146

Not to marry a woman and her daughter

The Luchos - Ten Commandments

This page is incomplete.
Help complete the
Mitzvah Minute website.

Mitzvah Minute Logo Icon
עֶרְוַ֥ת אִשָּׁ֛ה וּבִתָּ֖הּ לֹ֣א תְגַלֵּ֑ה אֶֽת־בַּת־בְּנָ֞הּ וְאֶת־בַּת־בִּתָּ֗הּ לֹ֤א תִקַּח֙ לְגַלּ֣וֹת עֶרְוָתָ֔הּ שַׁאֲרָ֥ה הֵ֖נָּה זִמָּ֥ה הִֽוא׃ - פָּרָשַׁת אַחֲרֵי מוֹת
Leviticus 18:17 - "You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter; you shall not take [in marriage] her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness they are close relatives, it is evil counsel."

This Mitzvah's Summary

מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Family – מִשְׁפָּחָה

Forbidden to marry or have relations with both a woman and her daughter.

This mitzvah prohibits marrying or having sexual relations with a woman and her daughter. The Torah explicitly labels such behavior as zimah (depravity), as it destroys the natural boundaries of family and creates intolerable moral corruption. The prohibition extends also to a woman’s granddaughter, whether through her son or her daughter, strengthening the sanctity of generational lines within family life.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi’ah 2:9): Lists this prohibition among the severe arayot (forbidden relations) with the penalty of burning.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 195): The root is to maintain the holiness of family life and prevent perversion of its structure.
  • Talmud (Sanhedrin 75a): Explains the extension of the prohibition to a woman’s descendants and why it is considered particularly depraved (zimah).
(Source: Chabad.org)

Applying this Mitzvah Today

This Mitzvah's Divrei Torah

No connecting Divrei Torah yet.

Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals

This Mitzvah's Fundamental Badges

Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

Information Icon

Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

View Badge →

Justice – צֶדֶק

Information Icon

Mitzvot that uphold fairness, honesty, and moral responsibility. Justice is kindness structured — ensuring that society reflects G-d’s order through truth, equity, and accountability.

View Badge →

Reverence - יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

Information Icon

Signifies awe and reverence toward Hashem—living with awareness of His greatness and presence.

View Badge →

Community – קְהִלָּה

Information Icon

Mitzvot that strengthen communal life — showing up, participating, supporting, and belonging. Community is where holiness is shared, prayers are multiplied, and responsibility becomes collective.

View Badge →

Between a person and G-d - בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

Information Icon

Mitzvot that define and deepen the relationship between a person and their Creator. These include commandments involving belief, prayer, Shabbat, festivals, sacrifices, and personal holiness — expressions of devotion rooted in divine connection.

View Badge →
Mitzvah Minute
Mitzvah Minute Logo

Learn more.

Dive into mitzvot, prayer, and Torah study—each section curated to help you learn, reflect, and live with intention. New insights are added regularly, creating an evolving space for spiritual growth.

Luchos
Live a commandment-driven life

Mitzvah

Explore the 613 mitzvot and uncover the meaning behind each one. Discover practical ways to integrate them into your daily life with insights, sources, and guided reflection.

Learn more

Mitzvah #

1

To know there is a G‑d
The Luchos - Ten Commandments
Learn this Mitzvah

Mitzvah Highlight

Siddur
Connection through Davening

Tefillah

Learn the structure, depth, and spiritual intent behind Jewish prayer. Dive into morning blessings, Shema, Amidah, and more—with tools to enrich your daily connection.

Learn more

Tefillah

Tefillah sub-header
A Siddur
Learn this Tefillah

Tefillah Focus

A Sefer Torah
Study the weekly Torah portion

Parsha

Each week’s parsha offers timeless wisdom and modern relevance. Explore summaries, key themes, and mitzvah connections to deepen your understanding of the Torah cycle.

Learn more

תּוֹלְדוֹת – Toldot

Haftarah: Malachi 1:1 - 2:7
A Sefer Torah
Learn this Parsha

Weekly Parsha