Ezekiel 44:25 Meaning and Explanation
“And they shall come at no dead person to defile themselves: but for father, or for mother, or for son, or for daughter, for brother, or for sister that hath had no husband, they may defile themselves.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Priests avoid contact with the dead, except for immediate family members.
The Context of Ezekiel 44:25
Purity rules for priests regarding the dead.
What Does Ezekiel 44:25 Mean?
Priests are generally forbidden from approaching the dead, as death brought ceremonial defilement under the law. However, immediate family—parents, children, and unmarried siblings—represent exceptions where family duty overrides the normal purity restriction.
This regulation balances two values: the priest's need to remain ceremonially clean for service and the natural human obligation to honor and grieve family members. The limited exceptions prevent the purity laws from severing family bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 44:25
What does Ezekiel 44:25 mean?
Priests avoid contact with the dead, except for immediate family members.
What is the context of Ezekiel 44:25?
Purity rules for priests regarding the dead.