Leviticus 21:9

If a priest's daughter defiles herself by prostituting herself, she profanes her father; she must be burned in the fire.

Study Bible

If a priest’s daughter
The phrase "a priest’s daughter" highlights the familial and spiritual lineage of the individual in question. In ancient Israel, the priesthood was a sacred office, and those connected to it were expected to uphold a standard of holiness. The Hebrew word for "daughter" is "בַּת" (bat), which signifies not only a biological relationship but also a representation of the family’s honor and spiritual legacy. The priest's family was seen as an extension of his ministry, and thus, the behavior of his children reflected on his service to God.

defiles herself
The term "defiles" comes from the Hebrew root "טָמֵא" (tamei), meaning to become unclean or impure. In the context of Levitical law, defilement was not merely a personal failing but a breach of the covenantal relationship with God. This impurity was seen as a spiritual and communal issue, affecting not just the individual but the entire community's relationship with God. The act of defilement here is particularly grievous because it involves a deliberate choice to engage in behavior contrary to the holiness expected of those associated with the priesthood.

by prostituting herself
The phrase "prostituting herself" is translated from the Hebrew "לִזְנוֹת" (liznot), which refers to engaging in sexual immorality, often linked with idolatrous practices. In the ancient Near Eastern context, prostitution was sometimes associated with pagan worship, where sexual acts were part of religious rituals. For a priest’s daughter to engage in such acts was seen as a direct affront to the holiness of God, as it intertwined the sacred with the profane.

she profanes her father
To "profane" is derived from the Hebrew "חָלַל" (chalal), meaning to desecrate or treat something sacred with irreverence. The priest, as a representative of God’s holiness, was expected to maintain a household that reflected divine standards. When his daughter engaged in prostitution, it was not only a personal sin but a public dishonor to her father’s priestly office. This act of profanation was seen as a serious breach of the sanctity associated with the priesthood.

she must be burned in the fire
The phrase "burned in the fire" indicates the severity of the punishment for such an act. The Hebrew word "שָׂרַף" (saraph) means to burn or consume with fire. This form of capital punishment underscores the gravity of the offense in the context of ancient Israelite society. It served as a deterrent and a means of purging evil from the community. The harshness of the penalty reflects the high value placed on holiness and the need to protect the integrity of the priestly line and, by extension, the community’s relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest's Daughter
The daughter of a priest, who holds a special position within the Israelite community due to her father's sacred role.

2. Priest
A man set apart to perform sacred duties and rituals in the service of God, representing the people before God.

3. Prostitution
The act of engaging in sexual relations for payment, considered a grave sin in the context of Israelite law and culture.

4. Profaning
The act of desecrating or defiling something sacred, in this case, the reputation and holiness of the priesthood.

5. Burned in the Fire
A severe form of capital punishment, indicating the seriousness of the offense in the context of maintaining holiness.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Responsibility
The priest's family was held to a higher standard due to their association with the sacred duties of the priesthood. This reflects the broader Christian call to live a life set apart for God.

The Seriousness of Sin
The severe punishment for the priest's daughter highlights the gravity of sin, especially when it profanes what is holy. It serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of sin and the need for repentance.

Guarding Our Testimony
Just as the actions of the priest's daughter could bring shame to her father, Christians are called to live in a way that honors God and upholds the testimony of the church.

The Role of Discipline
While the punishment in Leviticus is severe, it underscores the importance of discipline within the community of faith to maintain purity and holiness.

Redemption and Grace
In the New Testament, while the law highlights the seriousness of sin, it also points to the need for grace and redemption through Jesus Christ, who offers forgiveness and restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest's daughter in Leviticus 21:9 reflect the broader expectations for those associated with the priesthood?

2. In what ways does the concept of holiness in Leviticus 21:9 apply to Christians today, especially in light of 1 Peter 2:9?

3. How can we guard our personal and communal testimonies in a way that honors God, as seen in the consequences faced by the priest's daughter?

4. What are the implications of the severe punishment in Leviticus 21:9 for understanding the seriousness of sin and the need for discipline within the church?

5. How does the New Testament teaching on grace and redemption provide a fuller understanding of the law's demands, as seen in Leviticus 21:9?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:14
The commandment against adultery, which underscores the importance of sexual purity.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Paul’s teaching on fleeing sexual immorality, emphasizing the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Deuteronomy 22:21
Similar laws regarding sexual immorality and the consequences for such actions.

1 Peter 2:9
The call for believers to be a royal priesthood, highlighting the importance of living a life that reflects God's holiness.

Hebrews 12:14
The exhortation to pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.