Leviticus 21:14

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

אַלְמָנָ֤ה A widow H490
אַלְמָנָ֤ה A widow
Strong's: H490
Word #: 1 of 14
a widow; also a desolate place
וּגְרוּשָׁה֙ or a divorced woman H1644
וּגְרוּשָׁה֙ or a divorced woman
Strong's: H1644
Word #: 2 of 14
to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce
וַֽחֲלָלָ֣ה or profane H2491
וַֽחֲלָלָ֣ה or profane
Strong's: H2491
Word #: 3 of 14
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
זֹנָ֔ה or an harlot H2181
זֹנָ֔ה or an harlot
Strong's: H2181
Word #: 4 of 14
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֵ֖לֶּה H428
אֵ֖לֶּה
Strong's: H428
Word #: 6 of 14
these or those
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִקַּ֥ח but he shall take H3947
יִקַּ֥ח but he shall take
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 8 of 14
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
כִּ֛י H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 9 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 10 of 14
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בְּתוּלָ֥ה a virgin H1330
בְּתוּלָ֥ה a virgin
Strong's: H1330
Word #: 11 of 14
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
מֵֽעַמָּ֖יו of his own people H5971
מֵֽעַמָּ֖יו of his own people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 12 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יִקַּ֥ח but he shall take H3947
יִקַּ֥ח but he shall take
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 13 of 14
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אִשָּֽׁה׃ to wife H802
אִשָּֽׁה׃ to wife
Strong's: H802
Word #: 14 of 14
a woman

Analysis & Commentary

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.

This verse falls within the section on Priestly Holiness. Higher standards for priests due to their sacred role, including restrictions on mourning practices and marriage.


What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

Historical Context

Higher standards for priests due to their sacred role, including restrictions on mourning practices and marriage. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Questions for Reflection

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