Leviticus 21:13 underscores the special holiness required in the high priest’s marriage covenant.
Leviticus 21 focuses on the special standards of holiness for the priestly lineage in ancient Israel. In this section, Moses—who lived around 1445 BC—conveys the LORD’s instructions regarding the priest’s conduct, including marriage requirements. When the text says, He shall take a wife in her virginity. (v.13), it is referring to the high priest’s obligation to marry a woman who has not been intimate with another man. This specific requirement set the high priest apart from the rest of the people, highlighting the sacred task he carried out on behalf of Israel. The emphasis on marrying a virgin was meant to ensure that the priest's household remained free of past entanglements that could bring dishonor or ritual impurity within the covenant community. In Israelite society, virginity was deemed a significant part of a marriage covenant, and entering marriage without honesty regarding one’s sexual past could bring severe consequences, as detailed in Deuteronomy 22:13-21 (where false accusations or proven violations were carefully addressed).
By commanding the high priest to marry a virgin, the Scriptures stress the principle of preserving holiness among those who represent Yahweh before the people. Traditions tied to virginity in Israel protected families from exploitation and sought to maintain purity for sacred roles. The requirement did not imply that non-virgins were morally inferior; instead, in the unique case of the high priest—who mediated at the Tabernacle—God desired a marriage bond reflecting the highest standard of set-apartness. This aligns with the broader theme in Leviticus, which seeks to prevent personal choices from adversely affecting Israel’s holiness and relationship with the LORD (Leviticus 11:44-45). Such a distinctive calling for priests was intended to model God’s desire for purity, truthfulness, and commitment among His people.
Centuries later, in the New Testament, these concepts find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest (Hebrews 7:26). Though earthly priests were bound by these regulations to safeguard Israel’s sanctity, Jesus embodies holiness by His nature. Nonetheless, the symbolic principle remains: God’s people are called to honor Him in every aspect of life, including sexuality, marriage, and covenant faithfulness.
Set to dark mode
Leviticus 21:13 meaning
Leviticus 21 focuses on the special standards of holiness for the priestly lineage in ancient Israel. In this section, Moses—who lived around 1445 BC—conveys the LORD’s instructions regarding the priest’s conduct, including marriage requirements. When the text says, He shall take a wife in her virginity. (v.13), it is referring to the high priest’s obligation to marry a woman who has not been intimate with another man. This specific requirement set the high priest apart from the rest of the people, highlighting the sacred task he carried out on behalf of Israel. The emphasis on marrying a virgin was meant to ensure that the priest's household remained free of past entanglements that could bring dishonor or ritual impurity within the covenant community. In Israelite society, virginity was deemed a significant part of a marriage covenant, and entering marriage without honesty regarding one’s sexual past could bring severe consequences, as detailed in Deuteronomy 22:13-21 (where false accusations or proven violations were carefully addressed).
By commanding the high priest to marry a virgin, the Scriptures stress the principle of preserving holiness among those who represent Yahweh before the people. Traditions tied to virginity in Israel protected families from exploitation and sought to maintain purity for sacred roles. The requirement did not imply that non-virgins were morally inferior; instead, in the unique case of the high priest—who mediated at the Tabernacle—God desired a marriage bond reflecting the highest standard of set-apartness. This aligns with the broader theme in Leviticus, which seeks to prevent personal choices from adversely affecting Israel’s holiness and relationship with the LORD (Leviticus 11:44-45). Such a distinctive calling for priests was intended to model God’s desire for purity, truthfulness, and commitment among His people.
Centuries later, in the New Testament, these concepts find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest (Hebrews 7:26). Though earthly priests were bound by these regulations to safeguard Israel’s sanctity, Jesus embodies holiness by His nature. Nonetheless, the symbolic principle remains: God’s people are called to honor Him in every aspect of life, including sexuality, marriage, and covenant faithfulness.