Leviticus 21:7

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִשָּׁ֛ה
a wife
a woman
#2
זֹנָ֤ה
that is a whore
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
#3
וַֽחֲלָלָה֙
or profane
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#4
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יִקָּ֑חוּ
They shall not take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#6
וְאִשָּׁ֛ה
a wife
a woman
#7
גְּרוּשָׁ֥ה
put away
to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce
#8
מֵֽאִישָׁ֖הּ
from her husband
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#9
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יִקָּ֑חוּ
They shall not take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#11
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
קָדֹ֥שׁ
for he is holy
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#13
ה֖וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#14
לֵֽאלֹהָֽיו׃
unto his God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Leviticus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources