Leviticus 21:13 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 21:13 mean?

Leviticus 21:13 says that a priest must marry a woman who is a virgin. This rule is part of a set of instructions about who priests could marry, highlighting special requirements for those serving in the sanctuary.

In this verse, God is giving Moses specific rules for the high priest and his family. The focus is on the priest’s marriage, setting a standard that he should only marry a woman who has not been married or had sexual relations before. This requirement is part of a broader section about the holiness and distinctiveness expected of priests in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 21:13

• "take" (לָקַח, laqach): This word means to take, receive, or acquire. Here, it refers to the act of marrying, emphasizing a deliberate and formal choice.
• "wife" (אִשָּׁה, ishah): This is the common Hebrew word for woman or wife. The verse is specific that the priest is to marry, not simply associate with, a woman who meets the stated condition.
• "virginity" (בְּתוּלִים, b’tulim): This word refers to virginity or maidenhood. Its use here stresses the requirement that the woman has not had sexual relations, underlining ritual and social purity for the priest’s household.

Why Leviticus 21:13 matters

• Leviticus 21:13 clarifies that the priest’s marriage was not just a personal matter but was tied to his role and the community’s expectations of holiness.
• The verse highlights a higher standard for priests compared to ordinary Israelites, showing the seriousness of their role in representing the people before God.
• This instruction connects to the surrounding verses, which set out other marriage restrictions for priests, helping readers see the broader context of priestly conduct and family life in ancient Israel.