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Leviticus 20:18 - Taharah's sacred boundaries violated?

Leviticus 20:18 - ויקרא 20:18

Hebrew Text

וְאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־יִשְׁכַּב אֶת־אִשָּׁה דָּוָה וְגִלָּה אֶת־עֶרְוָתָהּ אֶת־מְקֹרָהּ הֶעֱרָה וְהִיא גִּלְּתָה אֶת־מְקוֹר דָּמֶיהָ וְנִכְרְתוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם מִקֶּרֶב עַמָּם׃

English Translation

And if a man shall lie with a woman during her menstrual sickness, and shall uncover her nakedness; he has made naked her fountain, and she has uncovered the fountain of her blood: and both of them shall be cut off from among their people.

Transliteration

Ve-ish asher-yishkav et-isha dava ve-gila et-ervata et-mekora he'era ve-hi gila et-mekor dameha ve-nichretu shnehem mikerev amam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְ֠אִ֠ישׁ אֲשֶׁר־יִשְׁכַּ֨ב אֶת־אִשָּׁ֜ה דָּוָ֗ה וְגִלָּ֤ה אֶת־עֶרְוָתָהּ֙ אֶת־מְקֹרָ֣הּ הֶֽעֱרָ֔ה וְהִ֕וא גִּלְּתָ֖ה אֶת־מְק֣וֹר דָּמֶ֑יהָ וְנִכְרְת֥וּ שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם מִקֶּ֥רֶב עַמָּֽם׃
וְ֠אִ֠ישׁ אֲשֶׁר־יִשְׁכַּ֨ב אֶת־אִשָּׁ֜ה דָּוָ֗ה וְגִלָּ֤ה אֶת־עֶרְוָתָהּ֙ אֶת־מְקֹרָ֣הּ הֶֽעֱרָ֔ה וְהִ֕וא גִּלְּתָ֖ה אֶת־מְק֣וֹר דָּמֶ֑יהָ וְנִכְרְת֥וּ שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם מִקֶּ֥רֶב עַמָּֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Intimacy During Niddah

The verse (Vayikra 20:18) addresses the severe prohibition of marital relations with a woman during her state of niddah (menstrual impurity). This is one of the foundational laws of taharat hamishpacha (family purity) in Halacha. The Torah uses strong language—"he has made naked her fountain"—to emphasize the gravity of this transgression, which carries the penalty of karet (spiritual excision) for both parties if violated intentionally.

Explanation of the Terminology

  • "אִשָּׁה דָּוָה" (a woman in her menstrual sickness): Rashi explains that this refers specifically to a woman who has seen menstrual blood, rendering her a niddah. The term davah implies suffering or illness, highlighting the physical state associated with menstruation.
  • "גִּלָּה אֶת־עֶרְוָתָהּ" (uncovered her nakedness): This phrase is used throughout the Torah to denote forbidden intimate relations. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 4:1) clarifies that this includes any form of physical intimacy during niddah.
  • "מְקוֹר דָּמֶיהָ" (the fountain of her blood): The Talmud (Niddah 41b) interprets this as referring to the source of impurity, which must be avoided during the period of niddah.

Severity of the Transgression

The punishment of karet (being "cut off from among their people") underscores the severity of this sin. The Talmud (Keritot 2a) lists this among the sins for which one is liable for karet, indicating its spiritual gravity. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 4:6) further explains that this prohibition is unique because it applies even if the couple is unaware of the niddah status at the time of the act, though karet only applies if done intentionally.

Moral and Spiritual Dimensions

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 20:18) teaches that this law is not merely about ritual impurity but also about sanctifying marital life. By observing the laws of niddah, a couple elevates their relationship beyond physical desire, fostering holiness and self-discipline. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 188) adds that this mitzvah instills reverence for the sacred boundaries set by the Torah.

Practical Halachic Implications

Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 183-184) elaborates on the detailed laws of separation during niddah, including:

  • The requirement for a woman to count seven "clean days" after menstruation ends.
  • The prohibition of any physical contact during this period.
  • The necessity of immersion in a mikveh before resuming marital relations.

These laws ensure that the couple maintains the sanctity of their union as prescribed by the Torah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Niddah 13b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding menstrual impurity (niddah) and the severe prohibition of sexual relations during this time.
📖 Keritot 2a
The verse is referenced in relation to the punishment of karet (being cut off from the people) for transgressing this prohibition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 20:18 mean?
A: Leviticus 20:18 prohibits intimate relations with a woman during her menstrual period (niddah). The Torah describes this as uncovering her 'fountain' (source of blood), and both parties are spiritually 'cut off' (karet) if they violate this law. This is part of the Torah's laws of family purity (taharat hamishpacha).
Q: Why is this law important in Judaism?
A: This law is central to Jewish family life and holiness. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 4:1) explains that distancing during niddah preserves sanctity in marriage. The Talmud (Niddah 31b) also teaches that observing these laws brings blessings, while violating them incurs severe spiritual consequences (karet).
Q: How long must a couple separate during niddah?
A: According to halacha (Jewish law), separation begins when a woman first sees menstrual blood and continues for seven 'clean' days after bleeding stops (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 183-196). Only after immersion in a mikveh (ritual bath) may the couple resume marital relations.
Q: What does 'cut off from their people' (karet) mean?
A: Karet is a serious spiritual consequence mentioned in the Torah. Rashi explains it can mean either dying prematurely or being spiritually severed from one's people. The Talmud (Moed Katan 28a) discusses that karet affects both this world and the afterlife for intentional violations of certain Torah laws like this one.
Q: Does this law still apply today?
A: Yes, Orthodox Jews strictly observe these laws today. The Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) dedicates extensive sections to niddah regulations. Many couples find that this periodic separation enhances their relationship, as the Talmud (Niddah 31b) compares a couple who observes niddah to newlyweds when they reunite.