KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
He must not marry a widow, a divorced woman, a woman who has been defiled, or a prostitute. Instead, he must marry a virgin from his own people.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse is setting strict marriage requirements for priests, requiring them to marry only virgins from their own community to maintain ceremonial purity.
📚 Historical Context
This command was specifically for the high priest in ancient Israel's religious system. The strict marriage requirements were part of the ceremonial laws that set priests apart as holy and pure for their sacred duties in the temple. These regulations emphasized the need for ritual purity and separation from anything that might ceremonially defile their service to God.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.
Share or Save