Leviticus 18:12

12 You must not have sexual relations with your father’s sister; she is your father’s close relative.

Leviticus 18:12 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 18:12

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister,
&c.] His aunt by his father's side, an instance of which we have in Amram, ( Exodus 6:20 ) ; and Maimonides says ^F9, an aunt was forbidden whether she was a father's sister in lawful wedlock or in fornication: she [is] thy father's near kinswoman;
or, the rest of thy father ^F11; the residue of his flesh, one of the same flesh and blood with him; wherefore, as he could not marry her himself, so his son likewise was too near akin to enter into such a relation with her.

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 Hilchot Issure Biah, c. 2. sect. 5.
F11 (Kyba rav) "reliquiarum patris tui", Tigurine version.

Leviticus 18:12 In-Context

10 You must not have sexual relations with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter, for that would shame your family.

11 You must not have sexual relations with the daughter of your father’s wife, born to your father; she is your sister.

12 You must not have sexual relations with your father’s sister; she is your father’s close relative.

13 You must not have sexual relations with your mother’s sister, for she is your mother’s close relative.

14 You must not dishonor your father’s brother by approaching his wife to have sexual relations with her; she is your aunt.