A priest must not marry a woman defiled by prostitution or divorced by her husband, for the priest is holy to his God. They must not marryThe phrase "They must not marry" sets a clear directive for the priests, emphasizing the sanctity and distinctiveness of their role. In Hebrew, the verb used here is "yiqqach," which means "to take" or "to marry." This command underscores the importance of maintaining purity and holiness in the priestly lineage, reflecting God's desire for His representatives to embody His holiness in every aspect of their lives, including their marital choices. a woman defiled by prostitution
The term "defiled" in Hebrew is "chalal," which means "to profane" or "to pollute." This phrase highlights the importance of moral and ceremonial purity. In ancient Israel, prostitution was not only a moral issue but also a religious one, often associated with pagan worship practices. By prohibiting marriage to a woman involved in such activities, the text underscores the need for priests to remain untainted by practices that could compromise their spiritual integrity and the sanctity of their service to God. or divorced from her husband
The prohibition against marrying a divorced woman is rooted in the Hebrew word "gerushah," meaning "driven away" or "divorced." This reflects the cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, where marriage was a covenantal relationship reflecting God's covenant with His people. The priestly requirement to avoid marrying a divorced woman underscores the ideal of marital permanence and fidelity, mirroring the unwavering faithfulness expected in the relationship between God and His people. because the priests are holy
The word "holy" in Hebrew is "qadosh," signifying something set apart, sacred, or consecrated. This phrase serves as a reminder of the unique calling of the priests, who were to be distinct from the rest of the community. Their holiness was not just a matter of personal piety but a reflection of their role as mediators between God and Israel. This holiness was to be evident in every aspect of their lives, including their family relationships. to their God
The phrase "to their God" emphasizes the personal and covenantal relationship between the priests and Yahweh. The Hebrew word for God here is "Elohim," a term that conveys majesty and power. This relationship is foundational to the priestly identity and mission. The priests' holiness was not an end in itself but a means of honoring and serving their God, who is holy and who called them to be His representatives among the people. This divine calling required a lifestyle that reflected God's character and upheld His standards. Persons / Places / Events 1. PriestsThe primary focus of this verse is on the priests, who were set apart for service to God in the Israelite community. They were held to higher standards of holiness and purity. 2. Women Defiled by ProstitutionThis refers to women who have engaged in sexual immorality, which was considered a defilement under the Mosaic Law. 3. Divorced WomenWomen who have been divorced from their husbands. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, divorce carried a stigma and was often associated with impurity. 4. HolinessA central theme in Leviticus, emphasizing the separation and dedication of the priests to God. 5. GodThe ultimate authority who sets the standards for holiness and purity among His people, especially those serving in priestly roles. Teaching Points Holiness in LeadershipLeaders in the church are called to a higher standard of holiness, reflecting God's character to the community. Purity in RelationshipsThe relationships we form, especially in marriage, should reflect God's standards of purity and commitment. The Role of the PriesthoodWhile the specific regulations for priests in Leviticus may not apply directly to all believers today, the principle of being set apart for God's service remains relevant. Understanding Cultural ContextRecognizing the cultural and historical context of biblical commands helps us apply their principles appropriately in our lives today. God's Unchanging StandardsGod's standards of holiness and purity are consistent throughout Scripture, calling us to live lives that honor Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the call to holiness for priests in Leviticus 21:7 apply to church leaders today? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our relationships reflect God's standards of purity and commitment? 3. How does understanding the cultural context of ancient Israel help us apply the principles of Leviticus 21:7 in our lives? 4. What are some practical ways we can pursue holiness in our daily lives, in light of God's unchanging standards? 5. How do the New Testament teachings on the priesthood of all believers relate to the specific instructions given to priests in Leviticus 21:7? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 19:6This verse speaks of Israel as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, highlighting the call to holiness for all God's people, not just the priests. 1 Peter 2:9This New Testament passage echoes the call to be a royal priesthood, emphasizing the continuity of the call to holiness for believers today. Malachi 2:7This verse underscores the role of priests as messengers of the Lord, reinforcing the need for their purity and holiness. People Aaron, Israelites, MosesPlaces TemanTopics Cast, Common, Defiled, Dishonoured, Divorced, Harlot, Harlotry, Holy, Husband, Husbands, Lewd, Loose, Marry, Polluted, Priest, Priests, Profane, Profaned, Prostitute, Prostitution, Whore, Wife, WomenDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 21:7 5676 divorce, in OT
6239 prostitution
7348 defilement
7768 priests, OT function
8273 holiness, ethical aspects Leviticus 21:5-8 8270 holiness, set apart Leviticus 21:6-8 8271 holiness, purpose Leviticus 21:7-8 1065 God, holiness of Library What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the GreatThirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as His anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in Him.'--1 John ii. 20, 27. In the revelation by Moses of God's Holiness and His way of making holy, the priests, and specially the high priests, were the chief expression of God's Holiness in man. …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Brief Directions How to Read the Holy Scriptures once Every Year Over, with Ease, Profit, and Reverence.
But forasmuch, that as faith is the soul, so reading and meditating on the word of God, are the parent's of prayer, therefore, before thou prayest in the morning, first read a chapter in the word of God; then meditate awhile with thyself, how many excellent things thou canst remember out of it. As--First, what good counsels or exhortations to good works and to holy life. Secondly, what threatenings of judgments against such and such a sin; and what fearful examples of God's punishment or vengeance …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Monks.
In the story of St. Athanasius, monks have been more than once mentioned, and it is now time to give some account of these people and of their ways. The word "monk" properly means one who leads a "lonely" life; and the name was given to persons who professed to withdraw from the world and its business that they might give themselves up to serve God in religious thoughts and exercises. Among the Jews there had been whole classes of people who practised this sort of retirement: some, called "Essenes", …
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation Sanctification
'For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.' I Thess 4:4. The word sanctification signifies to consecrate and set apart to a holy use: thus they are sanctified persons who are separated from the world, and set apart for God's service. Sanctification has a privative and a positive part. I. A privative part, which lies in the purging out of sin. Sin is compared to leaven, which sours; and to leprosy, which defiles. Sanctification purges out the old leaven.' I Cor 5:5. Though it takes not …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel.
I am the Lord that brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God; ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. I the Lord which make you holy, am holy.'--Lev. xi. 45, xxi. 8. 'I am the Lord Thy God, the Holy One of Israel, Thy Saviour. Thus saith the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.'--Isa. xliii. 3, 14, 15. In the book of Exodus we found God making provision for the Holiness of His people. In the holy …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Leviticus 21:7 NIVLeviticus 21:7 NLTLeviticus 21:7 ESVLeviticus 21:7 NASBLeviticus 21:7 KJV
Leviticus 21:7 Commentaries
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