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Leviticus 20:20 - Uncle's wife: forbidden, severe consequence

Leviticus 20:20 - ויקרא 20:20

Hebrew Text

וְאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יִשְׁכַּב אֶת־דֹּדָתוֹ עֶרְוַת דֹּדוֹ גִּלָּה חֶטְאָם יִשָּׂאוּ עֲרִירִים יָמֻתוּ׃

English Translation

And if a man shall lie with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered his uncle’s nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.

Transliteration

Ve'ish asher yishkav et-dodato ervat dodo gila chetam yisa'u aririm yamutu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֤ר יִשְׁכַּב֙ אֶת־דֹּ֣דָת֔וֹ עֶרְוַ֥ת דֹּד֖וֹ גִּלָּ֑ה חֶטְאָ֥ם יִשָּׂ֖אוּ עֲרִירִ֥ים יָמֻֽתוּ׃
וְאִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֤ר יִשְׁכַּב֙ אֶת־דֹּ֣דָת֔וֹ עֶרְוַ֥ת דֹּד֖וֹ גִּלָּ֑ה חֶטְאָ֥ם יִשָּׂ֖אוּ עֲרִירִ֥ים יָמֻֽתוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Relations with an Uncle's Wife

The verse (Vayikra 20:20) prohibits a man from engaging in relations with his uncle's wife, referring to this act as "uncovering his uncle’s nakedness." This prohibition is one of the arayot</em (forbidden relationships) listed in the Torah, carrying severe consequences.

Explanation of the Sin

Rashi explains that the phrase "עֶרְוַת דֹּדוֹ גִּלָּה" ("he has uncovered his uncle’s nakedness") indicates that this act is considered a violation of familial boundaries, akin to dishonoring one’s uncle. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 1:6) classifies this prohibition as a lav (negative commandment) punishable by karet (spiritual excision) if done intentionally.

Consequences: "They Shall Bear Their Sin"

The phrase "חֶטְאָם יִשָּׂאוּ" ("they shall bear their sin") implies that both the man and the uncle’s wife are held accountable. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a) discusses whether this refers to a court-imposed death penalty or divine punishment. Some opinions hold that this sin is punishable by sekilah (stoning), while others argue it refers to karet.

Meaning of "עֲרִירִים יָמֻתוּ" ("They Shall Die Childless")

The punishment of dying childless is interpreted in multiple ways:

  • Literal Interpretation (Rashi): They will not leave behind children, either because they will die prematurely or be unable to conceive.
  • Spiritual Interpretation (Sforno): Their offspring, if any, will not be considered their spiritual heirs, as they will not carry on their legacy due to the severity of the sin.
  • Midrashic View (Torat Kohanim): This serves as a measure-for-measure punishment—just as they violated the sanctity of family, they will be deprived of the blessing of building a family.

Broader Context in Jewish Law

This prohibition is part of a larger framework in parashat Kedoshim (Vayikra 18-20), which emphasizes holiness in interpersonal relationships. The Ramban notes that these laws distinguish the Jewish people as a nation committed to moral purity. The severity of the punishment underscores the Torah’s emphasis on maintaining proper familial and societal boundaries.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 54b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding forbidden relationships, specifically the prohibition of lying with one's uncle's wife.
📖 Sanhedrin 83a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the punishments for various sins, including the consequences for engaging in forbidden relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 20:20 mean?
A: Leviticus 20:20 prohibits a man from having intimate relations with his uncle's wife (his aunt). This is considered a severe sin because it violates family boundaries and moral laws. The Torah states that those who commit this act will 'bear their sin' and die childless ('aririm yamutu'). Rashi explains that 'childless' refers to either literal childlessness or that their children will not be considered theirs in a spiritual sense.
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 Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a) discusses this law as part of the Torah's strict boundaries against forbidden relationships (arayot). The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:1) also lists this among the severe sins that damage the moral fabric of society.
Q: What does 'they shall die childless' mean?
A: The phrase 'they shall die childless' ('aririm yamutu') has two interpretations in Jewish tradition. Rashi explains it literally—that the offenders will not have children. Alternatively, the Midrash (Sifra) suggests it means their children will not be recognized as legitimate heirs or will not carry on their name. This serves as a Divine consequence for violating this serious prohibition.
Q: Does this law apply today?
A: Yes, this prohibition remains binding today according to Orthodox Jewish law (Halacha). The Rambam (Mishneh Torah) and Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer) classify relations with an uncle's wife as a severe Torah prohibition. Even if the uncle is divorced or deceased, the relationship is still forbidden unless the woman undergoes halachic conversion (if applicable) and other factors are considered.
Q: What can we learn from this verse?
A: This verse teaches the importance of maintaining proper boundaries in family relationships. Jewish tradition emphasizes that forbidden relationships (arayot) disrupt societal harmony and spiritual purity. The severe consequence ('childlessness') highlights the Torah's emphasis on the sanctity of marriage and family structure, as explained in Talmudic and rabbinic sources.