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What is the Torah source prohibiting premarital sex?





Victor: I've searched through the Torah thoroughly and can't find a single prohibition of premarital sex with a single woman, especially if she's not a virgin. Why do orthodox Jews think there shouldn't be premarital sex

Rabbi Latowicz: hi

Rabbi Latowicz: Maimonides writes1 that non-marital intercourse falls under the Biblical prohibition of “there shall not be any promiscuous men among the Jewish people; nor shall there be any promiscuous women among the Jewish people” (Deut. 23:18)

Rabbi Latowicz: Nachmanides disagrees with this derivation, maintaining that the prohibition is implicit in the Biblical injunction “And the earth shall not be filled with immorality” (Lev. 19; 29).

Rabbi Latowicz: The Raavad, according to most authorities, deduces it directly from the command to marry. Implicit in the command to marry, he says, is a prohibition of all nonmarital intercourse. This is technichally referred to as an "Issur assei."

Rabbi Latowicz: a Biblical prohibition implicit in a positive commandment

Rabbi Latowicz: Most authorities seem to feel that Rashi concurs with this view. It seems clear that all authorities forbid nonmarital intercourse; the only dispute revolves about the precise biblical source

Rabbi Latowicz: I hope that helps

Victor: ohhhh I see

Victor: ok, well thank you, you've been a tremendous help

Rabbi Latowicz: very welcome:)



  • 1. Maimonidies laws of Marriage (Ishut) 1:4





Posted by: Jinny, Houston, TX on Jun 07, 2005

I'm a Christian studying this site for my own education, and I was wondering if the Ten Commandments would cover this question under adultery?

Editor's Comment

The word "tin'af" used in the Ten Commandments is defined as adultery between a man and a married woman. No other immoral relationship is included in this prohibition.