Leviticus 21:14
Leviticus 21:14 in Multiple Translations
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,
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.
A widow, or one divorced, or a profane woman, a harlot, these shall he not take: but a virgin of his own people shall he take to wife.
A widow, or one whose husband has put her away, or a common woman of loose behaviour, may not be the wife of a priest; but let him take a virgin from among his people.
He must not marry a widow, a divorced woman, or one made unclean through prostitution. He has to marry a virgin from his own people,
But a widowe, or a diuorced woman, or a polluted, or an harlot, these shall he not marrie, but shall take a maide of his owne people to wife:
widow, or cast out, or polluted one — a harlot — these he doth not take, but a virgin of his own people he doth take [for] a wife,
He shall not marry a widow, or one divorced, or a woman who has been defiled, or a prostitute. He shall take a virgin of his own people as a wife.
A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or a harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people for a wife.
But a widow or one that is divorced, or defiled, or a harlot, he shall not take, but a maid of his own people:
You priests must not marry widows or prostitutes or divorced women, because if you did that, if you later have sons, they would not be acceptable to be priests among your people. You must marry only virgins from among your own people. I am Yahweh, who sets priests apart to be holy.’”
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 21:14
BAB
Word Study
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Leviticus 21:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַלְמָנָ֤ה
וּ/גְרוּשָׁה֙
וַ/חֲלָלָ֣ה
זֹנָ֔ה
אֶת
אֵ֖לֶּה
לֹ֣א
יִקָּ֑ח
כִּ֛י
אִם
בְּתוּלָ֥ה
מֵ/עַמָּ֖י/ו
יִקַּ֥ח
אִשָּֽׁה
אַלְמָנָ֤ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
widow
N-fs
וּ/גְרוּשָׁה֙
gârash
H1644
to drive out
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
וַ/חֲלָלָ֣ה
châlâl
H2491
slain
Conj | Adj
זֹנָ֔ה
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
N-fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִקָּ֑ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
בְּתוּלָ֥ה
bᵉthûwlâh
H1330
virgin
N-fs
מֵ/עַמָּ֖י/ו
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Prep | N-mp | Suff
יִקַּ֥ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 21:14
אַלְמָנָ֤ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
"widow"
N-fs
A widow is a woman whose husband has died, often left alone and vulnerable. The Bible teaches care and compassion for widows, as seen in the stories of Ruth and Naomi. God commands his people to look out for them.
Definition: widow
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: desolate house (palace), widow. See also: Genesis 38:11; Job 29:13; Psalms 68:6.
וּ/גְרוּשָׁה֙
gârash
H1644
"to drive out"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to drive out or expel, often used in the context of divorce or being forced to leave a place, as seen in the story of Israel's exile. It can also mean to trouble or cast out. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : drive out 1) to drive out, expel, cast out, drive away, divorce, put away, thrust away, trouble, cast up 1a) (Qal) to thrust out, cast out 1b) (Niphal) to be driven away, be tossed 1c) (Piel) to drive out, drive away 1d) (Pual) to be thrust out Also means: ga.rash (גָּרַשׁ ": divorce" H1644H)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: cast up (out), divorced (woman), drive away (forth, out), expel, [idiom] surely put away, trouble, thrust out. See also: Genesis 3:24; Joshua 24:18; Psalms 34:1.
וַ/חֲלָלָ֣ה
châlâl
H2491
"slain"
Conj | Adj
This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.
Definition: : killed 1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced 1a) pierced, fatally wounded 1b) slain Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded. See also: Genesis 34:27; Isaiah 66:16; Psalms 69:27.
זֹנָ֔ה
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
N-fs
To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.
Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִקָּ֑ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
בְּתוּלָ֥ה
bᵉthûwlâh
H1330
"virgin"
N-fs
A virgin, or bride, is described by this word, emphasizing her private and untouched state, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Esther.
Definition: virgin
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: maid, virgin. See also: Genesis 24:16; Isaiah 23:12; Psalms 45:15.
מֵ/עַמָּ֖י/ו
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
יִקַּ֥ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
Study Notes — Leviticus 21:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 21:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 21:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 21:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 21:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 21:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 21:14
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 21:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 21:14
Context — Holiness Required of Priests
12He must not leave or desecrate the sanctuary of his God, for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him. I am the LORD.
13The woman he marries must be a virgin.
