124

Not to withhold food, clothing, and sexual relations from your wife

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
אִם־אַחֶ֖רֶת יִֽקַּֽח־ל֑וֹ שְׁאֵרָ֛הּ כְּסוּתָ֥הּ וְעֹנָתָ֖הּ לֹ֥א יִגְרָֽע׃ - פָּרָשַׁת מִשְׁפָּטִים
Exodus 21:10 - "If he takes another [wife] for himself, he shall not diminish her sustenance, her clothing, or her marital relations."

This Mitzvah's Summary

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

A husband may not withhold sustenance, clothing, or marital intimacy from his wife.

This mitzvah prohibits a husband from depriving his wife of her essential needs: food, clothing, and marital intimacy. These obligations form the foundation of Jewish marriage, ensuring the wife’s dignity, security, and wellbeing. Denying these rights is a Torah violation and undermines the sanctity of marriage, which is built on care, respect, and responsibility.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Ishut 12:2): Details that a husband is obligated to provide his wife with sustenance, clothing, and conjugal rights, regardless of her financial status.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 46): The root is to promote harmony and peace in marriage, ensuring the wife is treated with honor and compassion.
  • Talmud (Ketubot 47b): Discusses the binding nature of these obligations, which are written into the ketubah to protect the wife’s rights.
(Source: Chabad.org)

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Faith - אֱמוּנָה

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Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

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

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Between a person and their fellow - בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ

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Encompasses mitzvot that govern ethical behavior, kindness, and justice in human relationships.

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