Leviticus 21:14 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The high priest is explicitly forbidden to marry widows, divorced women, or those of questionable character.
The Context of Leviticus 21:14
The high priest's spousal restrictions are enumerated in detail.
What Does Leviticus 21:14 Mean?
This verse lists everyone the high priest cannot marry, making the prohibition comprehensive. A widow had lost her husband; a divorced woman had been abandoned by hers; a 'profane' woman had violated standards; a 'harlot' was known for sexual immorality. Each category represented a departure from the idealized virgin state. The law ensured the high priest's house would have no shadow of uncertainty about its standing.
The requirement to marry 'a virgin of his own people' added another layer: she must come from Israel, not a foreign nation. This was not mere xenophobia but the preservation of covenant identity. The high priest's family embodied Israel's separation from surrounding nations. His wife would be the mother of future priests, making her origin and purity matters of national religious significance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 21:14
What does Leviticus 21:14 mean?
The high priest is explicitly forbidden to marry widows, divorced women, or those of questionable character.
What is the context of Leviticus 21:14?
The high priest's spousal restrictions are enumerated in detail.