a) clarifies that the prohibition includes a father’s wife regardless of whether she is the man’s mother or another wife (e.g., a stepmother). However, relations with one’s own mother are already forbidden under a separate prohibition (Leviticus 18:7).
Q: How does this verse apply today if there is no death penalty?
A: While the death penalty is not practiced today due to the absence of the Sanhedrin (Jewish high court), the prohibition remains fully in effect. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah (Laws of Forbidden Relations) that such acts are still considered among the most severe sins, and repentance (teshuvah) is required for forgiveness. Jewish law maintains strict consequences, including spiritual and communal repercussions, for violating these boundaries.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leviticus 20:11?
A: This verse teaches the importance of respecting family structure and maintaining moral boundaries. The Torah’s strict stance highlights how destructive such behavior is to both individuals and society. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah) connects this to the idea that holiness begins in the home—proper relationships between family members are foundational to a righteous life and a sanctified community.
Prohibition of Relations with a Father's Wife
The verse (Vayikra 20:11) prohibits a man from having relations with his father's wife, classifying it as a severe transgression. The phrase "עֶרְוַת אָבִיו גִּלָה" ("uncovered his father’s nakedness") emphasizes the gravity of the act, as it violates the sanctity of the father's marital bond.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Vayikra 20:11) clarifies that this prohibition applies whether the father is still alive or has passed away, and whether the woman is the man’s biological mother or another wife of his father (such as a stepmother). The severity of the sin is underscored by the punishment of מוֹת יוּמְתוּ ("they shall surely be put to death"), indicating that both parties are held accountable.
Halachic Severity
According to the Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 1:7), this prohibition is one of the איסורי עריות (forbidden sexual relationships) that carry the death penalty. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a) further elaborates that this sin is punishable by סקילה (stoning), the most severe form of capital punishment in Jewish law, due to its abhorrent nature.
Midrashic Insight
The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 20:11) connects this prohibition to the incident of Reuven (Bereishit 35:22), who was chastised for interfering with his father Yaakov’s marital arrangements. While Reuven did not commit the full transgression described here, the Midrash uses this episode to highlight the sensitivity of familial boundaries.
Moral and Ethical Implications
The phrase "דְּמֵיהֶם בָּם" ("their blood is upon them") signifies that the offenders bear full responsibility for their actions. The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 20:11) explains that this language implies they have forfeited their right to life due to the corruption they introduced into the family structure, undermining the foundations of morality.