Leviticus 18:12

12 Do not have intercourse with an aunt, whether she is your father's sister or your mother's sister. ¹

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.

---

FOOTNOTES:

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

Leviticus 18:12 In-Context

10 Do not have intercourse with your granddaughter; that would be a disgrace to you.

11 Do not have intercourse with a half sister; she, too, is your sister.

12 Do not have intercourse with an aunt, whether she is your father's sister or your mother's sister.

14 Do not have intercourse with your uncle's wife; she, too, is your aunt.

Cross References

• 1. 18.12-14Leviticus 20.19, 20.