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Leviticus 21:3

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

And for his unmarried sister who is close to him and has never been married, he may make himself ceremonially unclean for her.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse says that a priest could become ceremonially unclean to care for his unmarried sister's burial, showing that family love sometimes takes priority over religious duties.

📚 Historical Context

This is part of God's instructions to the Israelite priests about when they could become ceremonially unclean by touching dead bodies. Normally priests had to avoid contact with corpses to maintain their ritual purity for temple service. However, God made exceptions for close family members, recognizing the importance of family obligations and love.

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