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Leviticus 20:17 - Forbidden sibling intimacy's severe consequence

Leviticus 20:17 - ויקרא 20:17

Hebrew Text

וְאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־יִקַּח אֶת־אֲחֹתוֹ בַּת־אָבִיו אוֹ בַת־אִמּוֹ וְרָאָה אֶת־עֶרְוָתָהּ וְהִיא־תִרְאֶה אֶת־עֶרְוָתוֹ חֶסֶד הוּא וְנִכְרְתוּ לְעֵינֵי בְּנֵי עַמָּם עֶרְוַת אֲחֹתוֹ גִּלָּה עֲוֺנוֹ יִשָּׂא׃

English Translation

And if a man shall take his sister, his father’s daughter, or his mother’s daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it is a disgraceful deed; and they shall be cut off in the sight of their people: he has uncovered his sister’s nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.

Transliteration

Ve'ish asher-yikach et-achoto bat-aviv o bat-imo vera'a et-ervatah vehi-tir'e et-ervato chesed hu venichretu le'einei bnei amam ervat achoto gilah avono yisa.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֣ישׁ אֲשֶׁר־יִקַּ֣ח אֶת־אֲחֹת֡וֹ בַּת־אָבִ֣יו א֣וֹ בַת־אִ֠מּ֠וֹ וְרָאָ֨ה אֶת־עֶרְוָתָ֜הּ וְהִֽיא־תִרְאֶ֤ה אֶת־עֶרְוָתוֹ֙ חֶ֣סֶד ה֔וּא וְנִ֨כְרְת֔וּ לְעֵינֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י עַמָּ֑ם עֶרְוַ֧ת אֲחֹת֛וֹ גִּלָּ֖ה עֲוֺנ֥וֹ יִשָּֽׂא׃
וְאִ֣ישׁ אֲשֶׁר־יִקַּ֣ח אֶת־אֲחֹת֡וֹ בַּת־אָבִ֣יו א֣וֹ בַת־אִ֠מּ֠וֹ וְרָאָ֨ה אֶת־עֶרְוָתָ֜הּ וְהִֽיא־תִרְאֶ֤ה אֶת־עֶרְוָתוֹ֙ חֶ֣סֶד ה֔וּא וְנִ֨כְרְת֔וּ לְעֵינֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י עַמָּ֑ם עֶרְוַ֧ת אֲחֹת֛וֹ גִּלָּ֖ה עֲוֺנ֥וֹ יִשָּֽׂא׃

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Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Incest with a Sister

The verse (Vayikra 20:17) prohibits intimate relations with one's sister, whether she is the daughter of one's father or mother. The Torah describes this act as "חֶסֶד" (chesed), which Rashi interprets as "a disgraceful deed" (based on Targum Onkelos). The term "chesed" here is understood in a negative sense, meaning an act of brazenness and impropriety, contrary to its usual positive connotation of kindness.

Severity of the Transgression

The punishment for this sin is "וְנִכְרְתוּ" (venichretu)—being "cut off" from the Jewish people, either through premature death or spiritual excision (Rambam, Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:6). The phrase "לְעֵינֵי בְּנֵי עַמָּם" (before the eyes of their people) emphasizes that this sin is not only a private matter but also a public desecration of moral boundaries.

Halachic Implications

  • The prohibition applies whether the sister is from the same father or mother (Rambam, Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 2:1).
  • The term "עֶרְוַת אֲחֹתוֹ גִּלָּה" (uncovering his sister's nakedness) underscores the severity of violating familial sanctity (Sifra, Kedoshim 10:3).
  • The phrase "עֲוֺנוֹ יִשָּׂא" (he shall bear his iniquity) indicates that the sinner carries the full weight of his transgression (Ibn Ezra).

Moral and Social Dimensions

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 24:6) teaches that such relationships corrupt the moral fabric of society, as they blur the sacred distinctions between family members. The Torah’s emphasis on "חֶסֶד" in this context highlights how an act that should embody familial love and protection is instead perverted into an immoral transgression.

Contrast with Non-Jewish Practices

Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this prohibition distinguishes the Jewish people from ancient societies where such unions were sometimes permitted among nobility (e.g., Egyptian royalty). The Torah’s laws elevate the sanctity of family structure, ensuring moral purity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 54a
The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibitions against incest, specifically regarding relations with one's sister.
📖 Yevamot 55a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the severity of incestuous relationships and the consequences outlined in the Torah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 20:17 mean?
A: Leviticus 20:17 prohibits intimate relations between a man and his sister, whether she is his father's daughter or his mother's daughter. The Torah considers this a disgraceful act ('chesed' in this context means a shameful or forbidden act), and those who commit it are spiritually cut off from the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this prohibition applies even to a half-sister (from the same father or mother).
Q: Why is this prohibition important in Judaism?
A: This prohibition is important because it maintains proper family boundaries and moral conduct, which are foundational in Jewish law. The Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Biah 2:6) lists this among the forbidden relationships that undermine the sanctity of family life. The Torah emphasizes that such acts defile the moral fabric of society, which is why the punishment is severe—being 'cut off' (kareis) from the Jewish people.
Q: Does this verse apply to adopted siblings?
A: According to traditional Jewish law (Halacha), the prohibition in Leviticus 20:17 applies only to biological siblings, not adopted ones, since there is no actual blood relation. However, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 58a) and later authorities discuss additional rabbinic safeguards to maintain proper conduct even in adoptive or step-family relationships to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
Q: What does it mean to be 'cut off' (kareis) for this sin?
A: Being 'cut off' (kareis) is a spiritual punishment mentioned in the Torah for severe transgressions. According to the Talmud (Kerisos 2a), it can mean either premature death or being spiritually severed from one's connection to G-d and the Jewish people. Some opinions (Rambam, Hilchos Teshuvah 8:1) explain that true repentance (teshuvah) can nullify this punishment.
Q: How does this law apply in modern times?
A: This law remains fully applicable today as part of Torah law. The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 15:1) codifies this prohibition, and Orthodox Judaism strictly forbids such relationships. The verse also teaches a broader lesson about maintaining proper boundaries in family and societal relationships, which is still emphasized in Jewish ethical teachings (mussar) today.