Leviticus 21:7 - “‘They shall not marry a woman who is a prostitute, or profane. They shall not marry a woman divorced from her husband; for he is holy to his God.
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What does "Leviticus 21:7" mean?
Leviticus 21:7 is part of a larger section outlining the specific requirements for priests in ancient Israel. It's best understood within that historical and religious context. Here's a breakdown of the verse and its potential meaning:
"They shall not marry a woman who is a prostitute, or profane..."
Prostitute: This refers to a woman who engages in sexual acts for payment. In the context of ancient Israel, this would often be associated with pagan temples and idolatry, not just sexual activity.
Profane: This is a broader term that likely refers to a woman who has been defiled or desecrated in some way that makes her unsuitable for marriage to a priest. This could include participation in pagan rituals or behavior considered morally corrupt.
The key here is purity. Priests were considered to be holy and set apart for God's service. Their wives were expected to uphold the same standards of purity and holiness. Marrying a woman considered sexually impure or involved in pagan practices would defile the priest and compromise his ability to serve in the temple.
"They shall not marry a woman divorced from her husband; for he is holy to his God."
Divorced Woman: Divorce in ancient Israel carried a certain stigma. The implication here is that a divorced woman might have been divorced for reasons that made her unsuitable for a priest. It could imply that the woman was considered to have done something wrong. This would not be the only possible reason for divorce, as it could also be that her husband was at fault.
"For he is holy to his God": This phrase emphasizes the reason for these restrictions. The priest is set apart, holy, and dedicated to serving God. His actions, including his choice of a wife, must reflect that holiness.
Interpretations and Significance:
Holiness and Separation: The primary purpose of these laws was to maintain the holiness and separation of the priesthood from anything considered impure or defiling.
Maintaining Purity: The choice of a wife was crucial for a priest because she would share his household and influence his life. Her moral and spiritual standing would affect his own.
Symbolic Representation: Some scholars believe that the purity of the priest and his family also served as a symbolic representation of the purity and holiness of God.
Social Status: These restrictions might have also reinforced the social status of the priesthood and maintained the integrity of the priestly lineage.
Modern Relevance:
It's important to interpret this verse within its historical context. These laws were specific to the priestly role in ancient Israel and are not necessarily directly applicable in modern society. Many Christians and Jews today believe that the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament have been fulfilled by Jesus Christ or are not binding in the same way.
However, the underlying principles of seeking purity, holiness, and integrity in our lives can still be relevant. We can apply the idea of honoring God in our relationships and making choices that reflect our faith, even if the specific regulations are not directly followed.
Leviticus 21:7 - “‘They shall not marry a woman who is a prostitute, or profane. They shall not marry a woman divorced from her husband; for he is holy to his God.
What does "Leviticus 21:7" mean?
Leviticus 21:7 is part of a larger section outlining the specific requirements for priests in ancient Israel. It's best understood within that historical and religious context. Here's a breakdown of the verse and its potential meaning:
"They shall not marry a woman who is a prostitute, or profane..."
Prostitute: This refers to a woman who engages in sexual acts for payment. In the context of ancient Israel, this would often be associated with pagan temples and idolatry, not just sexual activity.
Profane: This is a broader term that likely refers to a woman who has been defiled or desecrated in some way that makes her unsuitable for marriage to a priest. This could include participation in pagan rituals or behavior considered morally corrupt.
The key here is purity. Priests were considered to be holy and set apart for God's service. Their wives were expected to uphold the same standards of purity and holiness. Marrying a woman considered sexually impure or involved in pagan practices would defile the priest and compromise his ability to serve in the temple.
"They shall not marry a woman divorced from her husband; for he is holy to his God."
Divorced Woman: Divorce in ancient Israel carried a certain stigma. The implication here is that a divorced woman might have been divorced for reasons that made her unsuitable for a priest. It could imply that the woman was considered to have done something wrong. This would not be the only possible reason for divorce, as it could also be that her husband was at fault.
"For he is holy to his God": This phrase emphasizes the reason for these restrictions. The priest is set apart, holy, and dedicated to serving God. His actions, including his choice of a wife, must reflect that holiness.
Interpretations and Significance:
Holiness and Separation: The primary purpose of these laws was to maintain the holiness and separation of the priesthood from anything considered impure or defiling.
Maintaining Purity: The choice of a wife was crucial for a priest because she would share his household and influence his life. Her moral and spiritual standing would affect his own.
Symbolic Representation: Some scholars believe that the purity of the priest and his family also served as a symbolic representation of the purity and holiness of God.
Social Status: These restrictions might have also reinforced the social status of the priesthood and maintained the integrity of the priestly lineage.
Modern Relevance:
It's important to interpret this verse within its historical context. These laws were specific to the priestly role in ancient Israel and are not necessarily directly applicable in modern society. Many Christians and Jews today believe that the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament have been fulfilled by Jesus Christ or are not binding in the same way.
However, the underlying principles of seeking purity, holiness, and integrity in our lives can still be relevant. We can apply the idea of honoring God in our relationships and making choices that reflect our faith, even if the specific regulations are not directly followed.