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Leviticus 20:13 - Torah's stance on male relations

Leviticus 20:13 - ויקרא 20:13

Hebrew Text

וְאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יִשְׁכַּב אֶת־זָכָר מִשְׁכְּבֵי אִשָּׁה תּוֹעֵבָה עָשׂוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם מוֹת יוּמָתוּ דְּמֵיהֶם בָּם׃

English Translation

If a man also lie with a man, as one lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

Transliteration

Ve'ish asher yishkav et-zakhar mishkvei isha to'eva asu shenehem mot yumatu demeihem bam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִשְׁכַּ֤ב אֶת־זָכָר֙ מִשְׁכְּבֵ֣י אִשָּׁ֔ה תּוֹעֵבָ֥ה עָשׂ֖וּ שְׁנֵיהֶ֑ם מ֥וֹת יוּמָ֖תוּ דְּמֵיהֶ֥ם בָּֽם׃
וְאִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִשְׁכַּ֤ב אֶת־זָכָר֙ מִשְׁכְּבֵ֣י אִשָּׁ֔ה תּוֹעֵבָ֥ה עָשׂ֖וּ שְׁנֵיהֶ֑ם מ֥וֹת יוּמָ֖תוּ דְּמֵיהֶ֥ם בָּֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Homosexual Relations

The verse (Vayikra 20:13) explicitly prohibits homosexual relations between men, describing it as a תּוֹעֵבָה ("to'eivah" – abomination) and prescribing the death penalty for both participants. This prohibition is rooted in the broader framework of Torah laws governing forbidden relationships (איסורי עריות).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments on this verse, emphasizing that the phrase "מִשְׁכְּבֵי אִשָּׁה" ("as one lies with a woman") refers specifically to sexual intercourse, not mere physical closeness. He further notes that the term "תּוֹעֵבָה" conveys that such an act is abhorrent in the eyes of Hashem, as it violates the natural order established at creation.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:14), the Rambam codifies this prohibition as one of the 365 negative commandments. He explains that this sin is particularly severe because it undermines the foundational purpose of marital relations—procreation—and corrupts the moral fabric of society.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a) derives from this verse that both the active and passive participants in the act are liable for the death penalty.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Kedoshim 14) compares this sin to idolatry, as both are labeled as "תּוֹעֵבָה" in the Torah, indicating their severity.
  • The Sages (Nedarim 51a) teach that engaging in such behavior leads to the deterioration of moral boundaries and societal decay.

Halachic Consequences

According to Halacha, this prohibition applies at all times and is not subject to the leniencies that might apply to other transgressions. The death penalty prescribed here is carried out by סקילה (stoning), as derived from the Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a). However, in practice, the death penalty requires a Sanhedrin and the rigorous evidentiary standards of Jewish courts, which have not been in operation for centuries.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Beyond the legal consequences, the Torah's strong language ("their blood shall be upon them") underscores the spiritual gravity of this sin. The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 20:13) explains that such acts corrupt the divine image in which man was created, as they pervert the natural order intended by Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 54a
The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibition of homosexual relations and the severity of the transgression.
📖 Keritot 2a
Mentioned in relation to the laws of capital punishment and the categories of forbidden sexual relations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 20:13 mean?
A: Leviticus 20:13 prohibits a specific act between two men that is compared to intimate relations between a man and woman. The Torah calls this act a 'to’evah' (abomination) and prescribes the death penalty for those who engage in it. Rashi explains that this refers to a specific forbidden act, not to general feelings or identity.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is part of the Torah’s moral and legal code, emphasizing the sanctity of marital relations as defined by Jewish law (halacha). The Rambam (Maimonides) includes this prohibition in his listing of the 613 commandments (Sefer HaMitzvot, Negative Commandment 350), showing its significance in Jewish tradition.
Q: How does Orthodox Judaism interpret this verse today?
A: Orthodox Judaism maintains the Torah’s prohibition as binding halacha (Jewish law). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a) discusses the details of this prohibition, and contemporary halachic authorities apply it based on traditional interpretation. The focus is on behavior, not orientation, and the verse is understood in the context of Torah’s broader moral framework.
Q: What can we learn from this verse about Jewish values?
A: This verse teaches the Torah’s emphasis on boundaries in intimate relationships, linking them to holiness (kedushah). The Sforno explains that such acts defile the divine image in which humans are created. Jewish tradition values self-control and directing physical desires in permissible ways, as outlined by the Torah.
Q: Does this verse apply to women as well?
A: The Talmud (Yevamot 76a) derives from other verses that intimate relations between women are also prohibited, though not under the same penalty. The Rambam (Issurei Biah 21:8) rules that such acts are forbidden rabbinically, showing that the Torah’s principles extend beyond the specific case in Leviticus 20:13.