Leviticus 22:13 - But if a priest’s daughter is a widow, or divorced, and has no child, and has returned to her father’s house, as in her youth, she may eat of her father’s bread: but no stranger shall eat any of it.
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What does "Leviticus 22:13" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 22:13 outlines specific rules regarding who is allowed to eat consecrated food, specifically the "bread" that belonged to the priests (likely referring to their priestly portions of offerings). Let's break it down:
"But if a priest’s daughter is a widow, or divorced...": The verse addresses the situation of a priest's daughter who is no longer married, either through the death of her husband (widow) or through divorce.
"...and has no child...": This is a crucial condition. If she had children, presumably they would be supported by her late husband's family or by her own means.
"...and has returned to her father’s house, as in her youth...": The key here is that she's dependent on her father, the priest, for support. Having no husband and no children to provide for her, she goes back to her father's household. Being in need, she becomes like a daughter in her youth again.
"...she may eat of her father’s bread...": Because she is now dependent on her father, she is allowed to eat the consecrated food that is part of his priestly allotment. This food was generally restricted to the priests and their immediate household. She is now considered part of that household again, due to her situation of need and dependence.
"...but no stranger shall eat any of it.": This re-emphasizes the restriction on who can partake of the holy food. The food is reserved for members of the priest's household, which, under these specific circumstances, includes his widowed or divorced daughter without children who is now living with and supported by him. A "stranger" in this context refers to anyone outside the priest's immediate family or designated dependents.
In essence, the verse addresses the care of vulnerable women (widows and divorcees) in ancient Israelite society. It makes an exception to the general rule about who can eat consecrated food, allowing a priest's daughter who is both unmarried and childless, and therefore dependent on her father, to partake in his priestly allotment.
Context and Interpretation:
Social Safety Net: This verse can be seen as part of a larger system within the Old Testament that provided a safety net for vulnerable populations, particularly widows, orphans, and the poor.
Holiness and Purity: The restrictions on who could eat the priestly portions were tied to the concept of holiness and purity. This food was considered sacred and therefore access to it was limited to those who were considered ritually pure and properly connected to the priesthood.
Dependency: The core issue is dependency. The woman, without a husband or children to support her, is dependent on her father. This dependence justifies her inclusion in the priest's household for the purpose of sharing in the priestly provisions.
Contemporary Relevance: While the specific dietary laws and priestly roles are not typically practiced today, the underlying principles of caring for the vulnerable and ensuring their basic needs are still relevant.
It's important to understand this verse within the broader context of the Old Testament law and the social and cultural norms of ancient Israel.
Leviticus 22:13 - But if a priest’s daughter is a widow, or divorced, and has no child, and has returned to her father’s house, as in her youth, she may eat of her father’s bread: but no stranger shall eat any of it.
What does "Leviticus 22:13" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 22:13 outlines specific rules regarding who is allowed to eat consecrated food, specifically the "bread" that belonged to the priests (likely referring to their priestly portions of offerings). Let's break it down:
"But if a priest’s daughter is a widow, or divorced...": The verse addresses the situation of a priest's daughter who is no longer married, either through the death of her husband (widow) or through divorce.
"...and has no child...": This is a crucial condition. If she had children, presumably they would be supported by her late husband's family or by her own means.
"...and has returned to her father’s house, as in her youth...": The key here is that she's dependent on her father, the priest, for support. Having no husband and no children to provide for her, she goes back to her father's household. Being in need, she becomes like a daughter in her youth again.
"...she may eat of her father’s bread...": Because she is now dependent on her father, she is allowed to eat the consecrated food that is part of his priestly allotment. This food was generally restricted to the priests and their immediate household. She is now considered part of that household again, due to her situation of need and dependence.
"...but no stranger shall eat any of it.": This re-emphasizes the restriction on who can partake of the holy food. The food is reserved for members of the priest's household, which, under these specific circumstances, includes his widowed or divorced daughter without children who is now living with and supported by him. A "stranger" in this context refers to anyone outside the priest's immediate family or designated dependents.
In essence, the verse addresses the care of vulnerable women (widows and divorcees) in ancient Israelite society. It makes an exception to the general rule about who can eat consecrated food, allowing a priest's daughter who is both unmarried and childless, and therefore dependent on her father, to partake in his priestly allotment.
Context and Interpretation:
Social Safety Net: This verse can be seen as part of a larger system within the Old Testament that provided a safety net for vulnerable populations, particularly widows, orphans, and the poor.
Holiness and Purity: The restrictions on who could eat the priestly portions were tied to the concept of holiness and purity. This food was considered sacred and therefore access to it was limited to those who were considered ritually pure and properly connected to the priesthood.
Dependency: The core issue is dependency. The woman, without a husband or children to support her, is dependent on her father. This dependence justifies her inclusion in the priest's household for the purpose of sharing in the priestly provisions.
Contemporary Relevance: While the specific dietary laws and priestly roles are not typically practiced today, the underlying principles of caring for the vulnerable and ensuring their basic needs are still relevant.
It's important to understand this verse within the broader context of the Old Testament law and the social and cultural norms of ancient Israel.