Leviticus 22:12 Meaning and Explanation
“If the priest's daughter also be married unto a stranger, she may not eat of an offering of the holy things.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A priest's daughter loses the right to eat the holy offerings if she marries outside the priestly family.
The Context of Leviticus 22:12
Marriage outside the priesthood means forfeiting access to the priestly offerings.
What Does Leviticus 22:12 Mean?
The law creates a boundary around the priestly family. When a priest's daughter marries 'a stranger'—here, a non-priest—she transfers her primary household membership and allegiance. She is no longer fully part of her father's priestly household but becomes part of her husband's household and family line.
This law reflects the importance of household continuity and covenant belonging. The holy offerings were restricted to those within the priest's family by blood and by maintained household membership. Marriage to an outsider changed her status, however much her father might have loved her.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 22:12
What does Leviticus 22:12 mean?
A priest's daughter loses the right to eat the holy offerings if she marries outside the priestly family.
What is the context of Leviticus 22:12?
Marriage outside the priesthood means forfeiting access to the priestly offerings.