Keraia
Leviticus 21

Leviticus 21:3

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

Translations

Modern
…or his unmarried sister who is near to him, since she has no husband.
Traditional
And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.
Literal
…and his sister, the virgin, who is near to him, who has not had a husband. He may defile himself for her.
Latin
…et sorore virgine quæ non est nupta viro:

Interlinear

Hebrew
English
…or his unmarried sister who is near to him, since she has no husband.

Notes

Leviticus 21:1–4

Touching a dead body made a person ceremonially unclean for seven days. A priest needed to be ready to handle holy things at all times. So, he could not touch a dead body, even if it was a relative's. Otherwise, he might be unable to serve when needed. The only exceptions were his closest relatives, as there might be no one else to bury them.

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 Mourning

Topics

Defilement: Ceremonial Caused by Mourning for the Dead Defilement: Priests: Specially Required to Avoid Mourning for the Dead: Cutting the Flesh Mourning: Priests Prohibited, Except for the Nearest of Kin Priests: Special Laws Respecting: Not to Defile Themselves for the Dead Except the Nearest of Sanctification: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Dead: A Priest not to Mourn For, Except when Near of Kin The High Priest: Forbidden to Mourn for Any Uncleanness: (Ceremonially Speaking)