Leviticus 21:14
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The verse highlights a double standard: while ordinary priests had restrictions, the high priest's marital prohibitions were even stricter. He was forbidden not only from marrying women who had been married before (widows, divorcees), but also those with questionable reputations (profane or prostitutes), emphasizing his unique, consecrated role.
A widow, or a divorced woman, or a woman who has been defiled, or a prostitute, these he shall not marry. But he shall take as his wife a virgin of his own people,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage sharpens the focus on the high priest's unique position, outlining stricter marriage regulations for him than for ordinary priests. These prohibitions, including marrying a widow, divorced woman, or prostitute, aim to uphold the sanctity and solemnity of his role. The rule culminates by mandating he marry only a virgin from his own people, emphasizing purity and proper lineage.
Why were specific women forbidden to the High Priest? It wasn't just about appearance, but a profound call to holiness.
A Call to Unblemished Holiness
The regulations in Leviticus 21 highlight the extreme standards set for the High Priest. He was to be a living symbol of God's perfect holiness to the nation of Israel. This meant his personal life, especially his marriage, had to reflect that purity.
The requirement for a virgin bride wasn't just about tradition; it was about lineage and belonging. What does 'of his own people' truly signify?
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Belonging and Lineage
The command for the High Priest to marry 'a virgin of his own people' carried significant weight.
Understand the original words
chalal · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
To be rendered ritually or morally impure, often through illicit sexual activity or contact with things forbidden by the Law. It implies a stain that disqualifies one from holy duties.
zanah · Hebrew Noun
One who engages in sexual relations outside of marriage or in a cultic context. It represents a corruption of the marital union that God instituted.
This passage offers a contrast, as it allows ordinary priests to marry widows, while Leviticus 21:14 specifically forbids this for the high priest, highlighting the elevated purity required of him.
1 Corinthians 7:32-35Paul discusses the benefits of remaining unmarried for those devoted to serving the Lord, which echoes the principle of undivided devotion and purity that the high priest's marriage restrictions aimed to uphold.
Luke 1:5This verse mentions Zechariah and Elizabeth, with Elizabeth being described as 'of the daughters of Aaron.' This hints at the tradition and expectation that priests, especially those in prominent roles, would marry within their own lineage or people.
1 Timothy 3:1-7While this passage focuses on qualifications for overseers (elders/bishops), it emphasizes the need for a good reputation and being the husband of one wife, reflecting a similar concern for character and suitability in leadership roles that extends to the high priest's situation.
pooleLeviticus 21:14: "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."
A widow; except she were the widow of his predecessor, which some gather from Ezekiel 44:22 . But that place speaks only of the common priest, not of the high priest. Of his own people, i.e. either, 1. Of his own tribe , which is confuted by the examples of holy men; see 2 Chronicles 22:11 ; or, 2. Of the seed of Israel, as it is explained Eze…
gillLeviticus 21:14: "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."
A widow,.... The high priest might not marry, whether the widow of a priest or of an Israelite, as Aben Ezra, that is, of any Israelite that was not of the priesthood; and this, whether a widow after espousals, or after marriage, as runs the Jewish canon (u); the meaning is, that if she was betrothed to a man, and that man died before he marri…
The verse highlights a double standard: while ordinary priests had restrictions, the high priest's marital prohibitions were even stricter. He was forbidden not only from marrying women who had been married before (widows, divorcees), but also those with questionable reputations (profane or prostitutes), emphasizing his unique, consecrated role.
This passage sharpens the focus on the high priest's unique position, outlining stricter marriage regulations for him than for ordinary priests. These prohibitions, including marrying a widow, divorced woman, or prostitute, aim to uphold the sanctity and solemnity of his role. The rule culminates by mandating he marry only a virgin from his own people, emphasizing purity and proper lineage.
This passage sharpens the focus on the high priest's unique position, outlining stricter marriage regulations for him than for ordinary priests. These prohibitions, including marrying a widow, divorced woman, or prostitute, aim to uphold the sanctity and solemnity of his role. The rule culminates by mandating he marry only a virgin from his own people, emphasizing purity and proper lineage.
"A widow, or a divorced woman, or a woman who has been defiled, or a prostitute, these he shall not marry. But he shall take as his wife a virgin of his own people," — The verse highlights a double standard: while ordinary priests had restrictions, the high priest's marital prohibitions were even stricter. He was forbidden not only from marrying women who had bee…
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Last reviewed October 2026
