Sexual Immorality Prohibitions (Part 2)

This article outlines laws related to prohibited sexual relations according to the Noahide Laws (the Seven Laws of Noah) for non-Jews, based on the provided text.


1. Six Major Forbidden Sexual Relationships (Punishable by Death)

The document details six types of sexual relationships that are strictly forbidden for non-Jewish males. If committed knowingly and willingly by adults, the offender is subject to a divine death penalty:

1. Relations with one’s father’s wife:

Whether the father is alive or deceased, and whether she is the biological mother or not. This applies even if the relationship was not formally recognized as marriage.

2. Relations with one’s biological mother:

This applies even if the mother was never formally married to the biological father.


3. Adultery:

Sexual relations with a woman who is married to another man.


4. Homosexual relations (male with male):

The document also states that lesbian relations are prohibited based on the principle of “becoming one flesh,” which implies procreation.


5. Bestiality:

Sexual relations between a human (male or female) and an animal.


6. Relations with one’s maternal sister:

Includes half-sisters from the same mother.

2. Biblical Basis and General Principles

These prohibitions are derived from Bereishit (Genesis) 2:24:

"A man shall leave his father and his mother and cleave to his wife..."

“Leave his father” is interpreted as a prohibition against relations with the father’s wife.

“Leave his mother” is interpreted as a prohibition against relations with one’s biological mother.

“Cleave to his wife” emphasizes a lawful union with a woman who is not another man’s wife.

“Become one flesh” highlights procreation, thereby excluding same-sex relations and relations with animals.


3. Additional Legal Nuances

Non-formal marriages: The prohibition regarding a father’s wife still applies even without formal marriage or after divorce/death.

Half-siblings (different mothers): Technically permitted for non-Jews, but discouraged if it conflicts with societal norms.

Relations with one’s own child: Considered extremely abhorrent and strictly forbidden.

In-laws (former): Marrying a former mother-in-law after divorce or widowhood is not punishable by death but is considered improper.

Polygamy / marrying sisters: Permitted under Torah law, but should be avoided if it conflicts with local societal norms.


4. Conditions of Liability and Exceptions

Age of responsibility: Legal responsibility generally begins at age 12 for females and 13 for males, or upon reaching mental maturity. Children are not punished; responsibility lies with the adult involved.

Coercion: If one party is forced under threat to life, they are not held accountable.

Intoxication: The less intoxicated party bears responsibility, unless completely incapacitated.

Definition of intercourse: Even minimal penetration constitutes a violation. Lack of erection means it is not legally classified as full intercourse, though still prohibited.

Necrophilia: Classified separately as “wasting seed,” which is also strictly forbidden.


5. Medical Issues and Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination: Permitted only if sperm and ovum come from a legally married couple.

Third-party donors: Strongly prohibited due to risks of forbidden lineage (e.g., incest) and social/legal complications regarding the child’s identity.


6. Role of Social Norms

The document emphasizes that even where Torah law permits certain actions, society is encouraged to establish stricter rules for the sake of order.

If a society prohibits certain relationships (e.g., marrying a former in-law or certain relatives), individuals are encouraged to follow those norms as they are considered proper and acceptable.


Main Conclusion

This article aims to provide moral and legal guidance for non-Jews (Noahides) to maintain the sanctity of sexual relationships, focusing on:

1. Protecting family structure (avoiding incest and adultery)

2. Ensuring continuation of lineage (heterosexual relations)

3. Upholding social order and community norms


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