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