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Leviticus 20:14 - Severe punishment for forbidden unions

Leviticus 20:14 - ויקרא 20:14

Hebrew Text

וְאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יִקַּח אֶת־אִשָּׁה וְאֶת־אִמָּהּ זִמָּה הִוא בָּאֵשׁ יִשְׂרְפוּ אֹתוֹ וְאֶתְהֶן וְלֹא־תִהְיֶה זִמָּה בְּתוֹכְכֶם׃

English Translation

And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.

Transliteration

Ve'ish asher yikach et-ishah ve'et-imah zima hi ba'esh yisrefu oto ve'ethen ve'lo-tihyeh zima betochchem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִקַּ֧ח אֶת־אִשָּׁ֛ה וְאֶת־אִמָּ֖הּ זִמָּ֣ה הִ֑וא בָּאֵ֞שׁ יִשְׂרְפ֤וּ אֹתוֹ֙ וְאֶתְהֶ֔ן וְלֹא־תִהְיֶ֥ה זִמָּ֖ה בְּתוֹכְכֶֽם׃
וְאִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִקַּ֧ח אֶת־אִשָּׁ֛ה וְאֶת־אִמָּ֖הּ זִמָּ֣ה הִ֑וא בָּאֵ֞שׁ יִשְׂרְפ֤וּ אֹתוֹ֙ וְאֶתְהֶ֔ן וְלֹא־תִהְיֶ֥ה זִמָּ֖ה בְּתוֹכְכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Marrying a Woman and Her Mother

The verse (Vayikra 20:14) prohibits a man from marrying both a woman and her mother, classifying this act as זִמָּה ("zimah"), a term denoting a particularly severe form of immorality. Rashi explains that this prohibition applies whether the relationships are simultaneous or consecutive, emphasizing the gravity of the transgression. The punishment prescribed—burning by fire—indicates the severity with which the Torah views this violation of family boundaries.

The Nature of the Transgression

Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Bi'ah 1:6) categorizes this prohibition under the laws of forbidden relationships (איסורי עריות), which undermine the sanctity of family structure. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 76a) elaborates that this sin corrupts the natural order, as it introduces jealousy and moral chaos into the family unit. The term זִמָּה is associated with deliberate and brazen immorality, as noted by the Sifra (Kedoshim 10:3).

Punishment and Moral Implications

The punishment of burning (בָּאֵשׁ יִשְׂרְפוּ) is reserved for the most severe offenses. The Ramban explains that this method of execution symbolizes the complete eradication of such behavior from the community. The concluding phrase, "וְלֹא־תִהְיֶה זִמָּה בְּתוֹכְכֶם" ("that there be no wickedness among you"), underscores the communal responsibility to uphold moral standards, as highlighted by the Meshech Chochmah.

Broader Context in Jewish Law

  • The prohibition extends to all cases, whether the mother and daughter are married to the man at the same time or consecutively (Rashi, based on Sifra).
  • The severity of the punishment reflects the Torah's emphasis on maintaining pure family relationships (Rambam, Sefer HaMitzvos, Lo Ta'aseh 353).
  • This law is part of a broader framework of kedushah (holiness) that governs Jewish interpersonal conduct (Talmud, Kiddushin 57a).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 76a
The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibition against marrying a woman and her mother, emphasizing the severity of the sin and the punishment by burning.
📖 Keritot 3a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the types of sins that incur the penalty of burning, highlighting the specific case of marrying a woman and her mother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 20:14 mean?
A: Leviticus 20:14 prohibits a man from marrying both a woman and her mother, calling it 'wickedness' (זִמָּה). The Torah commands that both the man and the women involved be punished by burning if this sin is committed. This law emphasizes the severity of such immoral relationships and the importance of maintaining proper family boundaries.
Q: Why is this prohibition important in Judaism?
A: This prohibition is important because it upholds the sanctity of family relationships and prevents moral corruption. The Torah strictly forbids such unions to maintain purity and holiness (kedushah) among the Jewish people. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Mishneh Torah (Issurei Biah 1:1) that these laws protect the moral fabric of society.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 20:14 today?
A: We learn the Torah's emphasis on ethical boundaries in relationships. Even today, Jewish law (Halacha) strictly forbids such unions, teaching us the importance of respecting family structures and avoiding immoral behavior. The verse reminds us that certain actions are inherently wrong and damaging to society.
Q: Why does the verse mention burning as punishment?
A: Burning was one of the four capital punishments administered by the Sanhedrin (Jewish court) for severe sins. Rashi explains that burning is specified here because this sin is particularly grievous, as it corrupts fundamental family relationships. The severity of the punishment reflects how seriously the Torah views this transgression.
Q: Does this law apply if the man marries the mother after divorcing the daughter?
A: No, this prohibition applies regardless of whether the marriages are simultaneous or consecutive. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 76a) states that marrying a woman's mother is forbidden under any circumstances, even if the man is no longer married to the daughter. This demonstrates how strictly the Torah safeguards family purity.