Keraia
Leviticus 21

Leviticus 21:7

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

Translations

Modern
A priest must not marry a woman defiled by prostitution or divorced by her husband, for the priest is holy to his God.
Traditional
They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God.
Literal
And they shall not take a woman, a prostitute or defiled, or a woman cast out from her husband they shall not take, for he is holy to his God.
Latin
Scortum et vile prostibulum non ducent uxorem, nec eam quæ repudiata est a marito: quia consecrati sunt Deo suo,

Interlinear

Hebrew
English
A priest must not marry a woman defiled by prostitution or divorced by her husband, for the priest is holy to his God.

Notes

Leviticus 21:7

The priest had to set a high standard of conduct for Israel in worship. This applied to his personal life and family leadership. He could not have any connections to pagan practices (for example, prostitution, Leviticus 21:9). His family also had to be above question, so divorce was not allowed. Early church leaders followed similar standards (1 Timothy 3:1–13).

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 Priests and Levites Virgin

Topics

Christian Minister: Marriage of Marriage: Priest not to Contract, with Divorced or Improper Persons Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Mourning: Priests Prohibited, Except for the Nearest of Kin Priest: The Time of Moses is Holy Priest: The Time of Moses: Marriage of Priests: Special Laws Respecting: Not to Marry Divorced or Improper Persons Sanctification: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The High Priest: Forbidden to Mourn for Any Uncleanness: (Ceremonially Speaking)