And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.

LEVITICUS 21:3KJV
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Leviticus 21:3 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 21:3 mean?

Leviticus 21:3 says that a priest may become ritually unclean for the sake of his unmarried, close sister who has not had a husband. This exception allows a priest to mourn and care for a virgin sister who is closely related to him if she dies.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to the priests of Israel through Moses about when it is permitted for them to become "defiled" (ritually unclean) by contact with a dead body. Normally, priests had to avoid ritual impurity, but this rule makes an exception for immediate family, including a sister who is a virgin and has no husband. The focus is on protecting the priest’s special status while also honoring close family ties.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 21:3

  • "sister" (אָחוֹת, ʾachot): This word means a biological sister, emphasizing the close blood relationship required for this exception.
  • "virgin" (בְּתוּלָה, b’tulah): This term means a woman who has not had sexual relations, highlighting that the sister must be unmarried and under her brother’s care.
  • "nigh" (קָרוֹב, qarov): This word means "near" or "close," underlining that the exception is only for a sister who is closely related and likely still part of the household.
  • "husband" (אִישׁ, ish): This is the common word for "man" or "husband," clarifying that the sister must not have been married.
  • "defiled" (טָמֵא, tame): This word refers to becoming ritually unclean, which priests were normally forbidden to do except in specific family cases.

Why Leviticus 21:3 matters

  • Leviticus 21:3 clarifies that the priestly rules about ritual purity are not meant to override basic family responsibilities, especially for unmarried sisters who would have depended on their brothers.
  • The verse helps explain the balance in the priestly laws between maintaining holiness and showing compassion within the family.
  • This exception fits into a larger section about the special standards for priests, showing that even strict religious rules made room for personal loss and grief.

Where else these words appear

“virgin” Hebrew H1330 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 24:16 And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.
  • Esther 2:3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:
  • Jeremiah 31:13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

“nigh” Hebrew H7138 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 19:20 Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither,( is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:40 Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel.
  • Isaiah 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

“sister” Hebrew H269 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 4:22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
  • Leviticus 18:13 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister: for she is thy mother's near kinswoman.
  • Job 1:4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

“defiled” Hebrew H2930 · used in 142 verses

  • Genesis 34:5 And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.
  • Leviticus 15:19 And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even.
  • Deuteronomy 21:23 His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day;(for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.