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Leviticus 21:7

Leviticus 21:7 in Multiple Translations

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

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.

They shall not take a woman that is a harlot, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God.

They may not take as wife a loose or common woman, or one who has been put away by her husband: for the priest is holy to his God.

A priest is not to marry a woman made unclean through prostitution or who is divorced by her husband, for the priest must be holy to his God.

They shall not take to wife an whore, or one polluted, neither shall they marrie a woman diuorced from her husband: for such one is holy vnto his God.

'A woman, a harlot, or polluted, they do not take, and a woman cast out from her husband they do not take, for he [is] holy to his God;

“‘They shall not marry a woman who is a prostitute, or profane. A priest shall not marry a woman divorced from her husband; for he is holy to his God.

They shall not take a wife that is a lewd woman, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy to his God.

They shall not take to wife a harlot or a vile prostitute, nor one that has been put away from her husband: because they are consecrated to their God,

You priests must not marry women who have been prostitutes or who have been divorced from their husbands, because you priests are ◄set apart for me/holy►.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 21:7

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 21:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אִשָּׁ֨ה זֹנָ֤ה וַ/חֲלָלָה֙ לֹ֣א יִקָּ֔חוּ וְ/אִשָּׁ֛ה גְּרוּשָׁ֥ה מֵ/אִישָׁ֖/הּ לֹ֣א יִקָּ֑חוּ כִּֽי קָדֹ֥שׁ ה֖וּא לֵ/אלֹהָֽי/ו
אִשָּׁ֨ה ʼishshâh H802 woman N-fs
זֹנָ֤ה zânâh H2181 to fornicate N-fs
וַ/חֲלָלָה֙ châlâl H2491 slain Conj | Adj
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
יִקָּ֔חוּ lâqach H3947 to take V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/אִשָּׁ֛ה ʼishshâh H802 woman Conj | N-fs
גְּרוּשָׁ֥ה gârash H1644 to drive out V-Qal-Inf-c
מֵ/אִישָׁ֖/הּ ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
יִקָּ֑חוּ lâqach H3947 to take V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
קָדֹ֥שׁ qâdôwsh H6918 holy Adj
ה֖וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron
לֵ/אלֹהָֽי/ו ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 21:7

אִשָּׁ֨ה 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.
זֹנָ֤ה 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.
וַ/חֲלָלָה֙ 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.
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.
יִקָּ֔חוּ lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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.
וְ/אִשָּׁ֛ה ʼishshâh H802 "woman" Conj | 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.
גְּרוּשָׁ֥ה gârash H1644 "to drive out" 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.
מֵ/אִישָׁ֖/הּ ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-ms | Suff
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.
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.
יִקָּ֑חוּ lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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.
כִּֽי 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.
קָדֹ֥שׁ qâdôwsh H6918 "holy" Adj
Holy means set apart or sacred, used to describe God, angels, and saints. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things or people dedicated to God's service, like the Temple in Jerusalem or the prophets who spoke on God's behalf.
Definition: : holy sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: holy (One), saint. See also: Exodus 19:6; Psalms 89:19; Psalms 16:3.
ה֖וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לֵ/אלֹהָֽי/ו ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Prep | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

Study Notes — Leviticus 21:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 21:13–14 The woman he marries must be a virgin. 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,
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.
3 Leviticus 21:8 You are to regard him as holy, since he presents the food of your God. He shall be holy to you, because I the LORD am holy—I who set you apart.
4 1 Timothy 3:11 In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things.
5 Deuteronomy 24:1–4 If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds some indecency in her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, hand it to her, and send her away from his house. If, after leaving his house, she goes and becomes another man’s wife, and the second man hates her, writes her a certificate of divorce, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house, or if he dies, then the husband who divorced her first may not remarry her after she has been defiled, for that is an abomination to the LORD. You must not bring sin upon the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.
6 Isaiah 50:1 This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.

Leviticus 21:7 Summary

[This verse is saying that priests, who are special leaders in the church, should only marry women who are pure and have not been involved in sinful activities. This is because priests are supposed to be holy, or set apart, for God, as seen in Leviticus 21:6. It's like how God says in Leviticus 19:2 that He is holy, and we should be holy too. By being careful about who they marry, priests can show that they are committed to following God's rules and being good examples for others, just like it says in Matthew 5:48 that we should strive to be perfect like God is perfect.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are priests in the Bible not allowed to marry certain women?

According to Leviticus 21:7, priests are not allowed to marry women defiled by prostitution or divorced by their husband because they are considered holy to God, as seen in Leviticus 21:6, and are to be set apart from the world.

What does it mean for a priest to be 'holy to his God'?

Being holy to God means being set apart and dedicated to serving Him, as seen in Leviticus 21:8, and living a life that reflects God's character and standards, as seen in Leviticus 19:2.

