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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Leviticus 21  › Leviticus 21:3

Leviticus 21:3

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Leviticus 21:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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

King James Version KJV

And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.

American Standard Version ASV

and for his sister a virgin, that is near unto him, that hath had no husband; for her may he defile himself.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And for his sister, a virgin, for she is his near relation and has had no husband, he may make himself unclean.

Free Bible Version FBV

or his unmarried sister since she is a close relative because she doesn't have a husband.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Or by his sister a maid, that is neere vnto him, which hath not had a husband: for her he may lament.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and for his sister, the virgin, who is near unto him, who hath not been to a man; for her he is defiled.

World English Bible WEB

and for his virgin sister who is near to him, who has had no husband; for her he may defile himself.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh to him, who hath had no husband: for her he may be defiled.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And for a maiden sister, who hath had no husband:

Translation for Translators T4T

Priests are also permitted to touch the corpse of a sister if she is not married, because she has no husband to bury her body.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 21:3

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Leviticus 21:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/לַ/אֲחֹת֤/וֹ הַ/בְּתוּלָה֙ הַ/קְּרוֹבָ֣ה אֵלָ֔י/ו אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹֽא הָיְתָ֖ה לְ/אִ֑ישׁ לָ֖/הּ יִטַּמָּֽא
וְ/לַ/אֲחֹת֤/וֹ ʼâchôwth H269 sister Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
הַ/בְּתוּלָה֙ bᵉthûwlâh H1330 virgin Art | N-fs
הַ/קְּרוֹבָ֣ה qârôwb H7138 near Art | Adj
אֵלָ֔י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part
הָיְתָ֖ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3fs
לְ/אִ֑ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-ms
לָ֖/הּ Prep | Suff
יִטַּמָּֽא ṭâmêʼ H2930 to defile V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 21:3

וְ/לַ/אֲחֹת֤/וֹ ʼâchôwth H269 "sister" Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
הַ/בְּתוּלָה֙ bᵉthûwlâh H1330 "virgin" Art | 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.
הַ/קְּרוֹבָ֣ה qârôwb H7138 "near" Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
אֵלָ֔י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹֽא 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.
הָיְתָ֖ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/אִ֑ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
לָ֖/הּ "" Prep | Suff
יִטַּמָּֽא ṭâmêʼ H2930 "to defile" V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.

Study Notes — Leviticus 21:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Leviticus 21:3 Summary

This verse is saying that a priest can mourn the death of his unmarried sister, but only if she is close to him and doesn't have a husband to care for her. This shows that God values family relationships and wants us to prioritize our loved ones, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:9 and Psalm 133:1. It also reminds us that, as believers, we are called to be loyal and committed to our family members, just like the priests were in the Old Testament (see Genesis 2:24 and Mark 7:9-13).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it significant that the sister must be unmarried?

This stipulation emphasizes the importance of familial relationships and the potential for a married sister to have other commitments and loyalties, as seen in Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 5:31, where the importance of honoring family and marriage is highlighted.

What does 'near to him' mean in this context?

The phrase 'near to him' likely refers to a sister who is geographically close or emotionally close to the priest, as seen in the concept of 'near' in Leviticus 18:6, where it refers to a close relative.

Why are priests allowed to mourn for certain family members but not others?

This distinction highlights the importance of the priest's role in maintaining ritual purity, as seen in Leviticus 21:1-2, where the Lord instructs priests not to defile themselves for dead people among their people, except for immediate family members.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of priestly purity?

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining ritual purity, as seen in Numbers 5:1-4 and Ezekiel 44:25-27, where priests are instructed to avoid contact with the dead and other sources of impurity.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse reveal about God's heart for the family and relationships?
  2. How can I apply the principles of loyalty and commitment seen in this verse to my own relationships with family members?
  3. What does the concept of 'nearness' in this verse teach me about the importance of being present and available for my loved ones?
  4. How can I balance my own needs and desires with the need to prioritize and care for my family members, as seen in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 21:3

And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him,.... That is, his sister by both father's and mother's side, as Aben Ezra; though, according to Gersom, his sister by his father's side, and not by

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 21:3

But for his kin, that is near unto him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother, No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 21:3

For his sister, either by father or mother. Nigh unto him, i.e. by nearness, not of relation, (for that might seem a needless addition,) but of habitation, i.e. one not yet cut off from the family, as it follows. Which hath had no husband; for if she was married, she was now of another family, and under her husband’ s special care in those matters.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 21:3

Leviticus 21:3 And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.Ver. 3. And for his sister.] What! and not for his wife? Yes surely, though she be not mentioned, because she is nearer than either daughter or sister. See Ezekiel 24:16. He was a priest, but that was an exempt case, an exception from what was ordinarily done.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 21:3

(3) And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him—That is, his maiden sister who still remains in sole relationship with him. What this is the next clause explains more minutely. Which hath had no husband.—When she is married she goes to her husband, and ceases to be near her brother. It then devolves upon her husband to attend to the funeral rites. For her may he be defiled.—According to the administrators of the Law during the second Temple, the priest was not only allowed to contract defilement by attending to the funeral rites of these seven relations, but was obliged to do it.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 21:3

3. The same six cases are enumerated in Ezekiel 44:25. The non-mention of a wife is not easily accounted for. Was it that this exception would be self-evident? This seems probable from Ezekiel 24:15 ff., which appears from its prohibition to assume that a priest would mourn for his wife. that is near unto him] that is not yet, as the following words shew, transferred by marriage to another family.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 21:3

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
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