Keraia
Leviticus 21

Leviticus 21:14

Holiness Required of Priests · Leviticus 21:1–15
Read Leviticus 21

Translations

Modern
He is not to marry a widow, a divorced woman, or one defiled by prostitution. He is to marry a virgin from his own people,
Traditional
A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or an harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife.
Literal
A widow or a divorced woman or a defiled woman—a prostitute—these he shall not marry; for rather he shall take a virgin of his own people as wife.
Latin
…viduam autem et repudiatam, et sordidam, atque meretricem non accipiet, sed puellam de populo suo:

Interlinear

Hebrew
English
He is not to marry a widow, a divorced woman, or one defiled by prostitution. He is to marry a virgin from his own people,

Notes

Leviticus 21:10–15

  • The rules for common priests were more strict than for the high priest, who represented all of Israel, including other priests (Leviticus 21:1–4).

  • The priest must always keep his hair neat and not tear his clothing in mourning. This ensured he was always ready to serve. While a common priest could marry a widow, the high priest could only marry a virgin. This ensured that future high priests and common priests from that union would have a clear lineage (Leviticus 21:15).

Leviticus 21:1–22:33

This section, which discusses priestly rules, six times repeats the phrase I am the Lord who sanctifies (Leviticus 21:15, 23; 22:9, 16, 32; see also 21:8). These words emphasize the link between God's holiness and the holiness expected of priests. This extended to all of Israel (see 8:10; 11:44–45; 19:2). The text specifically addresses priests in 21:1–22:16, while including both clergy and common people in 22:17–33.

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Deformity Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Leviticus, Book of Maccabean Period Virgin

Topics

Christian Minister: Marriage of Divorce: Priests not to Marry Women After Marriage: The High Priest not to Contract, with a Widow or a Divorced Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Priest: The Time of Moses: Marriage of Priest: The Title Appears After the Institution of the office Sanctification: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The High Priest: To Marry a Virgin of Aaron's Family The High Priest: Typified Christ in Marrying a Virgin Uncleanness: (Ceremonially Speaking) Virgin: A Priest Could Marry Only A Widow: Priests Forbidden to Marry Widows: Laws Respecting: Not to Intermarry with Priests