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Leviticus 20:19 - Forbidden familial intimacy consequences?

Leviticus 20:19 - ויקרא 20:19

Hebrew Text

וְעֶרְוַת אֲחוֹת אִמְּךָ וַאֲחוֹת אָבִיךָ לֹא תְגַלֵּה כִּי אֶת־שְׁאֵרוֹ הֶעֱרָה עֲוֺנָם יִשָּׂאוּ׃

English Translation

And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister, nor of thy father’s sister: for he uncovers his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.

Transliteration

Ve'ervat achot imecha va'achot avicha lo tegaleh ki et-she'ero he'era avonam yisa'u.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעֶרְוַ֨ת אֲח֧וֹת אִמְּךָ֛ וַאֲח֥וֹת אָבִ֖יךָ לֹ֣א תְגַלֵּ֑ה כִּ֧י אֶת־שְׁאֵר֛וֹ הֶעֱרָ֖ה עֲוֺנָ֥ם יִשָּֽׂאוּ׃
וְעֶרְוַ֨ת אֲח֧וֹת אִמְּךָ֛ וַאֲח֥וֹת אָבִ֖יךָ לֹ֣א תְגַלֵּ֑ה כִּ֧י אֶת־שְׁאֵר֛וֹ הֶעֱרָ֖ה עֲוֺנָ֥ם יִשָּֽׂאוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Relations with Maternal and Paternal Aunts

The verse (Vayikra 18:12-13) prohibits uncovering the nakedness of one's maternal aunt (achot imecha) and paternal aunt (achot avicha). This is part of the broader list of forbidden relationships (arayot) in Parshat Acharei Mot. Rashi explains that the phrase "כִּי אֶת־שְׁאֵרוֹ הֶעֱרָה" ("for he uncovers his near kin") teaches that these relationships are forbidden due to their close familial bond (she'er), as they are blood relatives through one's parents.

Severity of the Transgression

The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 2:6) categorizes relations with a maternal or paternal aunt as a severe biblical prohibition, punishable by karet (spiritual excision) if done intentionally. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a) derives from the phrase "עֲוֺנָם יִשָּׂאוּ" ("they shall bear their iniquity") that both the man and the woman are held accountable for this sin.

Reason for the Prohibition

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 209) explains that these prohibitions uphold the sanctity of family structure and prevent moral corruption. Since aunts are closely related to one's parents, engaging in such relationships would undermine familial respect and lead to societal degradation.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 18:89) connects this prohibition to the broader theme of holiness (kedushah), emphasizing that Israel must distinguish itself from the immoral practices of Egypt and Canaan. By avoiding these forbidden relationships, Bnei Yisrael maintain their spiritual purity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 54b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws prohibiting certain familial relationships, specifically addressing the prohibition of uncovering the nakedness of one's aunt, whether on the mother's or father's side.
📖 Sanhedrin 76a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the severity of transgressing these prohibitions and the consequences thereof, emphasizing the moral and legal implications of such acts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 20:19 mean?
A: Leviticus 20:19 prohibits intimate relations with one's maternal or paternal aunt (mother's sister or father's sister). The Torah considers this a forbidden relationship, as it is an uncovering of 'near kin' (שְׁאֵרוֹ). Rashi explains that this prohibition applies even if the aunt is not biologically related (e.g., a father's sister through marriage). The verse emphasizes that violating this carries spiritual consequences ('they shall bear their iniquity').
Q: Why is this prohibition important in Judaism?
A: This prohibition is part of the Torah's laws of forbidden relationships (איסורי עריות), which are foundational to maintaining family purity and societal boundaries. The Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Bi'ah 2:7) lists these relationships as severe transgressions. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 76a) discusses the gravity of such sins, noting they disrupt family structure and holiness.
Q: Does this law apply to both maternal and paternal aunts equally?
A: Yes, the verse explicitly mentions both 'your mother’s sister' (אֲחוֹת אִמְּךָ) and 'your father’s sister' (אֲחוֹת אָבִיךָ), showing the prohibition applies equally to aunts on either side. The Sifra (Kedoshim 9:12) clarifies that this includes both full and half-sisters of one’s parents.
Q: What is the meaning of 'they shall bear their iniquity'?
A: The phrase 'they shall bear their iniquity' (עֲוֺנָם יִשָּׂאוּ) means that those who violate this prohibition will be held spiritually accountable. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 1:4) explains that such sins require repentance and atonement. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 20:9) also connects this to the concept of divine justice for moral transgressions.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish life today?
A: This law remains binding according to Halacha (Jewish law). The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 15:1) codifies it as a permanent prohibition. It teaches the importance of maintaining proper boundaries in family relationships, a value emphasized in Jewish ethics (e.g., modesty and kedushah/holiness). Orthodox communities uphold these laws strictly, viewing them as timeless divine commandments.