But if the priest's daughter be a widow, or divorced, and have no child, and is returned unto her father's house, as in her youth, she shall eat of her father's meat: but there shall no stranger eat thereof.

LEVITICUS 22:13KJV
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Leviticus 22:13 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 22:13 mean?

Leviticus 22:13 explains that if a priest’s daughter becomes a widow or is divorced, has no children, and returns to live in her father’s house as she did when she was young, she is allowed to eat the special food set aside for priests, but no outsider is permitted to eat it. This rule sets clear boundaries about who can share in the priestly food privileges.

This verse is part of instructions God gives to Moses for the priests of Israel, laying out who may eat the holy offerings. The focus is on a daughter who loses her husband and has no children to support her, allowing her to return home and be provided for as before. The verse also reinforces that only certain family members, not outsiders, may benefit from the priest’s sacred food.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 22:13

  • "Priest's" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word means "priest," specifically referring to those from Aaron’s family who serve in the sanctuary. The verse is about the privileges and boundaries for the priest’s immediate family.
  • "Meat" (לֶחֶם, lechem): This word often means "bread" or "food" in general. Here, it refers to the holy food offerings reserved for priests and their households, not just literal bread.
  • "Stranger" (זָר, zar): This word means someone who is not part of the priest’s family, emphasizing that only those with a direct, qualifying relationship to the priest can eat these offerings.

Why Leviticus 22:13 matters

  • Leviticus 22:13 clarifies that priestly privileges, like eating the holy offerings, are not automatically extended to all relatives, but only to those who meet specific conditions.
  • This verse shows concern for vulnerable women in ancient Israel, making sure a priest’s daughter who has lost her husband and has no children is cared for by her family.
  • The verse fits into a larger section about holiness and boundaries, highlighting the importance of keeping sacred things set apart and not treating them as common.

Where else these words appear

“divorced” Hebrew H1644 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • Leviticus 21:7 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.
  • 1 Chronicles 17:21 And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?

“youth” Hebrew H5271 · used in 46 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Psalms 129:1 A Song of degrees. Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:
  • Jeremiah 48:11 Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed.

“widow” Hebrew H490 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 38:11 Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.
  • 1 Kings 7:14 He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.
  • Isaiah 1:23 Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

“stranger” Hebrew H2114 · used in 76 verses

  • Exodus 29:33 And they shall eat those things wherewith the atonement was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat thereof, because they are holy.
  • Psalms 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
  • Isaiah 29:5 Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.