King James Version
What Does Leviticus 21:3 Mean?
“And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.”
Context
1
And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people:
2
But for his kin, that is near unto him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,
3
And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.
4
But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself. he: or, being an husband among his people, he shall not defile himself for his wife, etc
5
They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(3) **And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him**—That is, his maiden sister who still remains in sole relationship with him. What this is the next clause explains more minutely.
**Which hath had no husband.**—When she is married she goes to her husband, and ceases to be near her brother. It then devolves upon her husband to attend to the funeral rites.
**For her may he be defiled.**—According to the administrators of the Law during the second Temple, the priest was not only allowed to contract defilement by attending to the funeral rites of these seven relations, but was obliged to do it.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Leviticus 21:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.