How does this verse relate to the concept of marriage and divorce in the Bible?

This verse highlights the importance of marital fidelity and the sacredness of marriage, as seen in Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:4-6, and shows that God has high standards for those in leadership positions, such as priests.

What is the significance of the priest's role in presenting offerings to God?

The priest's role in presenting offerings to God, as seen in Leviticus 21:6, emphasizes the importance of their holiness and set-apartness, as they are handling the 'food of their God', and this is a reminder of the high standards God has for those who serve Him, as seen in Exodus 28:2-5.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for me to be 'holy to God' in my daily life, and how can I reflect God's character in my relationships and actions?
  2. How can I, like the priests in the Bible, be set apart and dedicated to serving God, even in the midst of a world that often contradicts God's standards?
  3. What are some ways that I can protect and preserve the sacredness of marriage, as seen in this verse and other parts of the Bible?
  4. In what ways can I, as a follower of God, be a 'priest' in my own sphere of influence, presenting offerings of praise and service to God, and being a reflection of His holiness to those around me?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 21:7

They shall not take a wife [that is] a whore, or profane,.... By the former is meant a common whore, that prostitutes herself to any one through lust or for gain; and by the latter one whose chastity

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 21:7

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. They shall not take a wife.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 21:7

Or profane, or defiled, or defloured, though it were done secretly, or by accident, or by force; because the priest must take care that all the members of his family be free not only from gross wickedness, but from all suspicion of evil, and occasions of reproach or contempt, because this would reflect upon himself, and upon his God and religion also. The word may denote one defloured by any person, though it were by her husband; or a widow, because not only the high priest was obliged to marry a virgin, , but also the inferior priests, as appears from , and that is either signified by this word, or by none other here. It is true, a widow, and a profane person, are distinguished, ; but the same word may be, and oft is, taken in differing senses, both more largely and more strictly, in the same chapter. And there was some reason why it should be more expressly and distinctly set down there, a widow, or one profane or defloured otherwise, because there was the more need of caution in the high priest, and therefore the widow is particularly mentioned, which in the former case might be sufficiently comprehended under a general title. A woman put away from her husband, though not for adultery, but for light causes, and by the husband’ s fault, because though the woman might he wholly innocent and free, yet it would leave some blemish upon her.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 21:7

Leviticus 21:7 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.Ver. 7. They shall not take a wife.] Lest their function be disgraced. That which Hosea was commanded to do against this prohibition was but visional. Or profane.] Deflowered, ravished. Put away from her husband.] Because of evil report.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 21:7

(7) Not take a wife.—From the defilement arising through contact with the dead, the lawgiver passes to’ regulation about the priest’s alliances with the living, which might be fraught with still more serious consequences to his sacred office. In selecting a wife he is to be careful both about her chastity and legitimate descent.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 21:7

Verse 7. That is a whore] A prostitute, though even reclaimed. Profane] A heathen, or one who is not a cordial believer in the true God. Put away from her husband] Because this very circumstance might lead to suspicion that the priest and the divorced woman might have been improperly connected before.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 21:7

7. profane] guilty of immorality.

Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 21:7

Profane - A woman who has been seduced, or one of illegitimate birth. A somewhat stricter rule for the priests’ marriages was revealed to the prophet in later times, Ezekiel 44:22.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 21:7

IN FAMILY , Leviticus 21:7-15. 7. Whore — A woman wilfully wanton. Profane — Hebrew, profaned or dishonoured in any way, whether by violence or with consent.

Sermons on Leviticus 21:7

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Jeremiah 3-5 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for people to turn away from worldly distractions and dedicate themselves fully to God and spiritual matters. He quotes from the bo
David Servant Jesus Teaches About Divorce and Remarriage Matthew 19:1-9 by David Servant David Servant delves into the topic of divorce and remarriage, exploring the differing views among religious teachers during Jesus' time and Jesus' teachings on the matter. He emph
David Servant Day 75, Mark 10 by David Servant David Servant addresses the contentious topic of divorce and remarriage, urging listeners to carefully consider all that Scripture teaches on the subject and to avoid interpretatio
Alan Redpath The Cross in God's Heart by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the speaker addresses the weariness and heartache that is prevalent in the world today. He emphasizes that God sent His Son to speak a word of comfort and encourage
Harry Ironside Studies in Isaiah - Part 4 by Harry Ironside In this sermon, Dr. McCabe talks about the importance of awakening and rising up in the Lord. He refers to three calls to awake: one to the arm of the Lord, one to Jerusalem in its
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Isaiah 48-50 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah and the purposes of God in his being smitten. The preacher mentions how Jesus was smitten and buffeted, wit
Harry Ironside Studies in Isaiah - Part 10 by Harry Ironside In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the last three verses of Isaiah chapter 52. He begins by discussing the image of beautiful feet upon a mountain, representing the remnant co

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