14He is not to marry a widow, a divorced woman, or one defiled by prostitution. He is to marry a virgin from his own people,
15so that he does not defile his offspring among his people, for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.” 16Then the LORD said to Moses,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 21:7 | A priest must not marry a woman defiled by prostitution or divorced by her husband, for the priest is holy to his God. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 44:22 | And they shall not marry a widow or a divorced woman, but must marry a virgin of the descendants of the house of Israel, or a widow of a priest. |
Leviticus 21:14 Summary
This verse, Leviticus 21:14, teaches us that the high priest was expected to marry a virgin from his own people to maintain the purity and integrity of the priesthood. This shows us that God values purity and holiness, not just for the priests, but for all His people, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in 1 Thessalonians 4:7 and 1 Peter 1:15-16. We can apply this principle to our own lives by striving to maintain high standards of moral and spiritual purity, as encouraged in Philippians 4:8 and Colossians 3:2. By doing so, we can honor God and reflect His character in our relationships and daily lives, as described in Matthew 5:48 and 1 John 3:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God restrict the high priest from marrying certain types of women?
God restricts the high priest from marrying certain types of women to maintain the purity and holiness of the priesthood, as seen in Leviticus 21:14, and to avoid any potential defilement, as mentioned in Leviticus 21:15, which is also reflected in the importance of purity in other parts of the Bible, such as in Deuteronomy 23:17-18.
What is the significance of the high priest marrying a virgin from his own people?
The high priest marrying a virgin from his own people, as stated in Leviticus 21:14, ensures the preservation of the priestly lineage and maintains the moral and spiritual integrity of the priesthood, which is also emphasized in other parts of the Bible, such as in Ezekiel 44:22 and Genesis 2:24.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of holiness in the Bible?
This verse relates to the broader theme of holiness in the Bible, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45, where God commands His people to be holy, and in 1 Peter 1:16, where believers are called to be holy, demonstrating that God's desire for holiness is not limited to the Old Testament or the priesthood, but is a universal call to all His people.
What can we learn from this verse about God's character and expectations?
From this verse, we can learn that God is a holy God who expects His people, especially those in positions of spiritual leadership, to maintain high standards of moral and spiritual purity, as seen in Leviticus 21:14 and other parts of the Bible, such as in Exodus 19:6 and Matthew 5:48.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can apply the principle of maintaining purity and holiness in my own life, as seen in Leviticus 21:14?
- How can I ensure that my relationships and marriage, if applicable, honor God and reflect the principles of purity and integrity, as emphasized in Ephesians 5:25-33 and 1 Corinthians 7:14?
- What are some potential consequences of compromising on the standards of purity and holiness, as warned against in Leviticus 21:15 and other parts of the Bible, such as in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18?
- In what ways can I, as a believer, strive to be a 'holy nation' and a 'royal priesthood', as described in 1 Peter 2:9-10, and how does this relate to the expectations for the high priest in Leviticus 21:14?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 21:14
A widow,.... The high priest might not marry, whether the widow of a priest or of an Israelite, as Aben Ezra, that is, of any Israelite that was not of the priesthood; and this, whether a widow after
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 21:14
And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes; He that is the high priest.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 21:14
A widow; except she were the widow of his predecessor, which some gather from . But that place speaks only of the common priest, not of the high priest. Of his own people, i.e. either, 1. Of his own tribe, which is confuted by the examples of holy men; see ; or, 2. Of the seed of Israel, as it is explained .
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 21:14
Leviticus 21:14 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.Ver. 14. Of his own people.] A Jewess of any tribe.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 21:14
(14) A widow.—By this the high priest was not only forbidden to marry the widow of an ordinary Israelite, or even the widow of a priest, but, according to the Jewish canons, a virgin who had been betrothed to another man, and whom she lost by death before they were married. If he, however, became engaged to a widow before he was elected to the pontificate, he could marry her after his consecration. He was, however, exempt from the obligation to marry the widow of his brother who died without issue. (See Leviticus 18:16.) Or a divorced woman.—The classes of women which follow are also forbidden to the ordinary priests. (See Leviticus 21:7.)
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 21:14
14. A widow] The rule for the high priest was thus stricter than that for an ordinary priest. The Jewish writer Rashi, in his commentary on the Talmudic treatise Chagigah (13a, Tal. Bab.), mentions this as one of the instances of apparent discrepancies between Ezekiel (Ezekiel 44:22) and the Law (see Ryle, Canon, 203). Ezekiel (loc. cit.) allowed a priest, to marry a widow, provided she was the widow of a priest, whereas, according to the Law here, a high priest might not marry a widow. Ezekiel’s rule is, however, for priests. He does not say anything about the high priest. According to the law here, he must marry a virgin. As regards the rule for the ordinary priest, while Leviticus 21:7 does not say that he may marry a priest’s widow, Leviticus 21:14 may perhaps be taken to imply this. of his own people] of the people of Israel, according to Ezekiel (loc. cit.), but the traditional practice was to marry a priest’s daughter, cp. Luke 1:5.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 21:14
IN THE PRIESTS, Leviticus 21:1 to Leviticus 22:16.Jehovah, having given general statutes to conserve the purity of Israel, now proceeds to legislate for the priests, whose character and conduct are